Now this, in a mere spectacle, would do very well; for here all
that is demanded is an occasion or an excuse for a dance; but what
business has it in a pure drama? or in what regard does it further the
end of a dramatic poem, intended only to be read? In the same
manner, the whole of Scene the eighth, in the same act, is occupied
with six lines of stage directions, as follows:-
The Theatre: the orchestra plays the Cachuca. Sound of castinets
behind the scenes. The curtain rises and discovers Preciosa in the
attitude of commencing the dance. The Cachuca. Tumult. Hisses. Cries
of Brava! and Aguera! She falters and pauses. The music stops. General
confusion. Preciosa faints.
But the inconsequence of which we complain will be best
exemplified by an entire scene. We take Scene the Fourth, Act the
First:-
"An inn on the road to Alcala. BALTASAR asleep on a bench. Enter
CHISPA."
CHISPA. And here we are, half way to Alcala, between cocks and
midnight. Body o' me! what an inn this is! The light out and the
landlord asleep! Hola! ancient Baltasar!
BALTASAR. [waking]. Here I am.
CHISPA. Yes, there you are, like a one-eyed alcalde in a town
without inhabitants. Bring a light, and let me have supper.
BALTASAR. Where is your master?
CHISPA. Do not trouble yourself about him. We have stopped a
moment to breathe our horses; and if he chooses to walk up and down in
the open air, looking into the sky as one who hears it rain, that does
not satisfy my hunger, you know.
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