Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/794

778 attendants. On velvet cushions were borne the royal apparel with which the imperial couple were about to array themselves, and the signet-ring, and the sceptre, and the patchwork crowns. At the entrance of the cathedral two obsequious bishops received the emperor and empress and administered to them the holy-water. Then they were conducted to the lower thrones and the ceremonies commenced. The regalia were placed on the altar and high-mass celebrated, during which Iturbide and his spouse were consecrated with sacred oil, and assumed the royal robes. The regalia having been blessed, Mangino, the president of the congress, now placed the diadem on Iturbide's head, who then performed with his own hands the act of coronation of the empress. Thereupon they ascended the thrones on the higher dais. At the conclusion of the service the officiating bishop in loud voice exclaimed, "Vivat Imperator in æternum!" and the people replied, "Long live the emperor and empress."

It is said that the bauble tottered when first placed upon Iturbide's brow. "Do not let it fall," said Mangino, ironically. "It shall not fall; I have it safe," replied the emperor.