Page:"Round the world." - Letters from Japan, China, India, and Egypt (IA roundworldletter00fogg 0).pdf/120

 wine, of which the actor partakes after violent exercise. One of the most ludicrous things I saw was the two champions, who seemed to be rivals for the hand of the beautiful heroine of the play, after fighting most fiercely for ten minutes, agree to a truce, take a friendly drink together, and then resume their deadly conflict, which resulted fatally, of course, to the poor fellow who was not favored by the young lady.

In histrionic art the Chinese are far inferior to the Japanese. I saw a play acted at the Yeddo theater that showed an appreciation of the proprieties of “mimic life” that would be creditable in Europe or America. They had a revolving stage and very fair scenery, The acting in some parts was positively good, particularly the “old man” who in dress and manner, for of course it was all pantomime to me, reminded me of Ellsler at the Academy of Music. There were none of the absurdities which the Chinese auditors view with so much gravity, and frequent outbursts of laughter showed that the ‘‘Japs” appreciated the humorous passages of the play.

While walking yesterday along the Nankin road, in the Chinese quarters of Shanghai, I encountered a curious precession, and stepping into Chee- Kiang’s shop I inquired in my best “pigeon English” what it all meant. Mr. “Chee” politely informed me that it was a wadding party, and explained to me in that particular dialect, which is the only medium of communication between natives and foreigners, some particulars which may be of interest ta the reader. First came a dozen musicians beating gongs and blowing horns, each one apparently on his own account, and making the most ear-piercing and discordant article ever conceived of under the name of “music.” They were dressed in fantastic costume of which yellow seemed the predominant color. Then a lot of boys carrying flags and lanterns, of which they seemed very proud. After them several coolies bearing between them tho show presents, boxes and pales, including, I presume, the trousseau of the bride. Then a long procession of the bride’s relations, all dressed in holiday attire, looking especially festive and jolly, as if bound to make a day of it, for behind them followed more coolies, loaded with baskets of fruit and every variety of eatables, among which I noticed a roast pig, brown and crisp, and done to a turn. These were to set off the