Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/179

Rh being solemnized until the first of July of the above year, when a magnificent triumphal arch was formed in front of the river, whence the seal was conducted to the entrance of the city, where another similar arch had been erected. The canopy was supported by the alcaids Nicholas De Rivera, and Alonzo Palomino, accompanied by the regidors; and the horse was led by the regidor Juan De Leon, appointed chancellor by the Marquis of Camarasa, governor of Carzola, and supreme chancellor of the Indies. The licentiates Zepeda and Alvarez took, the oaths on the seal, on the above-mentioned day; the licentiate Lison, on the 14th of the month; and on the 10th of September, the licentiate Zarate, who had remained sick at Truxillo.

The entry of the royal seal implies, in the language of the Peruvian writers, that of the newly appointed viceroy into the capital. On this occasion, the procession to the vice-regal palace, situated at the north side of the great square, is marked by a splendour of decoration, a very faint idea of which would be conveyed by any description that could be given. In the festivals which ensue, to celebrate the event of the reception of the viceroy, the Indian inhabitants of Lima are not backward in displaying their fancy and taste. The female Indian, represented in Plate V. carrying on the head a sun, and in the hand a tomahawk, is habited as an Amazon, or female warrior of the Yurimagua tribe. Among their traditions, this one has been handed down by the modern Indians. The tomahawk is the emblem of royalty, to which the other parts of the dress are allusive.

We abstain from giving any opinion on the subject of the ruinous contests between the president and the judges