me to run straight at a ring fixed between two stakes.
As soon as I was perfect in that performance, my master announced that
on that day the wise dog would run at the ring, and exhibit other new
and incomparable feats, which, indeed, I drew from my own invention, not
to give my master the lie. We next marched to Montilla, a town belonging
to the famous and great christian, Marquis of Priego, head of the house
of Aguilar and Montilla. My master was quartered, at his own request, in
a hospital; he made his usual proclamation, and as my great fame had
already reached the town, the court-yard was filled with spectators in
less than an hour. My master rejoiced to see such a plenteous harvest,
and resolved to show himself that day a first-rate conjuror. The
entertainment began with my leaping through a hoop. He had a willow
switch in his hand, and when he lowered it, that was a signal for me to
leap; and when he kept it raised, I was not to budge.

On that day (for ever memorable in my life) he began by saying, "Come,
my friend, jump for that juvenile old gentleman, you know, who blacks
his beard; or, if you won't, jump for the pomp and grandeur of Donna
Pimpinela de Plafagonia, who was the fellow servant of the Galician
kitchen wench at Valdeastillas. Don't you like that, my boy? Then jump
for the bachelor Pasillas, who signs himself licentiate without having
any degree. How lazy you are! Why don't you jump? Oh! I understand! I
am up to your roguery! Jump, then, for the wine of Esquivias, a match
for that of Ciudad Real, St. Martin, and Rivadavia." He lowered the
switch, and I jumped in accordance with the signal. Then, addressing the
audience, "Do not imagine, worshipful senate," he said, "that it is any
laughing matter what this dog knows. I have taught him four-and-twenty
performances, the least of which is worth going thirty leagues to see.
He can dance the zaraband and the chacona better than their inventor; he
tosses off a pint of wine without spilling a drop; he intones a sol, fa,
mi, re, as well as any sacristan. All these things, and many others
which remain to be told, your worships shall witness during the time the
company remains here. At present, our wise one will give another jump,
and then we will enter upon the main business."

Having inflamed the curiosity of the audience, or senate, as he called
them, with this harangue, he turned to me and said, "Come now, my lad,
and go through all your jumps with your