Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/272

234 We will now take a view of the reverse of the medallion, which I shall describe with all possible fidelity. This same nymph, so gracious, and gifted with so many choice and exalted qualities, is the cause of my principal torments. I have a settled annual income of little more than a thousand piastres, to which certain perquisites, usually denominated by evil-disposed persons manos puercas (illicit profits), being added, my revenue may be estimated at two thousand. I sincerely wish that I had millions to lay at the feet of my spouse; but I can assure you that I have not more than I have mentioned. Now to proceed to a recital of my troubles. She never misses a play; and at the bull feasts she must have her gallery provided. In the winter season come the excursions, and the extra-excursions, to the mountains; the promenades, and the extra-promenades, to the banks of the Amancaes river; and, to crown the whole, she must set out to see the tower of Atocongo, otherwise the house would be thrown into disorder. In the summer, the evenings are passed at the promenade of la Piedra Lisa. She regularly bathes with a female companion, and after having quitted the bath, takes a store of the refreshments and fruits that are hawked about. The regular meals within doors are not on that account a jot diminished.

From time to time, we keep the festivals of Lurin, that of San Pedro De Chorrillo, the one which is celebrated at Bellavista, those of San Christoval, Santiago Del Cercado, and the