On the other hand, some of our electric exhibitions produce mirth. For
instance, the effect of electricity on the monkeys in Montalluyah--who
are very sagacious, having faces white like a human being, and talking
like parrots--is ludicrous in the extreme. When engaged in chewing and
eating their favourite nuts, they find themselves, in spite of their
cunning, raised to a great height, without seeing the man underneath
their pedestal, who impels them upwards with antipathetic electricity.
When they are thus in the air, and, in spite of all efforts, unable to
descend, their antics are of the drollest kind. They, in turn, threaten
and entreat the audience, but are soon reassured and liberally rewarded
for the parts they have played in amusing the public.
Apart from the contemplation of electrical effects, these amusements may
appear somewhat puerile. It should therefore be observed that our people
generally retain to the last an almost child-like freshness of feeling,
which renders them keenly susceptible to the most innocent pleasures.
The tragic drama is for us extinct. Towards the middle of my reign,
plays based upon crime ceased to be heard with pleasure, as the new
generation, trained under the wholesome influence of my laws, could
scarcely understand a plot relating to passions entirely foreign to
their nature. The writers for our theatres, properly so called, have
since that period confined themselves to subjects illustrative of
country life in plain and mountain, and to incidents which, though
happening at a distance, are known to occur.
No accidents arise. Our professors are very skilful, knowing the exact
quantities of electricity required for a given time, and at what rate
its power will decrease. Electricity in all its variations is thoroughly
understood by our electricians.
Electricity, indeed, now forms part of the studies of youth in general,
and its leading features form part of the early knowledge taught to both
girls and boys.
There are races and public games of all kinds, and, besides the fêtes
and amusements given by private persons, there are balls and social
reunions given by the districts.
Even children have their parties and balls, to which they are taken from
four years of age and upwards. The labouring people, or poor, have
theirs. They go to work more cheerfully when they know that amusements
are to follow, and return to their labours with redoubled energy. They
are now contented and happy.
Old people, although allowed to attend the soirées of the young, have
parties of their own, to which none who have not passed a certain age
are admitted.
One day in the week is set apart for amusements of all kinds.
To the reunions given by the districts, all who have passed a certain
age are invited, every seven days, until the age of forty; after forty,
once in three weeks; after sixty, once in every six weeks. All who have
not passed their fortieth year are expected to attend these reunions.
Those who have passed forty may attend as often as they please.