Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/244

212 The house is neat and commodious; and, through the vigilance of the magistrates, the best order is observed during the representations. It may, however, be asked, why the sensible part of the audience unite in applauding certain interludes which are performed with no other view than to give pleasure to the commonalty? They are perhaps not aware, that a violent clapping of the hands arraigns still more forcibly the depraved taste that dictates the praises bestowed on the comedies of monks, popes, and saints, which ought to be abolished in an age like the present, and in a country so enlightened as Peru. In other respects, justice must be done to the truth. The theatres of Europe do not observe a moderation and a decency equal to those which are displayed by ours, with respect to the internal regulations of the galleries and crescent. A little modern taste in the selection of the pieces; a more diligent study of the comic parts; somewhat less of vehemence in the declamations; a forbearance from the practice of smoking at the time of the performances; and, lastly, a certain degree of indulgence which should enable any one to seat himself in the pit without regarding his dress or his peruke; would not only improve our theatre, but would likewise render it much more agreeable and useful to those by whom it is frequented.

were unknown in Lima until the year 1771. The mate, the use of which was before general, required a considerable portion of time for the infusion, and certain precautions, which rendered it incompatible with an establishment to be frequented by the public. Accordingly, this drink was