God of Heaven! And not
only did those of the Holy Inquisition rejoice, but thousands and
thousands more, who had flocked from all parts to witness the dreadful
ceremony, and to hold a jubilee--many, indeed, actuated by fanatical
superstition, but more attended from thoughtlessness and the love of
pageantry. The streets and squares through which the procession was to
pass were filled at an early hour. Silks, tapestries, and cloth of gold
and silver, were hung over the balconies, and out of the windows, in
honour of the procession. Every balcony and window was thronged with
ladies and cavaliers in their gayest attire, all waiting anxiously to
see the wretches paraded before they suffered; but the world is fond of
excitement, and where is anything so exciting to a superstitious people
as an _auto-da-fe_?

As the sun rose, the heavy bell of the cathedral tolled, and all the
prisoners were led down to the grand hall, that the order of the
procession might be arranged. At the large entrance-door, on a raised
one sat the Grand Inquisitor, encircled by many of the most considerable
nobility and gentry of Goa. By the Grand Inquisitor stood his
secretary, and as the prisoners walked past the throne and their names
were mentioned, the secretary, after each, called out the names of one
of those gentlemen, who immediately stepped forward, and took his
station by the prisoner. These people are termed god-fathers; their
duty is to accompany and be answerable for the prisoner, who is under
their charge, until the ceremony is over. It is reckoned a high honour
conferred on those whom the Grand Inquisitor appoints to this office.

At last the procession commenced. First was raised on high the standard
of the Dominican order of monks, for the Dominican order were the
founders of the Inquisition, and claimed this privilege by prescriptive
right. After the banner, the monks themselves followed, in two lines.
And what was the motto of their banner?--"Justitia et Misericordia!"
Then followed the culprits, to the number of three hundred, each with
his godfather by his side, and his large wax candle lighted in his hand.
Those whose offences have been most venial walk first; all are
bareheaded and barefooted. After this portion; who wore only the dress
of black and white serge, came those who carried the Sanbenitos; then
those who wore the Samarias, with the flames reversed. Here there was a
separation in the procession, caused by a