sake of Preciosa, that I might raise her up to my own level, and make her my equal and my lady.  I do not seek to deceive; the love I bear her is too deep for any kind of deception; I only desire to serve her in whatever way shall be most agreeable to her; her will is mine; for her my heart is wax to be moulded as she pleases but enduring as marble to retain whatever impression she shall make upon it.  If you believe me I shall fear no discouragement from any other quarter, but if you doubt me, I shall despond.  My name is——­; my father’s I have already given you; he lives in such a house in such a street and you may inquire about him and me of the neighbours, and of others also; for our name and quality are not so obscure but that you may hear of us about the court, and every, where in the capital.  I have here a hundred crowns in gold to present to you, as earnest of what I mean to give you hereafter; for a man will be no niggard of his wealth who has given away his very soul.”

Whilst the cavalier was speaking, Preciosa watched him attentively, and doubtless she saw nothing to dislike either in his language or his person.  Turning to the old woman, she said, “Pardon me, grandmother, if I take the liberty of answering this enamoured senor myself.”

“Make whatever answer you please, granddaughter,” said the old woman, “for I know you have sense enough for anything.”  So Preciosa began.

“Senor cavalier,” she said, “though I am but a poor gitana and humbly born, yet I have a certain fantastic little spirit within me, which moves me to great things.  Promises do not tempt me, nor presents sap my resolution, nor obsequiousness allure, nor amorous wiles ensnare me; and although by my grandmother’s reckoning I shall be but fifteen next Michaelmas, I am already old in thought, and have more understanding than my years would seem to promise.  This may, perhaps, be more from nature than from experience; but be that as it may, I know that the passion of love is an impetuous impulse, which violently distorts the current of the will, makes it dash furiously against all impediments, and recklessly pursue the desired object.  But not unfrequently when the lover believes himself on the point of gaining the heaven of his wishes, he falls into the hell of disappointment.  Or say that the object is obtained, the lover soon becomes wearied of his so much desired treasure, and opening the eyes of his understanding he finds that what before was so devoutly adored is now become abhorrent to him.  The fear of such a result inspires me with so great a distrust, that I put no faith in words, and doubt many deeds.  One sole jewel I have, which I prize more than life, and that is my virgin purity, which I will not sell for promises or gifts, for sold it would be in that case, and if it could be bought, small indeed would be its value.  Nor is it to be filched from me by wiles or artifices; rather will I carry it with me to my grave, and perhaps to heaven,