# Face to Face with the Mexicans/Chapter 11

CHAPTER XI.
A GLANCE AT MEXICAN LITERATURE
It is hard to believe that the noble and poetic verses of Netzahualcoyotl, the most noted of early Mexican writers, had their birth and growth in the midst of such an environment. This fact, however, but serves to emphasize another fact which the modern writers of Mexico so brilliantly sustain, which is, that the literary and poetic faculty is inherent in the Mexican race. And from those early days down to the present time we see the unusual triple combination of soldier, statesman, and writer. This statement receives its verification by a glance downward from the fifteenth century, when Netzahualcoyotl was the poet-chief of Texcoco, through a long list of warrior-authors to the brave and accomplished Guillermo Prieto, who has nobly served his country by both sword and pen.
The twelve Franciscan friars sent over after the conquest by the General of the Order, were men of profound learning, and may be ​called the pioneers of Mexican literature. They attempted and accomplished one of the most stupendous undertakings ever conceived by the most enthusiastic philanthropist. They had not only to learn the language of the Indians to whom they came to preach, but to master, also, a great variety of dialects. This done, they formed of these vocabularies and grammars, leaving an invaluable heritage to their successors in this field of labor. By their patience and devotion they humanized a savage people and christianized a pagan nation.
Cortez compelled the natives to yield to him by force of arms, but his work was but the beginning of their subjugation; the friars completed the conquest by the milder but more potent agency of religion.
It has been related of one of these good brothers, Toribio Benavente, that coming one day to the town of Tlaxcala, and being unable to preach to the people because of his ignorance of their language, he pointed to the heavens, thus signifying his holy mission. The Indians were struck with the contrast between the humble dress of the friar and the gayly bedecked Spanish soldiers, and spoke of him pityingly as ''motolinia." The good father, inquiring the meaning of the word, was told that it meant a poor person. "Then," said the friar, "this shall henceforth be my name." From that day he signed himself Motolinia, and was ever after known by that name.
The life of Father Bernardino de Sahagun affords a noble exemplification of the spirit of Christianity. With the exception of thirty years spent in his native Spain, his whole life was passed entirely among the Indians. For sixty-one years did he labor for their advancement and education. He was not a fanatic, seeking to convert by fire and sword, but the loving and patient ​teacher. He wrote theological, educational, and historical works. The most noted among the latter is his General History of the Affairs of New Spain. He died in 1590, at the advanced age of ninety-one.
In his last illness he was removed to a hospital, but insisted on being taken back to the Indians, that he might breathe his last among the people he loved so well.
Bernal Diaz del Castillo, a companion of Cortez, wrote, fifty years after the conquest, The True History of the Events of the Conquest of New Spain. The name of this work is a correct exponent of its nature, for it is conceded by all who have seen it to be a faithful record of scenes and events by an eye-witness. No better history of the country and the times it deals with could be placed in the hands of our own school children. Its simple, charming narrative style would render it extremely attractive to the young. Its reproduction in our language would be an undertaking well worthy of some of our enterprising school-book publishers.
Of the famous Bishop of Chiapas, Father Las Casas, much has been written. His two historical works were for a long time condemned to oblivion, but have been lately revived. He was a true friend to the Indians, and did all in his power to protect them from the cruelty of their conquerors. His defense of the Aztecs is the subject of Para's great painting.
Father Olmos was one of the earliest writers. Arriving in 1524, four years after the conquest, he was one of the first who made a grammar of the Mexican tongue. He also wrote several other works, most, if not all, of which are lost to us. The manuscript of his grammar lay for a long time in the Paris library, and was at length published in 1875.
Under the name of the manuscript of Zumarraga, two important chronicles were written at the request of Don Juan Cano, the son-in-law of Montezuma, for the purpose of eulogizing that monarch so that the King of Spain might return to Doña Izabel (the wife of Don Juan) the birthright of which she had been dispossessed. ​Muñoz Camargo was an Indian chronicler whose principal work is the History of Tlaxcala, which, though local in name, is very general in its information.
Oviedo was the first chronicler of the New World. He wrote the General and Natural History of the Indians, in fifty books, of which the first nineteen were published in 1535, and were again printed in 1547, and afterward appeared translated into other languages.
Ixtlixochitl was the original chronicler of the Texcuxanas, and few writers enjoy his fame and reputation. He became an author so as to study the interpretation of the ancient paintings. In his closing years he officiated as court interpreter to the Indians; he died about the year 1648.
Friar Agustin de Vetancourt, of the Franciscan Order, contributed many valuable works and treatises on Mexico and the affairs of his day and time.
Carlos de Siguenza was one of the most erudite students of his period, and a native Mexican. He made an earnest study of the traditions of the early Mexicans, especially those that bore traces of Biblical origin or intimations of Christianity. He died a learned man, and his works are a high literary authority.
The valuable researches and records of these historians could never have been made but for the work of their predecessors, who rendered inestimable service to history by recording facts gleaned from the "wise men" who had formed the councils of the deposed Indian monarchs, and from the chiefs able to interpret the "picture writings" which then formed the national records and literature.
After a period of prostration the revival of letters began in Mexico toward the close of the seventeenth century. The impetus was inaugurated by Clavigero, Veytia, and Guma, noted historians, and Boturini, a great collector of hieroglyphics and manuscripts.
Like New York, the Federal Capital of Mexico is the center towards which all the genius of the provinces, whether literary, artistic, or scientific, gravitates. For there, as in the metropolis of the United States, all brain-workers expect to gain, at least, appreciation, while many hope to win renown.
The principal cities of Mexico, such as Toluca, Morelia, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Puebla, Merida, and many others of like size, have their literary associations, but El Liceo Hidalgo, at the capital, ranks highest; and is, in fact, intended as a National Institute. It was established on the 15th of September, 1849, and has known many vicissitudes during this time, but of late years it has renewed the original designs of its founders.
On each recurring Monday evening the society meets at its handsome hall, and it is then the brilliant genius and flowing wit of the members may be fully enjoyed. Scientific essays and literary productions are read before this Lyceum, and nothing that is unsound, unscientific or weakly sentimental, can escape the censorship and rigid criticism of such able men as Riva Palacio, Ignacio Altimirano, Vigil Pimentil, Juan de Dias Peza, Juan Mateos, Ramon Manterola, Ireano Paz, Francisco Sosa, and others.
The name of Vicente Riva Palacio occupies an exalted place in the history of his country. It would seem, therefore, an act of injustice to place him only among the writers, when he has played so grand a part among the gallant heroes in " grim-visaged war." For, from the age of twenty-three to the present time, he has filled almost every place of honor that could be bestowed upon him by his people. A man of brilliant genius and liberal ideas, he enjoys the reputation of being the most humorous and versatile of Mexican writers. It is somewhat surprising that, although by profession a lawyer, we yet find him, also, a statesman, a leading politician, a soldier, a poet, a journalist and dramatist, and in each position he has reached high distinction.
As a politician, he has filled acceptably not only the office of Governor of several States, but has also been Justice of the Supreme Court and Cabinet Minister. From 1870 to 1879 he was Minister of Fomento (public works, commerce, industry and colonization), during which time he used signal efforts for the development of the country in the extension of railways and telegraph lines, the improvement of public buildings and roads. Like others of his countrymen, he has suffered imprisonment, but his confinement was cheered by the muses, and some of the sweetest poems he ever penned was when behind the prison bars.
As a writer, his works are not only extremely popular in his native land, but throughout the whole of Spanish America. By request of the ​Federal Government, he edited the national history entitled "Mexico á travers de los Siglos" ("Mexico Viewed through the Course of Ages"). Among the most popular of his novels is that of The Hill of Las Campanas, which is a thrilling and faithful account of the last days and execution of Maximilian.
At this time Riva Palacio is enjoying the honor of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from Mexico to the court of the noble Queen Christina of Spain. As his time is not fully absorbed in his diplomatic duties, he is now writing a historical brochure, and will also soon publish a volume of Mexican legends in verse.
General Palacio's magnificent mansion is the grand center and rallying point of all toilers after lore, and it is there his courtly hospitality shines resplendent, dispensed with equal impartiality to all, whether they be distinguished and acknowledged in the world of letters or only humble aspirants for fame. They here meet together, a common brotherhood, and among them all the host is himself the most brilliant and witty.
An entertainment, probably not excelled intellectually and socially by any given in a private house during the winter, was the Velada Literaria (Musical and Literary Reunion), given by General Palacio on the first night of the New Year, and of which he had previously given me a hint.
The house throughout was a grand scenic illumination, of which the center was the sala grande, with its brilliant assemblage of elegantly dressed people. Diamonds shimmered and flashed, adding to beauty which might be sufficient of itself, the charm that jewels and the accessories of wealth can give, and lighting up the faultless Parisian toilets.
Several ladies were present whose jewels summed up from $100,000 to almost double that amount.
An unusual feature was the reading of a beautiful poem by Señora de Flaquer, the editress of El Album de la Mujer—the only paper at the capital edited by a woman and devoted to the interests of women. ​All the leading writers of the city were present, and each one read an original poem written specially for the occasion. With something of the enthusiasm of the time, I recall a charming poem by Juan de Dios Peza. His rich, soft voice is wonderfully effective; its sonorous intonation and smooth inflections, added to the eloquent gestures of the reader, carried his hearers along with rapturous enjoyment.
But Altimirano, Francisco Sosa, Juan Mateos, and others, as they stepped before the audience with dignified and graceful bearing, received an equally hearty greeting.
Our distinguished host read a poem full of dramatic effect, based upon the tales of the pirates of the Gulf. A most weird and peculiar effect was added to this reading by a piano accompaniment composed and dedicated to the author by a señorita, a musician of great celebrity. The voice of the reader and the tones of the piano flowing in admirable accord, now moved the audience to tender sympathy, again aroused soul-thrilling emotions or blood-curdling horror at the will of poet and musician. ​Among the many brilliant renderings of musical compositions, wasthe remarkable performance on the violin of two boys of twelve and thirteen years. Without book or break they played throughout the music of Il Trovatore with marvelous technique and admirable expression.
The exercises of the evening closed with a superb banquet given in the comedor grande. The flow of wine was only equaled by that of wit. The Mexicans seldom indulge to intoxication; their frequent potations "cheer but not inebriate"—only add brilliancy to their conversation without clouding the intellect.
In all that elegant assemblage I was the only American guest present, of which distinction I was justly proud, and endeavored to wear with becoming dignity the honor of being the sole representative of our great nation.
My embryo book was made the subject of many kind toasts drank to its success, and the hope was expressed that its effort toward bringing in friendly contact the two nations, would be appreciated by my own people.
One of the most erudite and brilliant of the literati in Mexico is Ignacio Altimirano, who is also an eminent jurist, and was at one period a judge of the supreme court. Altimirano is a corresponding member of the Spanish Institute, also of several literary societies in France, England, and Germany.
He is a pure descendant of one of the Indian races. He won the prize in his municipality in Oaxaca, and his education was completed at the "Instituto Literario" at Toluca. On going there, some one observing his marked Indian parentage, laid his hand kindly on his head and said: "Nothing will ever come from this brain." The utter fallacy of the prophecy is too well known, both in this country and in Europe.
The most popular poet in the republic is the venerable Guillermo Prieto, who may justly be styled "the Mexican Beranger." He has also been called the Robert Burns of the republic, and, like the Scottish poet, he sings the songs of the people. Identifying himself with them in feeling, he is able to express their every emotion, and in ​their own tongue. Not even the despised leperos are neglected, but with that exquisite "touch of nature" that he possesses, he finds and acknowledges kinship with these degraded pariahs. Guillermo Prieto is not merely a poet; he has served his country on many battlefields, and was the chief counselor of Benito Juarez during the most perilous days of Mexico's national existence.
Prieto's Romancero Nacional, published about a year ago, is a collection of historical incidents related in verse, and is so highly appreciated that the Federal Government has ordered it to be used in all the national colleges.
Even now, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, Señor Prieto holds the position of Professor of Ancient and Modern History in the Military College at Chapultepec, and has not only compiled a history of Mexico, for the cadets, but has written an excellent work on political economy for the instruction of his pupils.
"The Mexican Longfellow" is Juan dc Dios Peza, whose exquisite poems are best appreciated by the aristocratic and cultivated classes. Señor Peza has now in press a volume of Indian traditions.
The distinguished philologist, Don Francisco Pimentel, is also a litérateur, but, with a noble and holy object, has devoted the greater part of his life to the study of the native Mexican languages, and now speaks twelve of the Indian dialects. Señor Pimentel has greatly encouraged the study of the Nahuatl and Ottomie languages in the Government School of Agriculture, because he fully coincides in the opinion of the great educator and philanthropist, Señor Herrera, who maintains that the only way to elevate the Indian races is to learn their native dialects and then go to their pueblos, or tribal settlements, to instruct them in those matters most essential to their mental and moral development. Señor Pimentel is a member of various scientific and literary societies in France, Germany, and the United States.
Alfredo Chavero, although more generally known in Europe and in this country as an archaeologist, is not only a literary man but an eminent lawyer, and is to-day president of the Chamber of Deputies. His ​quota of that invaluable history called Mexico á travers de los Siglos has just been published.
Señor Chavero has written numerous dramas and zarsuélas, several of which have been enthusiastically applauded in Cuba and the principal cities of Mexico.
Chavero's most important work, entitled A Study of the Aztec Calendar Stone, has created quite a sensation among archæologists. He maintains that this relic was an altar dedicated to the "Sun God."
The talents of Mariano Bárcena are so varied that he may justly be called the Crichton of Mexico. He had accomplished at the early age of thirty-nine a vast work in the study and application of various arts and sciences.
Señor Bárcena has acquired a brilliant reputation as a botanist and mineralogist. He has also had charge of the national observatory for several years; nevertheless he has always found time for the composition of poetry and music, and has long been a corresponding member of several scientific associations in Europe and the United States.
Since the decease of Barreda and Ramirez, who by common consent were the leaders of the new "Schools of Philosophy," the foremost philosophers in Mexico are Parra and Ramon Manterola. The former is a positivist, very austere in manner and inclined to be a recluse, while Manterola—an ardent searcher for truth, devoting the best years of his life to the study of mental and moral philosophy—aims at introducing practical reforms which will speedily ameliorate the condition of his people. Señor Manterola, as one of the editors of El Economista, has made valuable suggestions which the Federal Government adopted, thus paving the way for the recent abolition of the "Alcabalas," or Inter-State Customs. During his leisure hours Señor Manterola has written some dramas, which have been well received in Mexico; and it is even whispered that one of these dramas is to be translated for the American stage.
As a savant, a litérateur and moral reformer, few Mexicans have surpassed Padre Carrillo, a native of Yucatan. Padre Carrillo has devoted many years to the study of philology, is a member of the ​Ethnological Society of New York, and a corresponding member of the Imperial Academy of Berlin, and of the Spanish Institute.
The journalists now residing in the Federal capital are so numerous that it will not, in this limited space, be possible to mention more than a few of the most brilliant and useful writers—such as José Maria Vigil, Ireano Paz, Arroyo de Anda, Francisco de Sosa, who is also a poet, a historian, and the biographer of many distinguished Mexicans; Enrique Chavarri, best known by his nom de plume "Juvenal;" Cassasus, whose excellent translation of Longfellow's Evangeline received the approval of El Licco Hidalgo; Garcia, editor of El Monitor Republicano: young Lombardo, who, in his Impressions During a Tour of the United States, makes a very just appreciation of our country; Alberto Bianchi, the author of a work on the United States; Juan Mateos, a publicist, poet, and novelist, whose Buccaneers of the Gulf while historically true, is a wonderful piece of word-painting; Bernabe Bravo, a facile and agreeable writer; the " Duque Job," whose real name we have forgotten; and Justo Sierra, who has won many laurels as a poet, and is the author of a history of Mexico that is considered a reliable text-book.
An entire volume might be devoted to the poets of Mexico, most of them rarely gifted men. The poems of Manuel Flores, entitled Pasionarias, equal some of the best productions of Byron. José Maria Ramirez, a popular poet during the second empire, edited La America Literaria, La Tarantula, and contributed to other journals. Later in life Ramirez professed atheism, and styled himself a philosopher.
Jesus de D. Cuevas merits distinction among the poets of the day, for his aspirations are pure and noble. Señor Cuevas has written several dramas, two of which have been translated into English.
Yucatan, the land of song and romance, is justly proud of the poet and dramatist Peon Contreras, who now resides in the Federal capital. Some of his dramas have been performed in all the large cities of the Republic, and are always well received.
Campeachy is the birthplace and present home of the gifted writer Don Pablo Araos, whose poems are not merely sentimental, but of a ​moral and philosophical character, evidently intended to elevate his countrymen.
Prominent among the literati of Yucatan are Señores Castellanos, Cisneros, Aldama, Sanchez Marmol, and Perez Ferrer.
The latest work of the distinguished archæologist, Peñafiel, giving illustrations and explanations of numerous Aztec hieroglyphics, was published under the auspices of the Federal Government, and is regarded as a boon to historians.
I must not omit to mention Señor Ignacio Mariscal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who, in addition to his diplomatic abilities, has shown marked literary talent. Sharing the poetic gift common to his countrymen, he is not only the author of many meritorious works in both prose and poetry, but has also made fine translations of Longfellow's Evangeline and Poe's Raven.
Manuel Acuña was an impassioned writer of great talent, and among the modern writers none have made a stronger or more lasting impression. His betrothed becoming the wife of another during his prolonged absence was more than his soul could bear, and he took his own life, which had been rendered unendurable by her faithlessness. His poem, A Rosario, expresses the keenest pangs of disappointment mingled with undying love for the faithless one. The closing verse is eloquent of his utter wretchedness. He says: "But now that a black gulf has succeeded the entrancing dream—farewell! Love of my loves, light of my darkness, perfume of all flowers that bloomed for me! my poet's lyre, my youth, farewell!"
Mexican journalists are a bold and fearless set of men and express their disapprobation of any public cause with but little regard to consequences. Therefore the best of them may any day find themselves political prisoners in Belem.
GUILLERMO PRIETO.
The Mexican newspaper reporter is not so ubiquitous and persevering as his American brother. I have known of houses being entered by lightning-rod men, sewing-machine agents, and other inevitable invaders, but an "interviewing" reporter penetrating the sanctities of a home is a thing unheard of. The rattle of the family skeleton is not a healthy subject for the versatile talents of a knight of the quill. The costumbres del pais, backed by the powerful aid of barred windows and heavy doors, forbid all such investigations, and he would as soon think of leaping into the Gulf of Mexico as daring to break through those Mede-and-Persian laws or storming those forbidding portals.
The Liceo Morelos is also an institution of merit. It unites with readings, recitations, and scientific discussions, amateur theatricals, tableaux vivants, and other social features. The latter entertainments are generally given in honor of some of its members, which include the most brilliant men of the capital, among them many journalists. Ladies, also, are numbered in its membership.
Social reunions are held in compliment to various members of the society, and every eulogistic speech relates to the person thus distinguished.
On the occasion of the birthday of Señor Augustin Arroyo de Anda, one of the most prominent members of the Mexican Press Association, he, together with his wife, was thus honored. A few of the compliments of the evening were embodied in the following flowery language:
"The presence of Señora Arroyo de Anda brings always to my dreaming mind the ideal type of Goethe—the beautiful personation of Marguerite in the most perfect and inimitable poem, Faust."
Another:
"Although the modest violet hides its blue flowers among the leaves of the plants
surrounding it, nevertheless its delicious perfume discovers it to those who pass near; so you, if your modesty makes you seek solitude, in exchange, the beautiful perfume of your virtues and qualities of lady and wife discover you to those that have the pleasure of admiring you."
"To Señor de Anda:
"Happy you, sir, that pass another birthday among the thousand demonstrations of affection that you have been known to conquer by your virtues and by your talents. The Mexican Bar is rejoiced. The society sees in you one of her chosen sons. The country regards you a good citizen. Home proclaims you sovereign. You have the happiness of the noble and beautiful and virtuous lady that united with yours her destiny. What more would you desire? Nothing more, since you are happy. And humanity, also, owes you much. You have defended its sacred statutes in those unfortunates whose defense you have made so many times with brilliant effect."
At these reunions the versatility of talent of Mexican writers is remarkable. One of them delivers a eulogy in prose upon some prominent person. The enthusiasm runs so high, knowing the genius of the speaker, that he is called upon, amid storms of applause, to transpose the speech into poetry, which is done upon the spot, without a moment's preparation. In the theatrical entertainments, each one takes a part, and they often play to crowded houses of friends.
Among her women writers, Mexico may well be proud of such poets as Esther Tapia de Castellanos, Señora Castro, Isabel Prieto de Landazuri, Laura Klinehaus, Refugio V. de Ortiz, and of such prose writers as Señora Flaquer, all of whose productions are an honor to their sex.
Señora Castro writes under the name of Mariposa Indiana (Indian Butterfly). She is of pure Indian origin, which fact is suggested in her nom de plume. On the eve of my departure from the capital, I was made the recipient of the following graceful little poem, written in memory of our meeting. Of course it loses much in the translation, but the sweet sentiments remain intact. The poem was accompanied ​by pressed pansies ("for thought "), an invariable custom with the Mexicans; also a note, which I append as characteristic of the people as well as of the writer's own individuality:
Señorita: Please accept this little poem as a slight appreciation of the very pleasant afternoon we passed together in Tacubaya, in which you won my regard and affection by the love you seem to bear my country and its people.
Pray receive the sincere regard of one who will never forget you.
B. S. M.,
A. Isidra de Jesus Castro.
Adios to Fanny!
"One afternoon in April I winged my way to see A friend in Tacubaya. Judge of my agreeable surprise Upon finding there two beauteous nymphs— Two flowers of America's soil— And as I was ever an enthusiastic admirer of beauty, I saluted them with pleasure. Later on, as the sun was sinking to rest. Gently touching and tingeing with its golden radiance The soft fleecy clouds. One of the nymphs, as she bade us farewell, Said she was about returning to her native land. Then methought it were well To give the lovely peri a token, And sent to her this flower, called heart's-ease. This floral offering expresses all I fain would tell her. Nymph of gentle presence, when far away. Think of Mexico, and return some day. And when on the wings of the breeze Thou sendest a message to us. Always remember the sublime beauties Of my idolized country.
Adios! thou cherished nymph!
Adios! oh! lovely fairy
Forgive me if I importune thee;
But to-day, when thou homeward goest,
Receive the fond farewell of
'La Mariposa Indiana.'