ans, I have heard three playing at the same time in different
parts of the church; but so widely separated, as by no means to
interfere with each other's harmony. One of them was one of the two
great organs which face each other over the choir. These two play a duet
once a year, on the day of the Corpus. The effect they produce is not so
powerful as that produced at Toledo, but far more beautiful. At Toledo
the two which correspond to these, are assisted on that occasion by a
third, as powerful as both the others united, placed over the portal of
the south transept, at an elevation of about seventy feet from the
ground.

Among the ceremonies of the cathedral of Seville is one sufficiently
unique to be deserving of notice. _El baile de los seis_ (dance of the
six), is performed by eight youths--probably by six originally--every
evening during the feast of the Conception. It takes place in front of
the high-altar, on which her statue is placed on that occasion. The
service is one of especial solemnity; and, as such, accompanied,
unfortunately as on all such occasions, by an orchestra of violins, to
the exclusion of the organs. The singing commences at four o'clock in
the afternoon, in the choir, and continues until half-past six, when all
move in procession through the great railing, across the transept, and
ascend the flight of steps which lead to the Capilla Mayor. Here they
take their seats according to rank, on benches placed in rows from east
to west, fronting a space which is left open down the centre, in front
of the altar. The orchestra occupies a corner near the railing; and on
the two front benches are seated--four facing four--the eight youths,
dressed in the ancient Spanish costume, all sky blue silk and white
muslin, and holding each his hat, also light blue, with a flowing white
feather.

The chorus now recommences, but speedily drops; when the orchestra
sounds a beautiful air in the waltz measure. This is played once by the
instruments alone, and joined the second time by the voices of the eight
boys, or youths of the age of sixteen to eighteen; who, after having
accompanied a short time, start to their legs, and continue in the same
strain. At the next reprise they all, as if by word of command, place
their hats on their heads, and one or two minutes after, the chant still
continuing, advance, and meet in the centre, then return each to his
place; advance a second time, and turn round each other, using th