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CONTENTS
vii
Alameda―Preparations for the Festival of San Isidro―The Beggars again―Assailed by Twenty-four―Accosted by Two Gentlemen―Our kind Reception by an Unknown Lady―An Early Stroll through the Village―Its Antique and Romantic Appearance―The Dragon Tree of Orotava―Oracular Powers Attributed to it―How it Indicates the Productiveness of the Following Harvest―Its Measurement. . . . 305
The Agriculturists of Orotava―San Isidro, the Patron Saint―The Chapel of San Isidro Labrador―San Isidro's Wife, Santa Maria di la Cabeza―Procession and Festival in Honour of the Saint―History of San Isidro's Canonization―Angels Assist him in his Agricultural Labours―His Wonderful Miracle―The Medicinal Properties of the Stream he had made to Flow―The Chldren of Philip II. cured by it―The Saint's Influence after Death―Isabella Catolica cured of an Illness―Strange Taste of a Pious Maid of Honour—An Unruly Member Silenced—San Isidro's Honours in Madrid―His Unjust Jealousy of his Saintly Wife―The Pious Occupation of the Lady―She crosses the Manzanares on her Mantilla―The Celebration of the Festival―The Peasantry Represented by Twelve Children―The Lottery for Young Oxen―The Showy Costumes of the People―The Jesuits' College―Destruction of a Neighbouring Nunnery by Fire―The Holy Sisterhood take Forcible Possession of the College―Indifferent Character of the Brotherhood―Tragical Incidents. 328
VOL. I.
