I am aware that this account will be considered profane, and the writer of these facts, a morose, disagreeable person; but the truth is, nevertheless, better than false enthusiasm, which causes misrepresentation; and, having always before our eyes so much that is glorious and sublime, it cannot be necessary to inflate the imagination for ever _a propos de rien_.
"Let those who would form an idea of the singing of the Ossalois observe them on a fete-day, in some of their villages, when the young people are returning home.

They separate in two bands: some holding each other by the waist, some round the neck.

The foremost party go about thirty steps in silence, while those behind sing a couplet in chorus; the first then stop, sing the second verse, and wait till those behind have joined them; and the latter sing the third verse as they arrive at home.

This chant is called, in the country, _Passe-carrere_.

Every now and then the song is intermingled with sharp, wild cries, called _arenilhets_, peculiar to the mountaineers; which prove the strength of their lungs, if not their ear for melody.