The sun rose brilliantly, much to the joy of the members of the Holy Office, who would not have had the day obscured on which they were to vindicate the honour of the church, and prove how well they acted up to the mild doctrines of the Saviour—­those of charity, good-will, forbearing one another, forgiving one another.  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 fanaticism, 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 throne, 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 the godfathers; 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 large cross, with the carved image of Our Saviour nailed to it, the face of the image carried forward.  This was intended to signify, that those in advance of the Crucifix, and upon whom the Saviour looked down, were not to