212 



PUBLIC DIVERSIONS. 



The house is neat and commodious ; and, through the vigi- 

 lance of the magistrates, the best order is observed during the 

 representations. It may, however, be asked, why the sen- 

 sible part of the audience unite in applauding certain interludes 

 which are performed with no other view than to give pleasure 

 to the commonalty ? They are perhaps not aware, that a vio- 

 lent clapping of the hands arraigns still more forcibly the de- 

 praved taste that dictates the praises bestowed on the comedies 

 of monks, popes, and saints, which ought to be abolished in 

 an age like the present, and in a country so enlightened as 

 •Peru. In other respe6ts, justice must be done to the truth. The 

 theatres of Europe do not observe a moderation and a decency 

 equal to those which are displayed by ours, with respedt to the 

 internal regulations of the galleries and crescent. A little mo- 

 dern taste in the seledtion of the pieces ; a more diligent study 

 of the comic parts ; somewhat less of vehemence in the decla- 

 mations ; a forbearance from the pra6lice of smoking at the 

 time of the performances ; and, lastly, a certain degree of in- 

 dulgence which should enable any one to seat himself in the pit 

 without regarding his dress or his peruke ; would not only im- 

 prove our theatre, but would likewise render it much more 

 agreeable and useful to those by whom it is frequented 



Coffee-houses were unknown in Lima until the year 1771. 

 The mate*, the use of which was before general, required a 

 considerable portion of time for the infusion, and certain pre- 

 cautions, which rendered it incompatible with an establish- 

 ment to be frequented by the public. Accordingly, this drink 



* It is composed of an infusion of the herb of Paraguay in boih'ng water, and 

 sugar. 



was 



