r matters
than those which related to horses, mules, and Gypsy traffic. It was in
this cautious manner that I first endeavoured to divert the attention of
these singular people to matters of eternal importance. My suggestion
was received with acclamations, and we forthwith proceeded to the
translation of the Apostle's Creed. I first recited in Spanish, in the
usual manner and without pausing, this noble confession, and then
repeated it again, sentence by sentence, the Gitanos translating as I
proceeded. They exhibited the greatest eagerness and interest in their
unwonted occupation, and frequently broke into loud disputes as to the
best rendering--many being offered at the same time. In the meanwhile, I
wrote down from their dictation, and at the conclusion I read aloud the
translation, the result of the united wisdom of the assembly, whereupon
they all raised a shout of exultation, and appeared not a little proud of
the composition."

In his desire to see the Gypsies and the ways of the people he more than
doubled his difficulties, and suffered from cold and the rudeness of the
roads and of the people. But in spite of the internecine civil war he
got safe to Madrid. Printing was begun in 1837, and when copies were
ready Borrow advertised them and arranged for their distribution. He
himself set out with his servant, Antonio Buchini, a Greek of
Constantinople, who had served an infinity of masters, and once been a
cook to the overbearing General Cordova, and answered the General's sword
with a pistol. They travelled to Salamanca, Valladolid, Leon, Astorga,
Villafranca, Lugo, Coruna, to Santiago, Vigo, and again to Coruna, to
Ferrol, Oviedo, Santander, Burgos, Valladolid, and so back to Madrid in
October. He had suffered from fever, dysentery and ophthalmia on the
journey. According to Dr. Knapp it was the most unpropitious country
possible. If chosen by anything but ignorance, it must have been by whim
and the unconscious desire to delight posterity and amaze Dr. Knapp.
Borrow had met, among others, Benedict Mol, the Swiss seeker after
treasure hidden in the earth under the Church of San Roque at St. James'
of Compostella. This traveller was not his only acquaintance. He formed
a friendship at Madrid with the Spanish scholar, Luis de Usoz, afterwards
editor of "The Early Spanish Reformers," who became a member of the Bible
Society, helped Borrow in editing the Spanish Testament, and looked after
his interes