Whatever influences had been exerted in South America by the ancient classic forms and spirit was subdued by the French literary spirit during and after the reign of Philip V; and the drama of _Siripo_, as Gutiérrez suggests, was cast in the classical mould of the French school, in so far as the subject and the condition of some of the characters permitted it.[221] [Sidenote: _Oda al Paraná_] The _Oda al Paraná_, offering an opportunity to set forth the riches of unspoiled nature in the New World, was Lavarden’s most noteworthy literary achievement. It became the model for later poetic efforts to glorify the country, like Vicente López’s _Triunfo argentino_. IV [Sidenote: Gil de Taboada Lemus] [Sidenote: _Mercurio peruano_] Viceroy Gil de Taboada Lemus (1790-1796) stimulated literary activity in Lima by extending his friendly patronage to men of letters. He gathered about the viceregal court persons of talent, who were interested in the spread of knowledge, and whose special attainments fitted them to become instrumental in the development of cultivation. These persons decided to co-operate in issuing a literary and historical periodical, and their plan was approved by the viceroy. He offered to furnish from the archives and the records of public offices such data or material as might be useful in executing the project. In this way the famous _Mercurio peruano_ came into existence. The entire lack of freedom of printing in the Spanish dependencies made the established relation to the viceroy indispensable, and thus under his sanction there was organized a private literary association designed, by the co-operation of its members, to provide the articles required for the pages of the proposed periodical. The viceroy was a member of this association, and held the title of Protector, and the association itself assumed the title of “Amantes del país.” [Illustration: Francisco Gil de Taboado, 35th Viceroy of Peru 1790-1796] [Sidenote: Tertulia poética]