ARAB DANCE. 141 light fantastic toe in a very superior and elegant style. They danced without men ; advancing gently at first, apparently without taking the foot off the ground, but gradually advancing ; after which they performed some steps similar to those in the Spanish bolera ; and, turning round on the toe, they danced a most elegant shawl dance, equal to what was danced at the Opera in London by Parisot, but without the horizontal movement, or any motion that could offend the chastest eye. This unique national dance was encouraged from time to time by the approbation of twelve captains of the viceroy's guard, warriors of fame in arms, who were Arabs of the Woled Deleim, and who were seated in a circle, with us, round the dancers, expressing their delight and gratification in witnessing such superior grace and elegance, exclaiming — " Afakume el Arabe, makine fal el Arabe, El Hashema, u zin, u temara, fie el Arabe."

" Bravo, O Arabs ! there is none equal to the Arabs : Excellent is the modesty, beauty, and virtue of the Arabs."

These eulogiums were not lost on the ladies, who increased the spirit of the dance. When this amusement had continued about three hours, the cuscasoe, meat, and vegetables were brought in, as a supper. The Moors ate plentifully; but the abstemious Arabs ate very little ; the ladies partook of sweet cakes and dates ; they very seldom chew meat, but when they do, they