DOMESTIC MANNERS OF THE SPANISH. 123 



of both sexes, all concur in making the fair of Mairena a scene of the 

 greatest liveliness and animation, and are particularly worthy of obser- 

 vation. It is here sketched with truth and vivacity ; and the grouping 

 of well-defined figures and characters, with the different political biases 

 by which they are actuated, exhibited in their dialogue, place the 

 Country and the people immediately before our eyes. After describing 

 the scene of the fair, with the most prominent characteristics of the 

 latter, the long array of mules, and of superb Andalusian horses, the 

 paseo, frequented by crowds of the idle and the delighters in news, 

 whose conversation is broken by the monotonous cries of the agua- 

 dores, or water-carriers, the arena for the bull-fight, where proudly 

 stalk the torreros and matadores, our author proceeds to individualize, 

 and presents us with the minor details with graphic felicity. 



" At the end of the esplanade, in a little circular enclosure, shaded by orange- 

 trees mingled with cactus and aloes, was erected a large and elegant tent. Be- 

 neath its light roof of straw, supported by a few slender poles of aloe, were 

 arranged a number of small low tables, surrounded by groups busied in drinking 

 or gaming. Some were sending round elegantly-shaped earthen vessels wreathed 

 with flowers, containing lemonade or wine ; others were sipping chocolate, the 

 refreshing sorbet, or that iced beverage which they call arucarillo. At the upper 

 extremity stood a long counter, laden with sweetmeats of every description, and 

 flanked on either side by piles of little barrels, filled with different sorts of 

 liqueurs. Close to it might be observed a kind of side-board, not as the other, 

 furnished with eatables, but with little articles of jewellery, and silk mercery, 

 such as rings, fans, reticules, ribands, &c. indicating that the tent served for a 

 double purpose ; and in the corners of the vast interior were heaped together 

 numberless goat-skins consecrated to the joyous juice of the grape. But of the 

 crowd that thronged the interior of the tavern, many seemed to have been 

 attracted thither by other motives besides a wish to drink or to game. Several 

 followed with their eyes a young girl, who ran from table to table with the most 

 piquant petulance of manner. Her complexion, which was darker than the 

 ordinary tint of Andalusia, the oriental expression of her features, her large 

 black eyes, full of an uncommon mixture of boldness and candour, easily pointed 

 her out as one of those Spanish gipsies, or gitanas, the original type of whom 

 has been preserved entire through so many ages. A light gauze veil rolled 

 about her head contrasted strongly with her almost African complexion, and a 

 short tunic of the same colour completed her slender toilet. Her naked arms 

 and legs were surcharged with rings and bracelets, and she glided like a fantastic 

 sprite through the midst of the joyous parties, answering with gaiety and mali- 

 cious wit, the jokes and compliments of the young men." 



" The conversation was interrupted by a great movement, which took place 

 among the groups of drinkers. Each rose from the table to run to the door. 

 Antonio and his friends having done the same, perceived a superb horse 

 contending with his rider, vaulting, plunging, and lashing, without in the least 

 discomposing the gravity of the latter, who seemed to be trying him previous to 

 purchase. Bets were exchanged for and against the chances of the cavalier's 

 preserving his seat, but presently all doubt on the subject was removed, and the 

 mettlesome steed, rendered humble and obedient, ceased to struggle against the 

 skilful hand that held the reins. 



" Don Bernardo Marti de Valencia ! cried out at once several voices, and the 

 eagerness seemed to redouble, each person wishing to see him closer, and giving 

 way to him with deference, when he approached the tent. 



" The '.object of so much attention was a tall man, with bushy eyebrows, having 

 dismounted, features singularly marked with energy, auburn hair, and a wrinkled 

 and sunburnt forehead. His dress partook of the city and the country. He wore 

 a large hat of coarse spun stuff, with large flaps, and his dress consisted of a 

 round jacket of blue velvet. His suite was composed of several Valencians, 

 whom it was easy to recognise by their platted hair, covered with nets, their 

 large grey hats, their short jackets, ornamented with stripes of red or blue 



