[132] This would appear a vulgar interpretation of a popular custom; but from this charge the writer will be exonerated, when it is known, that should a person yawn, he devoutly makes the sign of the cross before his mouth, while it continues open, to--keep the devil from him! Ex pede elephantem [i.e., "By the foot-print, one recognizes the elephant"]. [133] "When the terrible epidemic which Manila had suffered came to an end, the municipal council caused a fine cemetery to be constructed in the village of San Fernando de Dilao, commonly called Paco." (Montero y Vidal, Historia de Filipinas, ii, p. 457.)--Eds. [134] La Peyrouse, when speaking of the public flagellants in the Passion week, did not, I believe, do so; but though superstitious enough, this practice is no longer continued in the present day. [135] "Thank God! I am of a noble family!"--And if they are told, "Well, but if you have nothing to eat?" "Me hago frayle," "Well, I can be a friar," is the answer. [136] Le Gentil says (Voyage, ii, pp. 116, 117) that the Jesuits decided that the use of chocolate was admissible on fast days, consequently these were no mortification to most of the people.--Eds. [137] "This is no country for an honest man"--a remark quoted, too, I think, by Le Gentil. [138] Cervantes, whose keen but justly merited satire on many of the failings of his countrymen, is only equalled by his beautiful eulogies on many of their excellencies, has aptly described the composition of their colonies in his day. "To the Indies--the refuge and resource of despairing Spaniards--asylum of rebels--protector of homicides--receptacle of gamblers (called by some knowing ones)--common decoy for women of loose characters--the deceiver of many, and remedy of few."--Novela del Zeloso Estnemeno [i.e., "The jealous Estremaduran"]. [139] Andaluces: natives of Andalusia province. Montañeses: appellation of the dwellers in the hill-country of Santander province, Spain. Serviles (literally "those who are servile or fawning"): a political epithet applied to the Monarchists or Absolutists. Liberales: the Liberals in politics, much as that term is used at the present time. Le Gentil describes (Voyage, ii, p. 109) the clannishness and provincialism of the Spaniards in Manila.--Eds. [140] This is not an isolated opinion; and in corroboration, it will be sufficient to mention, that upwards of 3/4ths of all the disposable Spanish property in the country has been sent out of it. This fact is a volume in itself. Since this was written, two serious commotions have taken place, in the latter of which the conspirators obtained possession of the city, which was regained by storming. [140-A] [140-A] Reference is here made to the rebellion incited by Novales in 1823; see account of it on pp. 47-48, ante.--Eds. [141] The great length of this document obliges us to summarize passages of lesser importance; but as much of the author's exact language has been retained as possible.