n chivalry,
assemble in battle array before the Mahometan princesses, to settle
their disputes under the combined inspirations of love and religious
persuasion. The princesses, one after the other, pining under the
dictates of the heart in defiance of their creed, leave their fate
to be sealed by the outcome of deadly combat between the contending
factions. Armed to the teeth, the cavaliers of the respective parties
march to and fro, haranguing each other in monotonous tones. After a
long-winded, wearisome challenge, they brandish their weapons and meet
in a series of single combats which merge in a general _melee_ as the
princes are vanquished and the hand of the disputed enchantress is won.

The dialogue is in the idiom of the district where the performance
is given, and the whole play (lasting from four to six nights) is
brief compared with Chinese melodrama, which often extends to a month
of nights.

Judged from the standard of European histrionism, the plot is weak
from the sameness and repetition of the theme. The declamation
is unnatural, and void of vigour and emphasis. The same tone is
maintained from beginning to end, whether it be in expression of
expostulatory defiance, love, joy, or despair. But the masses were
intensely amused; thus the full object was achieved. They seemed
never to tire of gazing at the situations created and applauding
vociferously the feigned defeat of their traditional arch-foes.

[169] The favourite game of the Tagalogs is _Panguingui_--of the
Chinese _Chapdiki_.

[170] The Government House, located in the city, which was thrown down
in the earthquake of 1863, has not been rebuilt. Its reconstruction
was only commenced by the Spaniards in 1895. The Gov.-General
therefore resided after 1863 at his suburban palace at Malacanan,
on the river-side.

[171] "Aventures d'un gentilhomme Breton aux Iles Philippines,"
par Paul de la Gironniere. Paris, 1875.

[172] _Vide_ "Terremotos de Nueva Vizcaya en 1881," by Enrique Abella
y Casariega Published in Madrid.

[173] The _Katipunan League_ and _Freemasonry_ were not identical
institutions. There were many Freemasons who were leaguers, but
not _because_ they were Freemasons, as also there were thousands
of leaguers who knew nothing of Freemasonry. There is little doubt
that Freemasonry suggested the bare idea of that other secret society
called _Katipunan_, whose signs and symbols were of masonic design,
but whose aims were totally diff