Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/166

Rh dance, were worthy the study of a sculptor. The partner of this skilful dance was also more animated in her movements than any of the negro women whom I had yet seen, and swung round with great dexterity and art. Carlo placed a little sprig of myrtle in her mouth, after which she danced, holding it between her lips as a bird would have held it in his bill.

By degrees the dancers increased in number. The women also invited partners to dance, generally by giving a little blow with a handkerchief to the selected cavalier, who immediately showed himself ready and willing. Some of the men dropped on the knee during the dance; so true to nature does this movement appear to be, which of old obtained admission into the refined world of gallantry and chivalry.

There were others who danced solo to the beating of the drums, twirling round upon one spot, and waving the while up and down with the body; children also came, naked as God made them, and imitated, most excellently, the dancing of the elders. But others, both men and women, passed by, and cast gloomy, joyless glances on the dance; and the bitter expression of those dark night-like countenances testified of the darkest night-life of slavery; countenances those were which I shall never forget, one especially, that of an elderly woman! Other negroes were passing through the gate of the bohea, laden with bunches of bananas and tomatoes (which here grow wild), or other green vegetables. The young overseer inquired whether they were from their own country, and they replied curtly, “Yes.” They passed by the dancers, some with an indifferent glance, others with a half-smile. The dancing in the meantime became more and more animated in that hot sun, and the numbers increased, both of men and women. Now, however, the loud crack of a whip was heard, and the dancing stopped at once. The dancers dispersed again to recommence work in the sugar-mill. I too left the bohea, but not without thanking the