than expose it to danger by listening to specious tales and chimeras.  It is a flower which nothing should be allowed to sully, even in imagination if it be possible.  Nip the rose from the spray, and how soon it fades!  One touches it, another smells it, a third plucks its leaves, and at last the flower perishes in vulgar hands.  If you are come then, senor, for this booty, you shall never bear it away except bound in the ties of wedlock.  If you desire to be my spouse, I will be yours; but first there are many conditions to be fulfilled, and many points to be ascertained.

“In the first place I must know if you are the person you declare yourself to be.  Next, should I find this to be true, you must straightway quit your father’s mansion, and exchange it for our tents, where, assuming the garb of a gipsy, you must pass two years in our schools, during which I shall be able to satisfy myself as to your disposition, and you will become acquainted with mine.  At the end of that period, if you are pleased with me and I with you, I will give myself up to you as your wife; but till then I will be your sister and your humble servant, and nothing more.  Consider, senor, that during the time of this novitiate you may recover your sight, which now seems lost, or at least disordered, and that you may then see fit to shun what now you pursue with so much ardour.  You will then be glad to regain your lost liberty, and having done so, you may by sincere repentance obtain pardon of your family for your faults.  If on these conditions you are willing to enlist in our ranks, the matter rests in your own hands; but if you fail in any one of them, you shall not touch a finger of mine.”

The youth was astounded at Preciosa’s decision, and remained as if spell-bound, with his eyes bent on the ground, apparently considering what answer he should return.  Seeing this, Preciosa said to him, “This is not a matter of such light moment that it can or ought to be resolved on the spot.  Return, senor, to the city, consider maturely what is best for you to do; and you may speak with me in this same place any week-day you please, as we are on our way to or from Madrid.”

“When Heaven disposed me to love you, Preciosa,” replied the cavalier, “I determined to do for you whatever it might be your will to require of me, though it never entered my thoughts that you would make such a demand as you have now done; but since it is your pleasure that I should comply with it, count me henceforth as a gipsy, and put me to all the trials you desire, you will always find me the same towards you as I now profess myself.  Fix the time when you will have me change my garb.  I will leave my family under pretext of going to Flanders, and will bring with me money for my support for some time.  In about eight days I shall be able to arrange for my departure, and I will contrive some means to get rid of my attendants, so as to be free to accomplish my purpose.  What I would beg of you (if I might make bold to ask any favour) is that, except to-day for the purpose of inquiring about me and my family, you go no more to Madrid, for I would not that any of the numerous occasions that present themselves there, should deprive me of the good fortune I prize so dearly.”