The _picadores_, according to the order of precedence, ranged themselves in the circus, close to the _baranda_, or wooden barrier, which, though elevated to the height of five feet, is sometimes scarcely sufficient to prevent the most furious amongst the bulls from breaking over it. Suddenly the music ceased—the silence was intense—the signal is given—the doors were flung open—and, with one tremendous burst, forth sprang the bull into the middle of the circus! It was a fearful animal; not large, but of that peculiar color and breed which are accounted the most ferocious. Dark is his hide on either side, but the blood within doth boil, And the dun hide glows as if on fire, as he paws to the turmoil, His eyes are jet, and they are set in crystal rings of snow; But now they stare with one red glare of brass upon the foe. Upon the forehead of the bull the horns stand close and near, From out the broad and wrinkled skull like daggers they appear; His neck is massy, like the trunk of some old knotted tree, Whereon the monster’s shagged mane like billows curled ye see. His legs are short, his hams are thick, his hoofs are black as night, Like a strong flail he holds his tail in the fierceness of his might; Like something molten out of iron, or hewn forth from the rock, Harpado of Xarama stands, to bide the Alcayde’s shock.(6) The appearance of the bull was hailed by loud acclamations from the multitude; whilst hats, handkerchiefs, and scarfs fluttered in the air, in every direction.