148 ISLAND OF SYROS. 
Petersburg, burst into tears at the sight of a 
small chapel constructed upon a rock in the 
port, which he had himself assisted in building 
some years before. He described it as the 
votive offering of a party of young Greeks to 
Affecting their patron Saint: but his feelings experienced 
Interriew. 
a severer trial when we landed; for in the 
person of an old man, established as a wine- 
seller upon the quay, he recognised his own 
father, of whose fortunes and situation he had 
long been ignorant. The islanders bore a part 
in the joy of this meeting; and their national 
hospitality was, in consequence, redoubled. 
All the young people came to express their 
congratulations, and a party began the Romeca 1 . 
Antonio hastened again on board for his balalaika*, 
and, joining the festive throng, gave himself up 
entirely to singing and dancing for the remainder 
of the day and night. Towards evening, we 
(1) The Romeca, the most popular of all the dances of the Modern 
Greeks, is faithfully and beautifully represented in the Voyage 
PUtoresque de la Grece of Count De C/ioiseul Govffler, from a drawing 
bj J. B. Hilair, engraved by Martini. See Plate facing p. 68. vol. I. 
of that work, Paris, 1782. "The passion of the Greeks for dancing," 
(says Mons. De Guys, vol. I. p. 208. Land. 1781,) " is common to both 
sexes; who neglect every other consideration, when they have an 
opportunity of indulging that passion." 
(2) The antient guitar of Scyihia and Tahtary. See Part I. of these 
Travels, Plate facing: p. 2-14. Second edit. Quarto. Brosboi(rn } 18l\; 
exhibiting its use among the Calmttck tribes. 
5 
