6^ 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



there are several others, reared to the honour of different saints, on which 

 lamps are continually burning. In the nave is the pulpit, projecting 

 from the wall, and conveniently placed above the congregation. The 

 whole is well adapted to make an impression on minds, more readily 

 affected by show and ceremony, than by sober judgment and devout 

 feeling. 



The orchestra is well supplied, and the music admirable ; but its 

 effect is not a little counteracted by a circumstance, which has often 

 excited the risible faculties of heretics. Directly in front, and below the 

 railing of the orchestra, is a well-carved figure, much like what in 

 England is called a Saracen's Head. The face expresses wonder, rage, 

 and consternation, or rather a sort of suppressed ferocity. Its eyes are 

 large and glaring, and fixed so directly upon the small Crucifix, which 

 stands on the altar, that no one can mistake their object. The mouth is 

 coarse and open, containing a concealed pipe, which communicates with 

 the organ. In the more pathetic parts of the mass, and particularly at 

 the elevation of the Host, the key of this pipe is touched, and the head 

 utters a dismal groan, expressive of the horror, which infidels must feel 

 on such an occasion. Whatever may be thought of the conceit, such 

 mummery cannot be Christian worship. 



The altar-piece also deserves reprehension. It is a servile display of 

 flattery ; but it would be hard for flattery to be carried to such a pitch of 

 grossness, as to disgust a Brazilian. The painting represents no one of 

 the great events recorded in the gospel, but the marriage of the present 

 King and Queen, who appear kneeling on crimson cushions, with the 

 ensigns of royalty scattered around, and angels assisting at the ceremony. 

 It is not ill done, and the likenesses are very complete ; but no refinement 

 of taste is necessary, in order to feel its utter incongruity with the most 

 solemn rites of the Catholic communion. 



Englishmen are often supposed to cherish a peculiarity of thinking, 

 and some of my notions may not tally very exactly with those which 

 prevail among my countrymen. But there are few of them, I believe, 

 who have not felt some disgust, when they have seen persons in livery 



