Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/194

Rh to the church by the exercise of deeds of mercy, taking care of hospitals, &c.

Thousands of people streamed gaily along the streets and squares, and the coloured portion especially brilliant, in all the colours of the rainbow. It was a splendid spectacle, but not at all suitable for the occasion. Not a particle of seriousness was observable among the masses of people. It was very evident by this procession that religion was dead in Cuba!

Nevertheless, yesterday was a great fast, and a deep stillness prevailed throughout the lively Havannah. This morning the image of the arisen Christ was borne in great procession from the cathedral to the Church of St. Catalina; and from St. Catalina in the meantime another procession was advancing, the weeping Mary Magdalene seeking for Christ. When the processions meet, and it is proclaimed that Mary Magdalene has met Christ, a shot is fired, and all the bells of the churches begin to ring, flags to wave in the harbour and on the church towers, and trumpets to be blown. The fast is at an end. Volantes drive out of the gates, and negroes rush about also, shouting and laughing; a thoughtless, universal jubilation at once begins.

During all this I quietly betook myself to my favourite Cortina de Valdez. It was the loveliest morning that could be imagined. The bright-blue sea agitated by the wind flung itself in lofty, silvery-crested waves around the feet of the rocks of Morro, and the flags in the harbour fluttered cheerfully in the morning breeze. The atmosphere was full of regenerated life. White doves flew down to the white marble basin, and drank of its fresh spring waters; little green lizards darted about on the wall, with love and delight; and as I walked along, my soul uttered these words:—