The Vesper-Bell. — Life in Manila. 347 



ward observances, the Tagalese would be the most devout 

 race in the world. Wherever the natives come in contact 

 with the Church, they put on an extraordinary stern and 

 reverential deportment, and even in the most trivial matters 

 the great influence of the priesthood upon the masses becomes 

 abundantly apparent. This is the most conspicuous every 

 evening as the clock tolls for the Ave Maria. The tones work 

 like enchantment upon the people at whatever distance they 

 may be audible, and for a few moments a profound silence 

 succeeds to the noise and bustle. The labourer and the 

 promenader, the ladies and gentlemen of the upper ranks in 

 their elegant carriages, as well as the poor Tagale returning 

 homeward from his hard day's work, and driving his laden 

 mule before him, are for the space of an instant awed by the 

 solemn sounds. All vehicles stop suddenly short, the gentle- 

 men and servants uncover their heads, the restless masses 

 stand as though nailed to the ground, and then sink gradually 

 on their knees in prayer, their heads bared and their cigars 

 extinguished ; no one would venture to break in upon the 

 universal stillness so long as the bell continues to toll. But 

 as soon as it is silent, each jumps to his feet, and proceeds on 

 again, believing he may now in safety give way to liis fro- 

 licsomeness and pm^sue his pleasures. 



Life in Manila during the dry season was described to us 

 as exceedingly agreeable and gay. Then almost every even- 

 ing joyous groups thread the city singing and joking, 

 while from every hut resounds some snatch of melody 



