Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/55

Rh for fine voices, they are as common in Mexico as they are rare in England. . ..

A rich Senator, Don B G, made a vow to the Virgin some years ago, that he would cause a splendid mass to be performed annually, in the Cathedral, at his own expense, in honor of our Saviour's birth, on the morning of Christmas Eve. This mass is performed entirely by amateurs, most of the young ladies in Mexico who have fine voices, taking a part in it. I was drawn in, very unwillingly, to promise to take a trifling part on the harp, the accompaniment to the Incarnatus.

Preparations have long been going on for this solemnization, and various rehearsals have taken place amongst the amateur singers, in the evening, before large audiences in the Mineria. The whole thing promises well.

28th.—Cn has gone with Señor Zurutuza (a Spanish gentleman) to Cuernavaca, in tierra caliente, to spend a few days at his estate in the neighborhood; which at this season will be delightful.

This morning we rode to San Joaquin, where we met the prior on horseback, on his way to Mexico to confess the old prioress of the convent of Santa Teresa. He turned back, and accompanied us during all the rest of our ride. He rode with us to Tacuba, round the traces of the ruins, and to the fine old church and dismantled convent, where we dismounted, and having taken off our riding-hats, accompanied the prior through the deserted cloisters into the old church; and I imagine we must have