But yonder commences the procession of horse and foot; of cabriolets, family coaches, German wagons, cars, phaetons and landaulets, all moving in a measured manner, within their prescribed ranks, toward the Prater.  We must accompany them without loss of time.  You now reach the Prater.  It is an extensive flat, surrounded by branches of the Danube, and planted on each side with double rows of horse-chestnut trees.  The drive, in one straight line, is probably a league in length.  It is divided by two roads, in one of which the company move onward, and in the other they return.  Consequently, if you happen to find a hillock only a few feet high, you may, from thence, obtain a pretty good view of the interminable procession of the carriages before mentioned:  one current of them, as it were, moving forward, and another rolling backward.

But, hark! the notes of a harp are heard to the left, in a meadow, where the foot passengers often digress from the more formal tree-lined promenade.  A press of ladies and gentlemen is quickly seen.  You mingle involuntarily with them; and, looking forward, you observe a small stage erected, upon which a harper sits and two singers stand.  The company now lie down upon the grass, or break into standing groups, or sit upon chairs hired for the occasion—­to listen to the notes so boldly and so feelingly executed.  The clapping of hands, and exclamations of bravo succeed, and the sounds of applause, however warmly bestowed, quickly die away in the open air.  The performers bow, receive a few kreutzers, retire, and are well satisfied.

The sound of the trumpet is now heard behind you.  Tilting feats are about to be performed; the coursers snort and are put in motion; their hides are bathed in sweat beneath their ponderous housings; and the blood, which flows freely from the pricks of their riders’ spurs, shows you with what earnestness the whole affair is conducted.  There, the ring is thrice carried off at the point of the lance.  Feats of horsemanship follow in a covered building, to the right; and the juggler, conjurer, or magician, displays his dexterous feats, or exercises his potent spells, in a little amphitheater of trees, at a distance beyond.

Here and there rise more stately edifices, as theaters, from the doors of which a throng of heated spectators is pouring out.  In other directions, booths, stalls and tables are fixt; where the hungry eat, the thirsty drink, and the merry-hearted indulge in potent libations.  The waiters are in a constant state of locomotion.  Rhenish wine sparkles here; confectionery glitters there; and fruit looks bright and tempting in a third place.  No guest turns round to eye the company; because he is intent upon the luxuries which invite his immediate attention, or he is in close conversation with an intimate friend, or a beloved female.  They talk and laugh—­and the present seems to be the happiest moment of their lives.