The former, oppressed by proud
mandatories, imperious chiefs, and insolent soldiers, had been long
labouring under all the distressing effects of espionage--greatest
enemy to the charm of every society--the overbearing haughty
Spaniards, either with taunts or sneers, harrowing the very souls
of the Americans, who suspected their very oldest friends and often
their nearest relations. In this way they were forced to drain the
cup of bitterness to the last dregs, without daring by
participation or condolence to render it less unpalatable, except,
indeed, they could find an Englishman, and to him they would
unbosom their inmost thoughts, believing that every Briton feels as
much interest in forwarding the liberty of his neighbour as he does
in preserving his own. In Lima the tertulias, or chit-chat parties,
and even the gaiety of the public promenade, had almost
disappeared, and _quando se acabara esto?_--'When will this
end?'--was constantly ejaculated.
"In Santiago every scene was reversed. Mirth and gaiety presided at
_paseos_, confidence and frankness at the daily tertulias.
Englishmen here had evinced their love of universal liberty, and
were highly esteemed.
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