of the assault, the terrors
of battle, the hunger and privation endured in blockades and sieges, or
the ruin caused by mines, with other matters of similar kind whereof he
might have spoken, but which he passed over in silence--although there
are those who would consider such things as having something to do with
the life of the soldier, not to call them its principal features. In a
word, he said so much on the subject, that the resolution of our Thomas
Rodaja began to waver, and his inclination went near to fix itself on
that life, which is so near a neighbour to death.

[51] Don Augustin de Arrieta, a Spanish commentator of our author,
informs us that the _camarada_ not only journeyed and lived with his
companion of the way, but even slept in the same chamber, and not
unfrequently in the same bed.

The captain, whose name was Don Diego de Valdivia, charmed, on his part,
with the handsome looks, cheerful manners, and admirable abilities of
Rodaja, entreated him to accompany the march into Italy, were it only
for the purpose of seeing the country. He offered him his table, and
even, if he would adopt the military life, he proposed to procure him a
pair of colours; nay, he assured him that those of his own regiment
would soon be vacant, and should be at his service.

But little persuasion was required to induce Rodaja's acceptance of a
part of this offer. Weighing it in his mind, he considered that it would
be well to see Italy and Flanders, to say nothing of other countries,
since travel contributes to increase knowledge and discretion. He
thought, too, that although he should spend three, or even four years
in that occupation, yet these, added to the few he then counted, would
not make him so old but that he might afterwards return to his studies.
These and other considerations had their weight, and the opportunity
being so much to his taste, Rodaja finally told the captain that he
would go with him into Italy; but it must be on condition of being left
at perfect liberty. He would not consent to enlist under his banner, nor
to have his name enrolled in the books of the regiment, that he might
not be subjected to the restraints of service. The captain represented
that his being inscribed on the lists was a matter which involved no
duty, and that he would thereby obtain all the appointments, with the
regular pay accorded to his rank; while he, Don Diego, would take care
that he should have leave of absence whenever he