were tastefully enamelled with delicate vines, laden
with blooming roses. Within the square is an artificial pond of water,
sparkling with golden fishes, in the centre of which is a fairy-like
island, teeming with flowers of numerous kinds. The general effect of
the view was like that of enchantment, or like one of those
indescribable scenes that sometimes visit us in dreams, the beauty of
which surpasses reality. But my time will not allow me to indulge very
largely in detail. From the "Generaliffe" we proceeded to several of the
churches, and afterward to an extensive mad-house. We were not a little
amused. One old gentleman, _about_ the "_maddest of the lot_," who had
formerly been a general in the Spanish army, told me he liked his
present quarters very well, but that his companions were nothing better
than a pack of fools! The grounds about this humane establishment are
prettily laid out in gardens and handsome walks, and the patients
themselves have a spacious and pleasant yard for their exercise and
recreation. All this reflects favorably upon the character of the
Spanish people, who are ever kind to such as are afflicted or in
distress. They never scoff at human suffering in any form, however fond
they may be of the savage ferocity of the bull-fight. They are
compassionate to the poor, and even when the request of a beggar is
denied, it is done in such gentle terms, that the denial is robbed of
its sting. "Pardon me for God's sake, brother," is the usual form. I
have found much to admire among the Spaniards. No nation, not even the
French, exceeds them in true politeness or good breeding. When I left
Madrid, a friend of mine procured for me an introductory letter, from a
lady whom to this day I have never seen, addressed to her children
living at Grenada. To my great surprise, the ladies called in their
carriage yesterday and inquired for me, although I had not then
presented my letter of introduction. To-day I called upon the family, in
company with Mr. Wetmore, (a young American from New York, who has just
reached Grenada from Madrid,) and was most hospitably and kindly
received. One of the young ladies has perhaps the sweetest face I ever
saw, and to her beauty her graceful manners add an indescribable charm.
I am quite certain that it would be impossible for me or any other man
to see her many times with impunity. The influence of such attractions
with me, I confess, is quite irresistible. Beauty is more poten