Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/794

774 Calderon, it must be confessed that the efforts made in behalf of the stage by their American children were meagre indeed. Comedies had been presented at the palace of Mexico, and sacred pieces at the convents, as early as the first decade after the conquest, and a theatre appears to have been erected in the seventeenth century, but at the close of the following only one worthy of the term existed, in the Coliseo, supplied by mediocre actors from Spain. Nevertheless, encouragement for a better personnel was not wanting, for favorites frequently received liberal presents from the impressed audience, which showered gold and silver on the stage, and even pieces of jewelry.

Although the performance began somewhat earlier than with us, yet it lasted at times till midnight, owing partly to extended entr'actes for exchanging visits in the boxes, and indulging in chat, confectionery, and smoking, the vivacious ladies delighting in such by play as casting cigarette stumps at the public. The custom of bestowing presents on performers extended also to private reunions, where any one excelling in a song or dance was obliged to accept the contributions of admirers known as la gala.

The social party, tertulia, lasting from about half past six till half past nine in the evening, was a merry affair with its exuberant fun and its comparative freedom. With volubility of tongue conversation flowed fast, and a trifle sufficed to provoke merriment.