ight be exhibited, and what was fit to be left out; especially
according as the dance should be, serious or burlesque. In the
last case; even the horses might be represented by a theatrical
imitation. And certainly, bringing the personages on in such a
regular procession at first, would give a better opportunity of
observing their dresses, than in the huddled, confused manner of
grouping them, that has been sometimes practised: to say nothing
of the pleasure afforded to the eye by the procession itself.

The print annexed represents the procession of a Chinese
Mandarin of the first order. First appear two men who strike
each upon a copper instrument called a gongh, resembling a
hollow dish without a border, which has pretty much the effect
of a kettle-drum.

Follow the ensign-bearers, on whose flags are written in large
characters the Mandarin's titles of honour. Next fourteen
standards, upon which appear the proper simbols of his office,
such as the dragon, tiger, phoenix, flying tortoise, and other
winged creatures of fancy, emblematically exhibited.

Six officers, bearing a staff headed by an oblong square board,
raised high, whereon are written in large golden characters the
particular qualities of this Mandarin.

Two others bear, the one a large umbrella of yellow silk (the
imperial color) of three folds, one above the other; the other
officer carries the case in which the umbrella is kept.

Two archers on horseback, at the head of the chief guard: then
the guards, armed with large hooks, adorned with silk fringe, in
four rows one above another; two other files of men in armor,
some bearing maces with long handles; others, maces in the form
of a hand, or of a serpent: others, equipped with large hammers
and long hatchets like a crescent. Other guards bearing sharp
axes: some, weapons like scythes, only strait. Soldiers carrying
three-edged halberds.

Two porters, carrying a splendid coffer, containing the seal of
his office.

Two other men, beating each a _gongh_, which gives notice of the
Mandarin's approach.

Two officers, armed with staves, to keep off the croud.

Two mace-bearers with gilt maces in the shape of dragons, and a
number of officers of justice, some equiped with bamboes, a kind
of flat cudgels, to give the bastinado: others with chains,
whips, cutlasses, and hangers.

Two standard-bearers, and the captain of the guard.

All this equipage precedes the Mandarin or Viceroy, who is
carr