| Citation |
PP-P.783.056
22 May 1783:21 (12/1044)
Extract of a letter from Brussels, March 4. Sunday evening
last our carnival was opened here with a most magnificent
supper, given by the Duke D'Aremburg, to twenty-two ladies,
and the same number of gentlemen, who all appeared in
uniform dresses, characterised as Incas, or the Children of
the Sun. After supper they repaired in order to the public
theatre, there an impatient, and clamorous audience, in all
masques, filled every corner of the house. When the curtain
drew up, the children marched, to a solemn march, round an
altar on the stage, on which they were to sacrifice; during
which time, the light of that God the Incas worship began to
appear above the horizon, and when it shone in full
splendor, the children bowed before it with reverential awe,
at which instant a ray of celestial fire darted from the
sun, and kindled the incense on the earthly altar. The two
high priests and priestesses were most magnificently adorned
with jewels, so formed, as to characterise their functions:
in which the Dutchess D'Aremberg, and the honorable Mr.
Clifford, made a most splendid appearance. In this elegant
group appeared several English as well as native ladies; and
among the number of my fair countrywomen I had the pleasure
of perceiving Mrs. O---y H---r, whose peculiar beauty and
elegance was set off with all the advantages a fancy dress
could give.
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