Page:Omniana 2.djvu/301

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OMNIANA.
291

When the relentless operator has demolished the head so far as to be well assured that the venomous fangs are utterly destroyed, he tosses the writhing body to the young pugs for a plaything, and their exultation is conspicuous in all their motions, as they toss the unarmed reptile from one to another."

245. Judas.

It was believed in Pier della Valle's time, that the descendants of Judas Iscariot still existed at Corfu, though the persons who suffered this imputation stoutly denied the truth of the genealogy.

When the ceremony of washing the feet is performed in the Greek Church at Smyrna, the bishop represents Christ, and the twelve apostles are acted by as many priests. He who personates Judas must be paid for it, and such is the feeling of the people, that whoever ac-

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