DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62133#0245
THE BUTCHERS’ LEAP IN THE FOUNTAIN.
229
were brought and placed on a broad plank, which extended
across one side of the fountain basin.
A shout from, the crowd announced the arrival of the
butchers. First of all came the tender butcher-infants, in
scarlet coats, top-boots, and green velvet hats, borne in the
arms of their fathers through the crowd in order that they
might witness the fun. Then followed the scarlet officials
and then came seven of the queerest beasts man ever set
eyes on. What were they, if human? Were they seven
Esquimaux chiefs, or seven African mumbo-jumbos ? They
were the heroes of the day—the seven butcher-apprentices,
clothed in fur caps and garments,—covered from shoulder
to heel with hundreds of dangling calves’ tails—red, white,
black, dun!
You may imagine the shouts that greeted them,—the
peals of laughter. Up they sprang on the broad plank,—
leaping, dancing, making their tails fly round like trundled
mops. The crowd roared with laughter.
A stately scarlet-clad official, a butcher (AltgeselV), stands
beside them on the plank. Ten times they drink the
health of the royal family, and prosperity to the butchers’
craft. The Altgesell then striking many blows on the
shoulder of the nearest apprentice, frees him and all the
remaining six from their indentures. They are henceforth
full-grown butchers. Then they plunge into the very
centre of the fountain with a tremendous splash. The
crowd shouts; the startled pigeons wheel in wild alarm above
the heads and laughter of the crowd; the seven Tritons
dash torrents of water on the multitude, who fly shrieking
and laughing before the deluge —the seven buckets are
plied with unwearied arms ; lads are enticed within aim by
showers of nuts flung by the “ Leapers,” and then are
drenched to the skin. It is a bewilderment of water, fly-
ing calves’ tails, pelting nuts, and shrieking urchins !
The “ Leapers” then ascend out of their bath,—shake
229
were brought and placed on a broad plank, which extended
across one side of the fountain basin.
A shout from, the crowd announced the arrival of the
butchers. First of all came the tender butcher-infants, in
scarlet coats, top-boots, and green velvet hats, borne in the
arms of their fathers through the crowd in order that they
might witness the fun. Then followed the scarlet officials
and then came seven of the queerest beasts man ever set
eyes on. What were they, if human? Were they seven
Esquimaux chiefs, or seven African mumbo-jumbos ? They
were the heroes of the day—the seven butcher-apprentices,
clothed in fur caps and garments,—covered from shoulder
to heel with hundreds of dangling calves’ tails—red, white,
black, dun!
You may imagine the shouts that greeted them,—the
peals of laughter. Up they sprang on the broad plank,—
leaping, dancing, making their tails fly round like trundled
mops. The crowd roared with laughter.
A stately scarlet-clad official, a butcher (AltgeselV), stands
beside them on the plank. Ten times they drink the
health of the royal family, and prosperity to the butchers’
craft. The Altgesell then striking many blows on the
shoulder of the nearest apprentice, frees him and all the
remaining six from their indentures. They are henceforth
full-grown butchers. Then they plunge into the very
centre of the fountain with a tremendous splash. The
crowd shouts; the startled pigeons wheel in wild alarm above
the heads and laughter of the crowd; the seven Tritons
dash torrents of water on the multitude, who fly shrieking
and laughing before the deluge —the seven buckets are
plied with unwearied arms ; lads are enticed within aim by
showers of nuts flung by the “ Leapers,” and then are
drenched to the skin. It is a bewilderment of water, fly-
ing calves’ tails, pelting nuts, and shrieking urchins !
The “ Leapers” then ascend out of their bath,—shake