Prose and verse - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824 edition. Excerpt: ...the lily in whiteness; they had no stockings, and their shoes were nothing but old soles, patched in every direction, and attached to their feet by pieces of string or matting. On the head of one was an old cap of green cloth; whilst the other was adorned in an old hat that had lost its brim. Each carried a broken rusty sword by his side, which for want of a sword belt, was fastened round his waist by a bit of pack-thread. In spite of this insignia of poverty, there was something in the handsome faces of these young vagabonds that attracted my attention, and 1 stopped to listen to them. I found they were strangers and had but just met, for, after saluting each other with the strictest attention to all the forms of politeness, they began to converse as follows. "Senor gentleman," said one," if it be not impertinent, may I be permitted to ask if you reside in this country, or are only travelling through it 5" "Senor cavalier," replied the other, "it would be rather difficult for me to tell you my exact country, because I happen not to know it myself. However travellers like myself, consider ourselves as citizens of the world." "True," returned the first, "yet I think the place in which I now see your honour, does not appear worthy of detaining you long." "I own it," said the other, "yet I can never regret having visited it, since here I had the honour of becoming acquainted with so accomplished a cavalier as yourself; and when I leave it I care not where I go, provided you will condescend to honour me with your company." "I shall be most happy to accompany you," replied the cavalier, "and like you, it is perfectly immaterial to me where I bend my steps....