Page:Horrid Mysteries Volume 3.djvu/174

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168
THE HORRID MYSTERIES.

a miserable frolic. Don't spoil the pleasure of these poor fellows, but rather let us divert ourselves at their expense."

The event proved that he was not mistaken; for we were, after a few minutes, regaled with an excellent serenade, whose harmony soon informed us of its meaning. The effect this charming concert had on my risibility was so powerful, that I could not have resisted an immoderate fit of laughter if it had cost me my life. The music could certainly not be called a symphony; however, so much is certain, that the most horrid notes were borrowed from all instruments to produce a kind of chorus. As much as I could distinguish, some horns were the principal instruments; and it may easily be conceived how charmingly they were blown: a fiddle, with only one string, two or three rattles, a damaged trumpet, some little drums, and three or four kettles, accompanied the performers who played those agreeable instruments; and some small Frenchwhistles,