reat 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, 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