He then mounted in haste a
stone-altar opposite the entrance of the holy Sepulchre, where he was
immediately surrounded by the people: those also who had lighted their
tapers endeavouring to save themselves were overwhelmed by the others:
the confusion was horrible, and blows were not unfrequent. After the
Greek archbishop has come out, the Armenian appears, and saves himself
from the crowd in the church of the Armenians, and the Copt in that
of the Copts. Every one was in such a hurry to get some of the holy
fire, that in a moment more than 2000 bundles of candles flamed in
the church: and the people, crying out like persons possessed began
greater follies than before. A man carrying a drum on his back began
to run with all his might round the holy Sepulchre, and another
running in the same manner struck it with two sticks; and when he
was tired, another immediately took his place. "_Il semble qu'
on soit dans un enfer, et que ce soient tout autant de diables
dechaines_."--But enough of this unedifying scene, of which the Abbe
Geramb gives a similar account. If we contrast with it the majestic
and edifying ceremonies of the Roman church, we shall feel grateful
to God for having preserved us from such disorders. I shall merely add
from Thevenot, that the Christians are called to office at the holy
Sepulchre by boards struck with iron, as we are for two days in
holy-week: but drums and other instruments are also played there,
which make, he (adds), "une musique enragee".
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