46 A VOYAGE TO Book VIL 



public cnirance of the \iceroy is the most splendid ; 

 and in which the amazino- pomp of Lima is paiticu- 

 laiiv displayed. Noihiiig is seen but rich coaches and 

 calashes, laces, jewels^ and splendid equipages, in 

 which the nobility carry their emulation to an 

 astonishing* height. Li a word, this ceremony is so 

 remarkable, that I flatter myself the reader will not 

 be displeased at the destriptioji. 



CHAP. IV. 



Of the Piihlic Entrance of the Viceroy at Lima ; his 

 Reception, andtJie chief annual Solemnities. 



ON the landing' of the viceroy at Paita, two lum- 

 dred and four leagues from Lima, he sends a 

 person of great distinction, generally some officer of 

 his retinue^, to Lima, with tlie character of an am- 

 bassador; and, by a memoir, informs his predecessor 

 of his arrival, in conformity to his majesty's orders, 

 who had been pleased to confer on him the govern- 

 meíít of 1 bat kingdom. On this ambassador's arri- 

 val at Lima, the late viceroy sends a messenger 

 to compliment him on his safe arrival, ; and on dis- 

 inissing the ambassador, presents him with some 

 jewel of great value, and a jurisdiction or two which 

 happen at that time to be vacant, together with an 

 indulgenc of officiating by deputy, if most agreeable 

 to him. The corregidor of Piura receives the new 

 viceroy at Paita, and provides litters, mules, and 

 every other necessary for the viceroy and his retinue, 

 as far as the next jurisdiction. He also orders booths 

 to be built at the hiilting-places in the deserts ; at- 

 tends him in person, and defrays all the expences, 

 till relie\cd by the next corregidor. Being at length 

 arrived at Lima, he proceeds, as it were incoi>,nito, 



t]uou<>;h 



