als, which are almost
wholly of water, make them the admiration and terror of all
mankind--that of Europe dominating the old world, and that of America
the new. For of the former it would appear that her riches are infinite,
her position impregnable, her government most wise, the abundance of her
products inexhaustible; in a word, she is herself, as a whole, and in
all her parts, entirely worthy of that fame for greatness and majesty
which has penetrated to all the regions of the world: the justice of the
praise bestowed on Venice is, besides, accredited by her renowned
arsenal, wherein are constructed her potent galleys, with other vessels
of which the number is not to be told.

To our curious traveller the delights and pastimes found in Venice had
almost proved fatal as those of Calypso, since they had nearly caused
him to forget his first intentions. Yet when he had passed a month in
that enchanting place, he found resolution to continue his journey,
passing by Ferrara, Parma, and Placentia, to Milan, that workshop of
Vulcan--that grudge and despair of France--that superb city of which
more wonders are reported than words can tell, her own grandeur being
increased by that of her famous Temple, and by the marvellous abundance
of all things necessary to human life that are to be found therein.

From Milan, Rodaja journeyed to Asti, where he arrived in very good
time, since the regiment of Don Diego was to depart for Flanders on the
following day. He was received very kindly by his friend the captain,
with whom he passed into Flanders, and arrived at Antwerp, a city no
less worthy of admiration than those which he had seen in Italy. He
visited Ghent and Brussels likewise, finding the whole country preparing
to take arms, and well disposed to enter on the campaign of the
following year.

Rodaja having now seen all that he had desired to behold, resolved to
return to his native Spain, and to the city of Salamanca, there to
complete his studies. He had no sooner determined than he instantly put
his purpose into execution, to the great regret of his friend, who,
finding him resolved to depart, entreated him at least to write him word
of his safe arrival, and likewise of his future success. This Rodaja
promised to do, and then returned to Spain through France, but he did
not see Paris, which was at that time in arms. At length he arrived at
Salamanca, where he was well received by his friends, and with the
facilities whic