Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/317

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THE PLAZA OF SEVILLE

  • sulting from the angler's skilful play, the sportsman's half-successful

shot. The Spaniard regards the tortures of the dying bulls and of the disemboweled horses with the same sportsmanlike complacency that characterizes the English lord and lady or members of the Newport "smart set" when witnessing the death struggles of the exhausted fox, torn by the fangs of an excited pack. The wide world over we shall find cruelty disguised as sport; hence let us look leniently upon the Spaniard who does but choose nobler victims. Moreover he surrounds their sacrifice with a pomp and a gorgeous pageantry that robs the scene of half its