CHAP. IL. ] FROM PORTSMOUTH TO TENERIFFE. 115 
the choristers rose and fell along the aisle, and seemed to lin- 
ger in the roof among the sculptured palm-leaves. The high 
altar, with its lighted candles and vases of flowers, and the rich 
robes of the officiating priests, formed a warm patch of color 
strongly in contrast with the cold simplicity of the gray marble. 
A small flock of worshipers, whose strongly marked olive faces 
Fig. 20.—The Porch of Santa Maria, Belem. 
and picturesque attire had to us all the interest of novelty, 
made up for their small number by the apparent earnestness of 
their devotion. The whole scene struck us as being wonder- 
fully harmonious and pleasant. 
The monastery of Santa Maria of Belem, commonly called 
