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Vol. II.
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302

PUBLIC FESTIVALS

of the opposite party. This being repeated several times, the whole body on one side joined in the responses to the whole corre- sponding body on the opposite side, as the semicircle advanced to the front; and they finished by singing and dancing, as they had begun.

These two last dances were performed with so much spirit, and so great exactness, that they met with universal approbation. The native spectators, who, no doubt, were per- feet judges whether the several performances were properly executed, could not withhold their applauses at some particular parts; and even a stranger who never saw the diversion before felt similar satisfaction at the same in- stant. For though, through the whole, the most strict concert was observed, some of the gestures were so expressive, that it might be said they spoke the language that accompa- nied them, if we allow that there is any con- nexion between motion and sound. At the same time it should be observed, that though the music of the chorus and that of the dancers corresponded, constant practice in these favourite amusements of our friends seems to have a great share in effecting the exact time they keep in their performances. For we observed that if any of them happened