Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/194

174 donations, and the premiums he gave to the workmen, great progress was made. The number of bells was increased, the tower and several of the vaults finished, and the remainder of the church covered with a roof of wood. On the 30th of January, 1656, the dean and chapter assembled in the cathedral, and were joined by the viceroy, his consort, daughter, and attendants; the doors were closed, and an appropriate speech was made by the duke, referring to the condition of the work and his satisfaction at the progress attained. Then in the name of the king he formally delivered the temple with the keys to the chapter. In succession the viceroy, accompanied only by his wife and daughter, proceeded to the presbytery, and kneeling kissed its first step 'with all veneration and respect.' This done the three august personages began to sweep that part of the church in a thorough way, as the pious chronicler remarks.

The formal dedication was ordered to be held on the 2d of February. The different religious orders, and the alcaldes de corte, were assigned sites in the neighborhood of the cathedral whereon to erect altars and make other preparations. All was in readiness by the end of January, and neither money nor pains was spared to produce a spectacle which for its magnificence surpassed all others of similar character. One order had vied with another in the decoration of the altars, covering them with costly trimmings of brocade and embroidery in gold and silver. On them were placed the images of the patron saints, often of superior workmanship, and always of costly material. The streets along which the procession was to march had been gaudily decorated, and all passing of carriages