356 THE VOYAGE OF THE VEGA. [chap. 
mask was fastened a cloak, in which the player wrapt himself 
during the representation. He then with great skill and supple 
tasteful gestures, which would have honoured a European 
daoiseuse, represented the monster now creeping forward fawn- 
ingly, now rushing along to devour its prey. A numerous crowd 
of children collected around us. The small folks followed the 
representation, with great glee, and gave life to the play, or 
BURDEN-BEARERS ON A JAPANESE ROAD. 
Japcanese drawing. 
rather formed its proper background, by the feigned terror with 
which they fled when the monster approached with open mouth 
and rolling eyes, and the eagerness with which they again 
followed and mocked it when its back was turned. 
In few countries are dramatic representations of all kinds so 
much thought of as in Japan. Playhouses are found even in 
small towns. The play is much frequented, and though the 
