200 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



solemnity. We ascended the steps of the 

 conical rock near the church with difficulty, 

 in order to enjoy the prospect from the tem- 

 ple on its summit ; and found within it the 

 remains of a fire, and one of the large wooden 

 upright drums used by the ancient Mexicans, 

 and described by Bernal Dias in his account 

 of the siege of the capital; it was the only 

 one we had seen. On descending, the town 

 presented a different appearance to what it 

 had done an hour before ; every house was a 

 scene of merriment and feasting, even the 

 sides of the streets were crowded by groups 

 of Indian families enjoying their dinners; 

 some were a little merry with pulque and a 

 pleasant liquor prepared from the dregs of 

 newly distilled spirits ; but none were rude — 

 all was happiness and pleasure. We partook 

 of the general hilarity, and my friend Hall 

 was fully occupied in dancing with several 

 pretty Indian girls whilst I employed myself in 



