and all beyond and along the street as far as we could see, was covered with people and carriages. We threw open the windows, which are on a level with the ground, with large balconies and wide iron gratings, and the scene by the torch light was very curious. The Mexican troops holding lights for the musicians; and they of various countries, Spanish, German and Mexican; the léperos with their ragged blankets and wild eyes that gleamed in the light of the torches, the ladies within and the crowd without, all formed a very amusing spectacle.
At length the musicians struck up in full chorus, accompanied by the whole orchestra. The voices were fine, and the instrumental music so good, I could hardly believe that almost all were amateur performers.
A hymn, which had been composed for the occasion, and of which we had received an elegantly bound copy in the morning, was particularly effective. The music was composed by Señor Retes, and the words by Señor Covo, both Spaniards. Various Overtures from the last Operas were played, and at the end of what seemed to be the first act, in the midst of deafening applause from the crowd, Cn made me return thanks from the window in beautiful impromptu Spanish! Then came shouts of "Viva la Espana!" "Viva Ysabel Segunda!" "Viva el Ministro de España!" Great and continued cheering. Then Cn gave in return "Viva la Republica Mexicana!" "Viva Bustamante!" and the shouting was tremendous. At last an Andalusian in the crowd shouted out "Viva todo el Mundo!"
