56 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. 111. 
high, standing on the dry bed of the river ; near to it 
was a summer-house upon a small scale, gaudily got up, 
and supposed to be in a beautiful garden. Artificial 
figures of men and women appeared sitting in the veran- 
dahs and balconies, dressed in the richest costumes. 
Singing birds, such as the favourite wa-me and canaries, 
were whistling about the windows. Artificial lakes were 
a formed in the bed of the river, and the favoured ISTelum- 
\J bium appeared floating on the water. Everything de- 
noted that the place belonged to a person of high rank 
and wealth. 
At some little distance a theatre was erected, in front 
of which stood several thousands of the natives, packed 
as closely as possible, and evidently highly interested 
in a play which was going on. Sometimes the piece 
appeared so pathetic that the immense multitude were 
perfectly still ; at other times something seemed to tickle 
their fancies, and to afford them the greatest amusement. 
The actors on the stage were very gaily dressed in rich 
silks and satins of many colours, and evidently did their 
best to afford amusement to this immense audience. 
Such was the scene presented to us as we approached 
the town. " Come," said all my fellow passengers, " come 
and see the play and they set off as fast as they could 
to a bridge a little higher up the river, by which they 
could reach the town and the place where the festivities 
were going on. I was quite satisfied with the view I 
had of the whole scene from the opposite bank, and 
therefore declined the invitation to go nearer. The old 
dwarf, whom I have already mentioned, and who had 
taken every opportunity in his power to show his good 
