



^H 





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101- 



THE FANDANGOS. 



performers stepped on to the platform, the vessel 

 appeared at a distance under full sail, coming 

 towards us upon wheels, which were concealed. 

 As soon as the ship arrived near to the stage, it 

 stopped, and the performance commenced. The 

 men and boys who were to sing and to dance, 

 were dressed in white jackets and trowsers ; 

 they had ribbons tied round their ancles and 

 arms, and upon their heads they wore long paper 

 caps, painted of various colours. The guitar- 

 player commenced with one of the favourite 

 airs of the country, and the chorus followed him, 

 dancing at the same time. The number of 

 voices being considerable, and the evening ex- 

 tremely calm, the open air was rather advan- 

 tageous than the contrary. The scene was 

 striking, for the bonfires threw sufficient light to 

 allow of our seeing the persons of the performers 

 distinctly ; but all beyond was dark, and they 

 seemed to be inclosed by a spacious dome ; the 

 crowd of persons who were near to the stage 

 was great, and as the fires were stirred and the 

 flame became brighter, more persons were seen 

 beyond on every side ; and at intervals the horses, 

 which were standing still farther off, waiting for 

 their masters. 



When the chorus retired, the captain and other 

 superior officers came forwards, and a long and 

 serious conversation ensued upon the state of the 

 ship and the weather. These actors were dressed 



