on
which you will frame will merit my Imperial assent; that it will be as
wise and just as suited to the local situation and to the civilisation
of the Brazilian people: also that it may be praised among the nations,
so that even our enemies may imitate the sanctity and wisdom of its
principles, and at length practise them.

"So illustrious and patriotic an assembly will have in view no object
but to cause the empire to prosper, and to fill it with happiness: it
will wish its Emperor to be respected, not only at home but among
foreign nations; and that its _Perpetual Defender_ should exactly
fulfil his promise of the first of last December, solemnly ratified
to-day, in the presence of the nation legally represented."

When the Emperor had done speaking, the bishop of the diocese, acting as
president of the assembly, made a short answer of thanks, praise, and
promise; after which, the whole of the members, the spectators in the
galleries, and the people without doors, cheered His Imperial Majesty
enthusiastically, and the procession returned to San Cristova[)o] in the
order in which it came.

The theatre of course concluded the ceremonies of the day; and my
friend, Madame do Rio Seco, having kindly offered me a seat in her box,
I went thither, for the first time since my return to Brazil. She was in
high spirits, because that day the Emperor had conferred on her husband
the order of the Cruzeiro; and therefore she went really in grand gala
to the opera. Her diamonds worn that night may be valued at 150,000_l_
sterling, and many splendid jewels remained behind in the strong box.
For my part, I had gone to town in my morning dress; therefore I sent to
a milliner's, and bought such a plain crape head-dress as the customs of
the place warrant, in deep mourning; and wrapping myself in my shawl,
accompanied my magnificent friend. The house appeared very splendid,
being illuminated and dressed, and the ladies one and all in diamonds
and feathers. Some decorations have been added since last year, and an
allegorical drop-scene has been painted. The Empress did not come, on
account of her recent illness; but the Emperor was there, looking pale,
and a little fatigued. He was received with rapturous applause. The
members of the assembly were seated one-half on his right, and one-half
on his left, in boxes handsomely fitted up for them; and as soon as they
had all taken their places, a poem on the occasion was recited by the
Prima