Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/187

Rh dust out of anything—the ground appears to shake beneath the shock; terrific bellowings rend the air; the nostrils of the horses dilate in affright; and there is nothing to be seen but a confused mingling-of horses and men, lances and mantles, with the infuriated bull in the midst of the commotion. The tormented animal is soon enticed away to another part of the arena; as it appears that one of the matadores has been slightly hurt, and a horse badly crushed in the onset. The bull, moreover, has been pierced by many a lance, and the blood flows down his sides from numerous wounds. Loud shouts of applause greet the sanguinary spectacle!

Another flourish of trumpets. More dust and louder bellowings; a closer and a longer engagement. The bull's horns, though blunted, do fearful execution; one horse is killed; another is hurt; two men are carried away; and the enraged beast himself, bathed in blood and flecked with foam, begins to gasp and totter. The excitement is now at its height; and dames and cavaliers gloat on the horrible sight!

Another sharp and brief encounter; it is the last: neither men nor horses are injured