When the new cathedral was built upon the site of the old, men remembered this rhyme, and pled that it should be recarven:

Lopez found me brick and left me stone,

Manuel made me like an angel’s throne.

 

For indeed Don Manuel, in his rebuilding of the city, made the cathedral the marvel of the New World. That and the chapel of Carlotta at his palace, were the chief of his works in his own mind; but in truth he made Santa Barbara as eminent for the arts and sciences as for religion. He founded, built and endowed four big universities, three opera-houses, nineteen theatres. He discovered, encouraged, helped, and at last employed through the years of their power, all the architects, sculptors, painters, musicians and poets who have made Santa Barbara the glory of Spanish-speaking America.

In his person Don Manuel was as glorious as his mind. He has been described in a sonnet:

A calm like Jove’s beneath a fiery air.

His hands most beautiful and full of force,

Able to kill the wolf and tame the horse

Or carve the granite into angels’ hair.

His brow most noble over eyes that burn

At thought of truth or knowledge wanting aid.

His mind a very sword to make afraid,

A very fire to beacon at the turn.

His step swift as a panther’s, his will fierce

To be about the beauty of some deed,

Since beauty’s being is his spirit’s food.

His voice caressing where it does not pierce;

His wrath like lightning: he is King: indeed

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