ing themselves. This
operation is a source of considerable amusement to those who stand aloof
from the field of strife. We had been happy in securing good places, and
had nothing to complain of but the immediate vicinity of an amateur, or
_aficionado_, who kept his tongue in continual motion, and favored his
neighbors with a tremendous display of erudition on the _tauromachia_.

Whilst the immense multitude were beguiling their impatience in a thousand
ways, and among others by bandying jests--eating
oranges--smoking--whistling--love-making and quarrelling--the champions of the
fete, namely, the _picadores_, the _espadas_, and the _chulos_, were very
piously engaged in prayer in a chapel contiguous to the circus, it being
customary for combatants to solicit the protection of the holy Virgin
against the tremendous animal they are about to encounter before they
venture to provoke its ferocity.

While they proceed in their laudable occupation, we will return to the
circus, which now presented a most striking spectacle. The corregidor and
the corporation of the town had already taken their seats near the
splendid box fitted up for the use of the king, directly opposite to the
entrance from which the bull was expected to rush into the arena. Above
this entrance was a platform, occupied by a band of musicians, who
continued at intervals to mingle their animating strains with the clamor
of the noisy multitude. An officer of the town now entered the arena,
mounted on a fine charger. He was dressed in complete sables, and carried
in his hand the staff of office. Attended by alguazils, he
advanced,--saluted the box where the king was _not_,--and then proceeded to
the master of the ceremonies, from whom he received the keys of the cells,
where the terrible animals who were to take so conspicuous parts in the
evening spectacle were confined.

At this critical juncture, a breathless silence pervaded the spectators,
who by their eager looks evinced the absorbing interest they took in the
soul-stirring spectacle. Anon, a band of martial instruments struck up;--a
general buzz arose on every side, and, amidst the overwhelming din that
prevailed throughout the circus, the _picadores_ and the rest of their
party made their entrance into the arena. First came the _picadores_, with
their horses blindfold, wearing enormous boots to protect them from the
blows of the bull; next paced on the _espadas_, or _matadores_, on foot,
attired in ric