How does a snake charmer charm snakes?

The snake charmer plays on a soft sounding flute and the hooded cobra rears up from his basket, weaving this way and that to the rhythm of the music   or so it seems. Actually, this fascinating show is not at all what it seems to be. For a snake is stone deaf. He cannot hear the music, but he is very interested in every little thing that happens in his line of vision.

He watches and watches every movement and to do this he weaves his hooded head to and fro. The snake charmer knows this. If you watch closely, you will see that the man with the flute is weaving gently this way and that to the music. This is what the snake is watching. He seems to be doing a snaky dance in tune to the flute music   but actually he is keeping a sharp eye on the charmer.