memory was matter of
marvel to all; and the correctness of his views on all subjects was not
less remarkable.

The time had now arrived when the studies of his masters were completed,
and they returned to their birthplace, which was one of the most
important cities of Andalusia. They took Rodaja with them, and he
remained in their company for some time; but, assailed by a perpetual
longing to return to his studies at Salamanca,--a city that enchains the
will of all who have tasted the amenities of life in that fair seat of
learning--he entreated permission of his masters to depart for that
purpose. With their usual kindness, they accorded him the favour he
desired, and took such measures in his behalf that by their bounty he
was supplied with a sufficiency to support him in the university for
three years.

Rodaja took his leave with manifest proofs of gratitude, and departed
from Malaga, for that was the native city of his masters, without
further delay. Descending the declivity of the Zambra on the road to
Antequera, he chanced to encounter a gentleman on horseback, gaily
accoutred in a rich travelling dress, and attended by two servants, also
on horseback, whose company he joined; their journey thenceforward lay
in the same direction, and the gentleman accepted Thomas as his
comrade.[51] They discoursed of various matters, and, in a short time,
Rodaja gave such proof of his quality as much delighted his
fellow-traveller; while the latter, on his part, soon proved himself to
be a kind and courteous man. He told Rodaja that he was a captain of
infantry in the service of the king, and that his ensign was then
completing their company at Salamanca. He praised the life of a soldier
in the highest terms, describing, with much encomium, the many cities
and other places visited by those who lead that life. Among other themes
of which he spoke were the beauty of Naples, the feasting and pleasures
of Palermo, the rich abundance of Milan, and the frequent festivals held
in other parts of Lombardy--not omitting the good cheer of the numerous
hostelries--in the description of which he broke forth rapturously in
the Tuscan language, discoursing of _Macarela_, _Macarroni_, and
_Polastri_, with the most cordial goodwill. He expatiated largely on the
free enjoyment of life in Italy, and on the pleasures of the soldier's
life in general, which he exalted to the skies; but he did not say a
word of the chilling night-watch, the perils