Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/127

Rh in some measure by conversation, I requested an introduction to the reverend bishop and his attendants, whom I have already mentioned,—and was fortunate enough to obtain it.

He was standing in an admiring attitude, with folded hands, before the carved and painted model of the Nacimiento, or Nativity, that completely filled a large niche in one of the walls. The native Mexicans are allowed to possess wonderful aptitude in carving and modelling small figures, and this was a very creditable specimen of their skill: the numerous groups composing the several compartments being well formed and effectively placed, however injured, as they were, by ludicrous anachronisms and incongruities.

In the centre of the piece was an ornamental Temple, with ivory pillars and a dark blue canopy, above which shone a huge, resplendent Star, manifestly attracting the attention of a band of figures advancing from a distance, with long black beards and magnificent dresses—these were the Wise Men of the East. On an ivory manger between the pillars, was laid a figure of the infant Christ, with gilt rays, and in a gold brocaded shirt; over whom the Virgin Mary—dressed in a lace mantilla,