1992. the mountain and grottoes; a VistOMe 275 
Even the female part, who tripped to the sound of 
musical instruments, and whose drefs and gestures 
were altogether wanton and lascivious, had never- 
thelefs a certain wildnefs and distraction in their 
countenance, that produced in me much distaste and 
aversion. 
What struck me, however, with most astonif{n- 
ment, and contributed chiefly to deter me from ap- 
proaching the grotto, was, that I plainly perceived 
those who came out, had undergone a wonderful 
change. Instead of the airy flutter and the wanton 
glance, many of them seemed overwhelmed with 
sorrow; and their looks in general were so haggard. 
and terrifying, that wherever they directed their 
steps, every one fled with precipitation. 
Upon a nearer examination, I now observed, that 
all over the plain there were a vast number of con- 
eealed pits or trap doors ; and. those who chanced to 
stumble upon any of them instantly disappeared. I 
perceived a great many of both sexes plunging at 
the very entrance of the grotto, while they were 
adorning: their heads with garlands of flowers, and 
indulging i in the utmost festivity. 
f This sight could not fail to deter me from ap- 
proaching the grotto, and I accordingly advanced 
with considerable reluctance ; but the genius en- 
couraged me, and I proceeded. 
We now drew pretty near the grotto; and I per- 
ceived that some of the flowers, that there abounded 
in the greatest profusion, were wonderfully beau- 
tiful, and I withed to gather them ; but : my conduc- 
trefs told me they contained a ll poison, ; 4 and in- 
‘ 
