Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 3.djvu/301

Rh of flame and smoke. In spite of the opinion of the poets I must say that of all the animals I have observed, not one has less expression in its eyes than the bull. I should rather say changes less in expression: for it has always the same look of brutal and sullen stupidity. Rarely does it give voice to its agony by groans: wounds irritate and frighten it: but never, if you will pardon the expression, does it seem to consider its fate; it never weeps like the stag. So it can awaken pity only when it has made itself conspicuous by its courage.

When the bull is carrying in his neck two or three pairs of banderillas it is time to finish with him. A roll of drums is heard; immediately one of the chulos (the matador), who has been selected beforehand, advances from the midst of a group of comrades. Richly clothed, covered with gold and silk, he holds a long sword, and a scarlet mantle fastened to a rod, so that he can handle it more readily. This is called la muleta. He advances before the President's box, and, with a profound bow, asks permission to kill the bull. This formality is gone through only once for