92 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



made of a small gourd ornamented with silver 

 bells, having a pleasing effect. I tried to buy 

 one of these, but the owner refused to part 

 with it. One old man seemed to act in a three- 

 fold capacity : — he was fiddler, or leader of the 

 band ; master of the ceremonies ; and, if I mis- 

 take not, represented also the high priest. He 

 wore a white dress, over which were placed 

 wreaths of small green leaves — and he it was 

 who apparently regulated the whole per- 

 formance of the drama. On one occasion, 

 when the royal Montezuma received the 

 homage of his prisoner, the monarch remained 

 standing, which being contrary to the etiquette 

 of his court, he was gently reminded of the 

 error by a smart stroke on the cheek 

 with the fiddlestick of the high priest; on 

 which his majesty immediately squatted, 

 and received with propriety the address of 

 his general and the supplication of his pri- 

 soner. 



