Chapter XX: Appendix: A

The following brief notice of the numerous sieges and attacks, that the celebrated fortress of Gibraltar has sustained, may possess some interest in the eyes of many of my readers. It is extracted principally from Don Ignacio Lopez de Ayala's "Historia de Gibraltar," which dates the first arrival of the Saracens, and occupation of the rocky promontory by Taric ben Zaide, A.D. 710, and attributes the erection of the _Calahorra_, or castle, to Abdul Malic, A.D. 742.

The Fortress (which in early days must have comprised little more than the enceinte of the present ruined castle,) appears to have remained in the undisturbed possession of the Mussulmans for six entire centuries. But Ferdinand the Fourth, at length, breaking through the mountain barrier that defended the diminished territory of the Moors, laid siege to Algesiras, and despatched a force under Don Alonzo Perez de Guzman to

1. attack Gibraltar, which very unexpectedly fell into his hands, A.D. 1309.

2. The Moslems, under Ishmael, King of Granada, failed in an attempt to recover it in 1315.

3. It fell, however, to the powerful army brought over from Africa by Abdul Malik (Aboumelic), son of the Emperor of Fez, who thenceforth assumed the title of King of Gibraltar, 1333.

4. It was besieged the same year by King Alphonso XI.; and again, with as little success, by the same heroic monarch,

5. who died of the plague under its walls, 1349.

It now again remained in the undisputed possession of the Moslems for a considerable period, though it was wrested from the

6. hands of the King of Fez by Jusef, King of Granada, 1411.

7. The Spaniards again ineffectually attempted to possess themselves of it, under Don Henrique de Guzman, Conde de Nicbla, 1436.

8. But it was finally taken from the Moors by Alonzo de Arcos, Alcayde of Tarifa, 1462.

9. From him it was taken by Don Juan de Guzman, Duke of Medina Sidonia, 1468.

It remained in the possession of the House of Guzman, until the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, who claimed it for the crown, but, on their demise, Don Juan de Guzman attempted again to

10. make himself master of it, 1516.

11. The town was sacked by a Turkish squadron, 1540;

12. and bombarded by the French, when affording shelter to an English fleet, 1693.

13. The fortress was captured by Sir George Rooke, 1704;

14. and besieged the same year, by a combined French and Spanish force, under the Conde de Villadarias and Monsieur de Tessé. By the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), it was ceded to England, but, immediately on the renewal of the war, was

15. besieged by the Spaniards, under the Conde de las Torres, when the lines across the isthmus were constructed, 1727.

16. The last and most celebrated siege was undertaken by the Spaniards and French in 1779, and lasted until 1783.

B.

"_Una estatua de San Josef, que por su corpulencia no se podia sacar oculta la extrajo un catolico llamado Josef Martin de Medina, colocado sobre un caballo à imitacion de una persona que lo montaba; la afianzó bien, la embozó con una capa i la cubrió con una montera. Otro montado à la gurupa ayudaba à sostener al Santo, i agregandose algunos combidados para mayor confusion i disimulo salieron por la calle real sin ser descubiertos._"

RIGHT _Ayala, Hist. de Gibraltar._

C.

I suspect the _apes_ tempted Mr. Carter to jump to the conclusion that Carteia was the Tarshish of Sacred History. Nevertheless, few places have furnished more food for conjecture than this famed city: some antiquaries, indeed, not content with Tarshish as a mere port, or even country, maintaining that the vast continent of Africa was so called; whilst others, differing _toto coelo_, imagine that the word implies the wide or open ocean!

In spite of the great authorities arrayed against the vulgar opinion, that Tarshish is the self-same city as that situated on the southern coast of Asia Minor, and known in after ages as Tarsus, I cannot but subscribe to it. The difference in character between the Hebrew and Greek languages may, not unreasonably I think, be supposed to have led to the change in the mode of spelling and pronouncing the name of the place; (which in point of fact is not greater than between Dover and Douvres,) for most Jews of the present day would still pronounce Tarsus, Tarshish; whilst modern Greeks would as certainly call Tarshish, Tarsis.

That _both_ were ports of the Mediterranean sea will hardly, I think, admit of dispute; since Jonah[242] embarked at Joppa (Jaffa,) to proceed to Tarshish; and Tarsus was the birth-place of St. Paul,[243] and must have been situated on the coast, but a short distance to the northward of Antioch.

The chief difficulty in determining _what_ and where Tarshish was, arises from a discrepancy in the two accounts given of the building of _Jehosaphat's_ fleet, in the Books of Kings and Chronicles: the first stating, that the King of Judea "made ships _of_ Tarshish to go to _Ophir_ for gold,"[244] which ships were destroyed at Ezion Geber on the Red Sea; the latter, mentioning that the ships were built at Ezion Geber to "_go to Tarshish_."[245]

Josephus makes the matter still more perplexing by saying, that "these ships were built to sail to _Pontus_, and the traffic cities of Thrace," but were destroyed from being so unwieldy, without mentioning _where_ they were either built or destroyed; thus differing from the account in Kings, which says they were made to go to Ophir, and, by implication, from the account in the Book of Chronicles, which states that they were made on the shores of the Red Sea; since vessels to trade with Pontus and Thrace would certainly have been built at the ports of Syria.

Now it is quite evident, that _two_ of these three accounts must be incorrect; and it is more natural to conclude that the mistake originated in careless writing than from ignorance; since, little as the Jews (being neither sailors nor travellers) may be supposed to have known of foreign countries, they could not, even with their limited knowledge of geography, have imagined that a fleet sailing from Tyre, in the Mediterranean, was destined to the _same_ country as another fleet built on the shores of the Red Sea. And, if they were not destined to the _same_ country, the two places to which they were proceeding would certainly have been distinguished by different names.

It is not, I think, unwarrantable therefore to suppose, that the Hebrew writers, in alluding to a fleet which all accounts agree was destroyed at the very port where it was built, may (supposing always our translations to be perfectly correct,) have fallen into a mistake in stating the _destination_ of that fleet, and hence that, in the Book of Chronicles, Tarshish has been written for Ophir. This appears the more likely when we bear in mind that the Jews, after the destruction of Jehosaphat's fleet, do not appear to have ever again engaged in any naval enterprises, and consequently were careless, or had no opportunity, of correcting this mistake in their histories. In support of this supposition, it may be farther observed that, throughout the Scriptures, wherever the commodities brought by the fleets from Tarshish and Ophir are mentioned, the former is stated to have come laden with the productions of Europe and Northern Africa; whilst the latter brought only gold and precious stones, and algum trees.

On the discrepancy above pointed out--where there is evidently a mistake--is grounded, however, the hypothesis, that in early ages two cities or countries bore the name of Tarshish; for such a supposition is not at all borne out by the accounts previously given in the same Books of Kings and Chronicles of the fleets built by Solomon; it being particularly specified in _both_[246] that that king made (or more properly, perhaps, _launched_) a navy of ships at Ezion Geber, on the Red Sea, which, piloted by Tyrian sailors, proceeded to _Ophir_ for gold. The mention which is afterwards made[247] of Tarshish, seems merely to have been introduced to account for the vast riches of Solomon; shewing that he had other sources whence he procured gold and other valuables, besides Ophir.

A slight discrepancy of a similar kind to that already noticed occurs, however, in the two accounts, in speaking of the voyage of Solomon's fleet to Tarshish; the Book of Kings stating, that he "had at sea _a navy of Tarshish_ with the navy of Hiram,"--the Book of Chronicles, that the King's ships "_went to Tarshish_ with the servants of Huram."

The difference in this case is immaterial. The probability seems to be, that Solomon built a fleet on the Red Sea to go to Ophir, because he could not otherwise procure one: but that he _hired_ vessels to trade in the Mediterranean; which vessels, placed under the charge of Tyrian pilots, proceeded with his own servants (or supercargoes) to Tarshish, or Tarsus, on the coast of Cilicia, whither, once in three years, returned the fleet of that port,[248] bearing the produce of the more distant countries--Spain, Barbary, the Cassiterides, and England.

And Tarsus, we may suppose, was chosen as the entrepôt for the produce of those countries, in preference to Tyre--firstly, on account of its being a more commodious port; and, secondly, as being better situated for the inland trade of Asia Minor.

END OF VOL. I.

LONDON:
F. SHOBERL, JUN. 51, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Hallam.--Europe during the Middle Ages.

[2] The causeway that connects the city of Cadiz with the Isla de Leon is said to be a _fragment_ of a work undertaken by Hercules; the castle of Santi Petri (built on a rocky island about five miles to the east of the city) to be constructed from the ruins of a temple built by that celebrated hero, and in which his bones were deposited.--Traces of this temple may be seen at low water, near the mouth of the San Pedro river.

[3] That of Cadiz is literally a ruin.

[4] The _Torre del Oro_, in which the precious metals brought from Mexico were formerly deposited.

[5] The Lonja was built (as the word in fact implies) for an exchange, but, from the fallen state of Spanish commerce, it is now used as a depôt for the American Archives.

[6] The Province of Andalusia comprises, strictly speaking, only the three kingdoms of Seville, Cordoba, and Jaen; but that of Granada is generally included by modern Geographers.

[7] The kingdom of Granada was founded by Mohammed Abou Said, of the family of Alhamares, A.D. 1236.

[8] The Vale of Granada is, _par excellence_, termed La Vega. _Vega_ signifies a plain.

[9] He who has not seen Granada--has seen _nothing_.

[10] _Cosas de España!_ is a common mode of expressing the uncertainty of every thing connected with Spain. "_Affairs of Spain._"

[11] Far be it from me to disparage the information or undervalue the exertions of this most estimable lady, to turn the precious time of my _all-seeing_ countrymen to the best account: on the contrary, I can with perfect truth and from much personal experience say, that I never met with a better General Itinerary than that she has given to the public: and though, as regards Spain, the amount of information is scanty, yet it is nevertheless far more correct than that contained in works I have met with, devoted exclusively to the description of that country.

[12] There are tastes which deserve a stick.

[13] A mountain road.

[14] It may be as well, ere I start on my travels, to explain that there are three words in Spanish by which houses of entertainment are designated, exclusive of _Parador_, which may be considered a generic term, implying a _place to stop at_.--The first in rank is the _Fonda_, whereat travellers are furnished with board and lodging, but which does not extend its accommodation to horses. Next comes the _Posada_, which accommodates man and beast, but does not always profess to supply nourishment to either.--The _Venta_ is a kind of roadside public house, where bad accommodation, and whatever else the place contains, may be had for money.

[15] A muleteer.

[16] _Olla_--an earthenware vessel. The well known cognominal mess is so called from being cooked therein.

[17] Fill himself with gazpachos.

[18] The word tar signifies also a ridge either of a house or mountain, and might with great propriety have been applied to the strongly-marked outline of the rock of Gibraltar as compared with the mountains in the neighbourhood.

[19] See Note A in the Appendix.

[20] Peculiar Spanish cap.

[21] The original Spanish is given in the Appendix B.

[22] A Year in Spain, by a young American.

[23] Young American.

[24] _The Place_--the name, par excellence, by which the Spaniards distinguish Gibraltar.

[25] Mountaineers.

[26] "We are all corrupt." Such were the words of Merino Guerra, at his parting interview with the late Sir George Don at Gibraltar, on proceeding--an exile--to South America.

[27] Napoleon certainly succeeded in making his Satraps honest. In his latter days, Massena would not have dared to repeat the witty reply made to the _First Consul_ before all the Republican Generals, on his accusing him of being "_un voleur_." "_Oui, mon General, je suis un voleur, tu es un voleur, il est un voleur--nous sommes des voleurs, vous êtes des voleurs, ils sont tous des voleurs._"

[28] "_El Presidente e Individuos de la Junta de Sanidad de la Ciudad de Gibraltar, que por la material pérdida de su plaza reside en esta de San Roque de su Campo, &c._"--Such was the heading of the Bill of health, with which I travelled when last in Spain.

[29] The punishment of death by strangulation is so called, from the _short stick_, by turning which an iron collar, that goes round the criminal's neck, is brought so tight as to cause instant death.

[30] The usual complimentary mode of expression amongst Spaniards, which has no more meaning than the "Obedient humble Servant" at the bottom of an English letter.

[31] He had fallen in with Capt. Tupper of the 23d Fuzileers (with whom he was well acquainted) on his way to Algeciras, who had accompanied him to San Roque. Poor Tupper! led away by a somewhat quixotic love of strife, he was persuaded in an unlucky moment to throw up his company in one of the first regiments in the British service, to become the _Colonel_ of a regiment of adventurers, and was killed whilst gallantly leading on his men at the first attack on _Hernani_ of fatal memory.

[32] A Spanish _pillared_ dollar.

[33] Blue blood.

[34] The term _Tertulia_ was originally applied to an assembly of _Literati_, which met to discuss the opinions held by _Tertulian_, and even to this day those who attend these, now festive, meetings, are called _Tertulianos_.

The following lines contain a biting satire on the _Tertulians_ of the olden time, (for they can hardly be applied to those of the present) and might perhaps not inaptly be addressed to other self-appointed literary judges in various parts of the world.

_Y entraron los Tertulianos--rigidissimos jueces, que
sedientes de Aganipe, se enjuagan; pero no beben._

which may be thus freely translated.--Thirsting, the Tertulians arrive at Aganippe's fountain; infallible judges!--They rinse their mouths, but drink not.

[35] Lit:--_a sigh_--a kind of puff made principally of sugar, which dissolves immediately on being dipped in water.

[36] An open court. Most Spanish houses are built so as to enclose a court or garden--which in summer is much used by the family, being protected from the sun by a canvass awning.

[37] Widow of Sir Emanuel Viale--Roman Consul in Gibraltar.

[38] 1st Book of Kings, ch. 10. v. 22. See Note C in Appendix.

[39] According to Strabo, however, the original founder of this city was Hercules, from whom it received the name of Heraclea.

[40] Pieces of Artillery.

[41] Large game.

[42] The Spanish term for a shooting party, where beaters are employed to drive the game.

[43] This must not be confounded with the more celebrated _Genil_.

[44] _Aqui se vende buen vino_--Here good wine is sold.

[45] Posadero--keeper of a Posada--Innkeeper.

[46] Spaniards never say the Spanish grammar, the Spanish tongue, &c.--but _La Gramatica Castellana_--_La Lingua Castellana_, &c.

[47] With every convenience.

[48] Little sister.

[49] Strictly speaking, _Knights_, but applied to all gentry.

[50] Parlour.

[51] Literally translated--people of _hair_, but here evidently meaning people of _substance_.

[52] Infant God.

[53] A _hot_ Gaspacho, which consists of the same materials as the _Gazpacho fresco_, but, when an evening meal, is usually heated at the fire.

[54] Thieves.

[55] Chief magistrate, where there is no _Corregidor_.

[56] One does not depart a point from the truth.--Don Quijote.

[57] Fowling-piece.

[58] Black pudding.

[59] God assists him who rises early.

[60] A little charity, for the love of God.

[61] Quite correct.

[62] God go with you.

[63] Custom-house officer.

[64] There are various league measures in Spain.--1st. The _Legua geografica_, of which there are 17-1/2 in a degree of the meridian; 2ndly, the _Legua de Marina_, or of "an hour's journey;" and 3rdly, the _Legua legal_. Of the two last, a degree contains 20 and 26-1/2 respectively. The leagues on the _post-roads_ of Andalusia must be calculated at the second of these measures; that is, at three British statute miles, and 807 yards each: but on the cross roads the measurement depends upon whether the leagues are specified as being _largas_, _cortas_, or _regulares_, which may be computed at 5, 3, and 4 miles respectively, whilst that of "_una hora_" (an hour) may be reckoned like a post league, at 3-1/2 very nearly.

[65] Friar's rock.

[66] Here, brother Sancho, we may thrust our hands (arms?) up to the elbows in what are called adventures.

[67] So it is said.

[68] Publican.

[69] Off!--Jesus! Maria! Joseph!--my barley! my hemp! every thing will be destroyed!

[70] Little market.

[71] On this subject see further at Chapter XV., vol. II.

[72] Gibraltar was recaptured from the Spaniards by Abou Melic, the year following his arrival in Spain; and he assumed the title of King of Ronda, Algeciras, and Gibraltar.--He fell at the battle of Arcos, where his army was completely routed by that of Alphonso the Eleventh, commanded by the Grand Master of Calatrava, A.D. 1339.

[73] And, in the course of time, the _Hisna_ trimming (Randa) has been torn off, and the place called Ronda.

[74] Gentry--from _Hidalgo_ (_Higo de algo_). _Son of Somebody._

[75] A.D. 1735. Part of this bold arch is yet visible.

[76] Ficus indicus.

[77] A body corporate of the nobility, whose province is chiefly to encourage the breed of horses.--The present male competitor for the crown of Spain was Grand Master of the R. Maestranza of Ronda, during the lifetime of Ferdinand VII.

[78] It was no unusual thing to send Regiments, that were very much in arrears of pay, to garrison the lines in front of Gibraltar; and so well was the reason of their being sent there understood, that sometimes they would take the settlement of accounts _into their own hands_. I recollect the Regiment of _La Princesa_ refusing--Officers and Men--to embark for Ceuta, because they had not been allowed to remain long enough before Gibraltar to pay themselves. The regiment was permitted to remain three months longer, and at the expiration of that time embarked perfectly satisfied: a rare instance of _moderation_.

[79] A bushel nearly.

[80] A real vellon is equal to 2-1/2 pence.

[81] At Ronda even an Octogenarian is a Chicken.

[82] May you die at Ronda, bearing pig-skins.

[83] Well planted.

[84] The Greek peasant may also perhaps be excepted.

[85] The word _Majo_ originally signified Bravo, or Bully, but is now applied to such as court distinction by an extravagant style of dress. It is almost confined to the South of Spain.

[86] _Haca_--a Pony--though the term is applied to horses of all sorts. Our word _hack_ is evidently derived therefrom, and Hackney from _Hacanea_, the diminutive of Haca.

[87] To a rogue, a rogue and a half.

[88] There is no vessel to measure tastes, nor scales, by which they can be tried.

[89] The public walk of every Spanish town is so called.--The word is derived from _Alamo_, a poplar.

[90] A small silver coin.

[91] Revoltingly as this exclamation from a lady's mouth would sound to "ears polite" in England, yet it is in common use, even in the first circle of Spanish Society. The different manner of pronouncing the J, making it _Hèsus_, mitigates in some degree the disgust with which it cannot but be heard by Englishmen: the word appearing to have a different import, as it were, until the ear becomes accustomed to its use. The vulgarisms of one nation are often thus passed over by another,--most fortunately in some instances,--for with married couples it frequently happens this "ignorance is bliss."

[92] Literally--Courses.

[93] Bull-fighters.

[94] An Amateur.

[95] Literally, _Jester_.--The term has probably been applied to the bull-fighter's _assistant_, from the part he acts in drawing the animal's attention.

[96] A long club stick, with which the shepherds and others keep their flocks in order, and bring to the Bull-fights to signify their impatience and displeasure, by striking it against the wood-work.

[97] Acenipo, according to Ptolemy. The ruined city was discovered A.D. 1650, and the coins, inscriptions, and statues, that have been found there, leave no doubt of its being the Acenippo mentioned by Pliny as one of the cities of _Celtica_, (Lib iii.) the situation of which country had long been matter of dispute; some supposing it to have been on the banks of the Guadiana.

[98] Carter, who it is clear never visited the spot, fancied it was the Guadiaro itself that issued from the _Cueva del Gato_.

[99] Custom-house officers.

[100] All ashes and coal, like a fairy's treasure.

[101] With a clear and tranquil voice.--_Don Quijote._

[102] Wild olive.

[103] _Los Reyes Catolicos_--the title by which Ferdinand and Isabella are invariably distinguished.

[104] The Pass of the horror-struck Moor.

[105] Mountaineer.

[106] Native of Cadiz.

[107] The niche which marks the direction of Mecca.

[108] _Dios guarde à usted_--God preserve you.

[109] _Road of partridges._ Any particularly wild and stony track is so called in Spain, from such localities being the favourite resort of that bird.

[110] A train of men and beasts, from the Arabic, _Kafel_.

[111] The cry by which muleteers keep their animals on the move. This word is the root of the term _arriero_, applied generally to the drivers of beasts of burthen.

[112] A cigar, made entirely of tobacco (in the usual way), is so called by the country people, who very seldom consume "the weed" in that form.

[113] _The cross of astonishment_--meaning the hurried cross which a devout Romanist describes upon his person, whenever unexpectedly exposed to danger.

[114] Literally, a _man of whisker_--but meaning a bold fellow.

[115] Very bad people.

[116] God give you a bad Easter--_desunt cætera_.

[117] How droll the squint-eyed fellow is!

[118] He-goat--which, in allusion to his horns, is used as a term of reproach.

[119] Fortune always leaves a door open.

[120] A corruption of the word _Arabes_.

[121] River of the city.

[122] The fans mostly used are made of kid-skin, richly gilt at the back, and painted on the other side.--A Spanish belle does not hesitate to expend thirty or forty dollars on her fan, though she should have to live on _Gazpacho_ for a month, to make up for her extravagance.

[123] De situ Orbis: Lib. 2. Cap. 6.

[124] Treasury.

[125] The name given to cigars composed of chopped tobacco rolled up in _paper_, the latter item furnishing by far the greater portion of the _smoke_.

[126] Punch and eggs.

[127] Without cares.

[128] Buffo.

[129] Literally, _strong houses_. They are brick forts of small dimensions, presenting, generally, a bastioned front on the land side, and a semi-circular battery, en barbette, to the sea.

[130] The _village_ of Alcaucin, erroneously placed in Lopez' and other maps _on_ the road, is situated about half a mile from it, on the right hand.

[131] Woe is me, Alhama!

[132] The accounts of the founder of the kingdom of Granada differ materially.--Florez says that he was but a common ploughman, and that the surname of Alhamar was given him from his ruddy complexion.--Others, however, (and I think with greater appearance of truth,) maintain that he was a distinguished inhabitant of _Arjona_, of which place he made himself Lord previous to founding the kingdom of Granada, and that he belonged to the tribe of Alhamars, from Couffa, on the Red Sea.

[133] _Torre de la Vela_--the loftiest tower of the Alhambra.

[134] Al Hamara--the red.

[135] A small Spanish coin.

[136] This is the court of the Lions.

[137] Of most volume--meaning importance.

[138] A kind of drum, having a small hole in the parchment at one end, through which a close fitting stick is worked up and down so as to produce a noise like that made by a wheel requiring grease.

[139] The point to which Mohammedans turn when praying.

[140] Seat of the Moors.

[141] The _little_ unfortunate, in allusion rather to the size of his person than the extent of his misfortunes.

[142] Watch Tower.

[143] The handsome.

[144] Florez--España Sagrada.

[145] From the Arabic word _suk_, a place of sale.

[146] Dost thou know me?

[147] The husband of this lady was at the time of which I write, as he has lately again been, Prime Minister of Spain. Though universally admitted to be a man of great talent, his views are considered too "_confined_" for "the circumstances of the country;" and he has each time been obliged to make way for more "_stirring men_."

[148] I have already warned my readers, that in publishing the journal of my various wanderings, it did not form part of my plan to specify dates with any precision. I should perhaps state, however, that it was _not_ on the occasion of my first visit to Granada that I saw the Marquis of Montijo, nor, indeed, do I think he had then retired from public life. But, at all events, if his so doing be considered a matter of history, it is so unimportant a one, as to excuse my here describing him eight or ten years older, and much more infirm, than he really was at the time of which I write.

[149] War to the knife.

[150] I certainly am right in calling the old lady gover_nor_, since we pray in our churches for "our most gracious queen and governor."

[151] St. James; the patron saint of Spain.

[152] Though you dress up a monkey in silk, a monkey he remains.

[153] I speak only of the officers of the _Regular_ army, not of the _Guerrilla_ chieftains, who, without performing the prodigies of valour _stated by themselves_, often behaved most gallantly, manoeuvered with great skill, and did good service to the general cause.

[154] The name of an estate granted to the Duke of Wellington.--See Chap. xiii., Vol. 2.

[155] The amount of population in Spanish towns is calculated by vecinos; the term in a literal sense meaning neighbours, but in this case implying _hearths_, or _families_. Each _vecino_ is computed at six souls, unless they are specified as being _escasos_, (scanty) when five only are reckoned for each.

[156] _Hirtius--de Bello Hisp._

[157] The Eton Atlas, however, places _Ulia_ on the spot where _Castrò el Rio_ now stands, and gives the name of _Silicense_ to the River Guadajoz.

[158] _That_ Spanish gentleman.

[159] A very small parlour.

[160] A common ejaculation of all Spaniards.

[161] Real Habana cigars are so called, though those made at the Royal Manufactories in Spain more properly deserve the _lawful_ distinction.

[162] _Cuidado_--care! meaning be careful. The Andalusians invariably slur over, or altogether omit, the _d_ in the final syllable, which forms the past participle of most of the Spanish verbs. I once heard of a dispute between an Irish and a Scotch soldier, touching the _true_ pronunciation of the name, _Badajos_,--one maintaining that it was _Bi Jadus_, the other _Baddyhoose_. The question was finally referred to an Andaluz contrabandista in company to decide. The Spaniard, after gravely listening to both modes, declared that, of the two, Sandy's was the nearer approach to the _real Castillian_, which he pronounced to be _Ba'jos_, Anglice _Bah-hose_.

[163] The smoking of a cigar.

[164] With perfect confidence--and it is astonishing and highly flattering to our national character what confidence all Spaniards place in us on a very slight acquaintance. A remarkable instance of this occurred to my friend Budgen (whose name I have once before taken the liberty of mentioning in these pages), when returning home alone one afternoon, from shooting in the Almoraima forest. A well dressed and well mounted Spaniard, who had trotted past and eyed him very hard several times, addressing some common-place observation to him on each occasion, at length, having ascertained to his satisfaction that, in spite of a half Spanish costume, he was an Englishman, reined his horse up alongside, and said he had a particular favour to ask. "It is granted, if in my power," was the reply. "I have here, then," added the Spaniard, "a number of doubloons," mentioning a very considerable sum, "which I want to smuggle into _La Plaza_, for the purchase of various goods. Your person will not be examined by the custom-house officers at _the Lines_, whereas mine is sure to be. Will you, therefore, oblige me by carrying them in for me, and lodging them at the house of ---- and Co.?" "Did you ever _see_ me before," demanded my astonished friend, "that you ask me to do this?" "No," replied the other; "but I see _you are an Englishman_." Thanking him for the compliment paid to the national character by this proof of trust, our countryman added, that he must nevertheless decline doing what was asked of him, as the confidence shown by the Spanish government in suffering Englishmen to pass into Gibraltar without examination would be badly returned by such an act. The Spaniard (fully appreciating the high sense of honour that dictated this answer) expressed a hope that he had not given offence, wished him good day, and rode forward.

[165] Scorpions.

[166] "_What about Religion? stuff!_" Many of my readers may suppose, that this sanguinary and summary mode of establishing a constitutional government is an _original_ project of my own, put into the mouth of _Tio Blas_; but I can assure them it is _word for word_ a _translation_.

[167] To strut the streets like peacocks.

[168] The Andalusian peasants usually wear a handkerchief round the head, under the _sombrero_, to absorb the perspiration.

[169] In England the state of the roads is such, as to enable us to dispense with an adjective signifying _passable_ for a carriage; the Spaniards have not an equally good excuse for this deficiency in their vocabulary: I venture therefore to translate the expressive Italian word _carrozzabile_.

[170] Chief magistrate of a town, who is never a native of the place.

[171] The names of these places, though communicated to me in the first instance, are now withheld, at the narrator's particular request.

[172] Something between a town and a village.

[173] Surname.

[174] In an open country.

[175] To preach in the desert.

[176] Address as _you_.

[177] She is now in heaven.

[178] It is a common saying amongst the _Serranos_, "Kill your man, and fly to Olbera for safety."

[179] The daughter badly married than well maintained.

[180] Literally, with outstretched foot--at his ease.

[181] I can fancy some hypercritical persons quarrelling with this expression of the worthy Señor Blas; since Ceuta is not actually an island. But it is cut off from the main land by so wide a salt water ditch, that I think he was almost warranted in using the word sea-girt.

[182] Scarecrow.

[183] Band.

[184] To gain friends is to put money out to interest, and sow on irrigated soil.

[185] With closed eyes--i. e. without hesitation.

[186] I interrupted the Señor Blas here, asking him if Valencia was not an _open city_? "Yes, _Señor Critico_," he replied, "but have not houses walls?"

[187] Holyly into the house.

[188] Conceived without sin--the invariable _acknowledgment_ of the _Ave Maria_ which a devout Spaniard pronounces on crossing the threshold of a house, be it even to commit murder.

[189] Raw garlic and pure wine make one travel safely.

[190] To an old dog you need not say _tus tus_.

[191] A nickname for Frenchmen.

[192] More wind than fire.

[193] Charcoal furnaces.

[194] Quarter.

[195] For him who sees so well, one eye is enough.

[196] Literally, _do you expend tobacco_?

[197] Punk made of a dried fungus that grows round the roots of the cork tree.

[198] Bomb-cigar.

[199] Literally, bulls and canes--i. e. high words.

[200] Throw that bone to another dog.

[201] A precipice before, wolves behind.

[202] Scare _wolves_.

[203] Strike the iron whilst it is hot.

[204] Sash--The Spanish peasants carry their money wrapped up within the folds of their wide sashes.

[205] Literally, _make the fig_, that is, thrust the thumb between the fore and middle fingers in sign of contempt.

[206] Give a quittance.

[207] Feet uppermost.

[208] Peculiar sailing boat.

[209] It was founded by Ferdinand and Isabella, whilst laying siege to Granada.

[210] Most Spanish houses are built in a square form, enclosing an open court, or _patio_. A servant "answers the door," by raising the latch, by means of a pulley, and demanding your business from the gallery of the first floor, a plan which would be attended with _considerable inconvenience_ in London.

[211] Arm-chair.

[212] Fire.

[213] Cat for hare.

[214] In the mouth of fame.

[215] Where envy reigns, there virtue cannot live.

The lines of Burns,

"O wad some pow'r, the giftie gie us,
To see oursels as others see us!"

often occurred to me in the course of Señor Blas's story.

[216] Of extracting the teeth from one who has been hanged.

[217] Old crony.

[218] _Pépé_, short for Josef.--_Alamin_, faithful.

[219] Without stoppage.

[220] To wit.

[221] An olla without _bacon_--an essential ingredient for its well-being.

[222] Dress worn by the herdsmen, made of sheepskins.

[223] He who neglects to take a rope may be drowned.

[224] To the deed with a good heart.

[225] Making the salaam.

[226] Literally, by who God is.

[227] Gipsy.

[228] Wild boar.

[229] The _moderates_ were distinguished by wearing a ring--whence the term.

[230] An olla that boils long loses much.

[231] This was the general opinion amongst the Spanish _liberales_.

[232] "_Well then_"--a conjunctional expression with which, and sundry _conques_ (with which), a Spaniard takes up and links together the different portions of a _cuenta_, the narration of which is generally interrupted by the necessity for lighting a fresh cigar, striking a fresh light, or getting rid of a superabundant supply of smoke. I have been purposely chary of these expressions, not to prolong a story which, even without them, many may think is somewhat tediously spun out.

[233] Which may be thus literally translated (_si se ofrece algo_) if any thing occurs, ( ...) a hiatus that is filled up with a shrug of the shoulders; an expansion of the hands, palms outwards, and corresponding contortion of the muscles of the cheeks; all of which, like Lord Burleigh's shake of the head, has a wonderfully comprehensive meaning--viz., in which I can in any way serve you, (_ustedes no tienen que mandar_,) you have but to give me your orders.

[234] My house, my wife, my servants--every thing I possess is at your disposal.

[235] A much better, indeed a very good inn, has since been established. See chapter 2, vol. ii.

[236] _Zancarron de Mahoma_ is a contemptuous way of speaking amongst Spaniards of the bones of the prophet, which the Mussulmans go to visit at Mecca.

[237] Court of the Orange-trees.

[238] This was previous to the present civil war.

[239] "Swallow it;" the substance of the song being, if you do not like it (the constitution), you must swallow it, dog!

[240] Thanks, my daughter, many thanks.

[241] A female dog.

[242] Jonah, ch. i., v. 3.

[243] Acts. ch. ix., v. 11.

[244] 1st Kings, ch. xxii., v. 48.

[245] 2nd Chron., ch. xx., v. 36.

[246] 1st Kings, ch. ix., v. 26., and 2nd Chron., ch. viii., v. 17 and 18.

[247] 1st Kings, ch. x., v. 22, and 2nd Chron., ch. ix., v. 21.

[248] Ezekiel, ch. xxvii., v. 12.

* * * * *

Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber:

Zefaraya Mountains=> Zafaraya Mountains {pg v contents}

An English Conntry Dance=> An English Country Dance {pg vi contents}

Occnpied by a Cavalry Regiment=> Occupied by a Cavalry Regiment {pg vi contents}

the commerce of the country detroyed=> the commerce of the country detroyed {pg 4}

vous etes des voleurs=> vous êtes des voleurs {pg 40 n.}

They rince their mouths=> They rinse their mouths {pg 52 n.}

eluded his viligance=> eluded his vigilance {pg 98}

bright eyed-acquaintances=> bright-eyed acquaintances {pg 128}

the first days _corrida_=> the first day's _corrida_ {pg 133}

the stangers=> the strangers {pg 134}

answering his decription=> answering his description {pg 168}

that protuded above=> that protruded above {pg 184}

by the rapid progress of the christian arms=> by the rapid progress of the Christian arms {pg 203}

Genaralife=> Generalife {pg 259}

encicle the traveller=> encircle the traveller {pg 282}

have given orders not be disturbed=> have given orders not to be disturbed {pg 381}

foothpath to the river=> footpath to the river {pg 382}

I solemly protested=> I solemnly protested {pg 400}