Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/74

48 play is pursued with equal avidity—varied by the indulgence of vices and debaucheries of a more disgusting and degrading character.

The most favourable specimens of the Mexican people are sensitive, proud, impulsive, talented, courteous, brave, sincere, and hospitable; but neither industrious, studious, enterprising, far-seeing, nor persevering. The inferior classes are cunning, audacious, indolent, quarrelsome, deceitful, sensual, and grossly ignorant. The Mexicans are an eminently jealous nation: they seem to think that other powers are in league against them, and are jealous of the Spaniards, of the Americans, of Europeans in general, and of each other. They are violently opposed to all manner of improvements and innovations; with the solitary exception of political changes, for which they have a passion. Their hospitality, especially at their country haciendas, is remarkable: their established phrase, that their houses are at your service,—"Mi casa, señor, estā muy à su disposicion,"— must not be regarded as a compliment only; it really means a hearty welcome, which the visitor is sure to receive.

The two great powers of the nation are the