THE FANDANGOS. 



105 



in old uniforms of the irregular troops of the 

 country. They were succeeded by the boat- 

 swain and the two clowns ; the former gave his 

 orders, to which the two latter made so many 

 objections that the officer was provoked to strike 

 one of them, and much coarse wit passed be- 

 tween the three. Soon afterwards came the 

 chaplain in his gown, and his breviary in his 

 hand ; and he was as much the butt of the 

 clowns, as they were of the rest of the per- 

 formers. The most scurrilous language was 

 used by them to him ; he was abused, and was 

 taxed with almost every irregularity possible. 

 The jokes became at last so very indecent, as to 

 make the vicar order his doors to be shut. The 

 dancers came on at each change of scene, if I 

 may so say. I went home soon after the vicar's 

 doors were closed, and did not see the conclu- 

 sion ; but the matter ended by throwing the 

 devil overboard, and reaching the port in safety. 

 The performers do not expect payment, but ra- 

 ther consider themselves complimented in being 

 sent for. They were tradesmen of several de- 

 scriptions residing at Pasmado, and they attend 

 on these occasions to act the fandangos, if re- 

 quested so to do ; but if not, many of them 

 would most probably go to enjoy any other sport 

 which the festival might afford. We paid their 

 expenses, and gave them their food during their 

 stay ; they were accompanied by their families, 



