which tell me that,
beneath that plebeian husk, must be concealed some kernel of
extraordinary worth. In short, be it what it may, I love her, and not
with that common-place love I have felt for others, but with a passion
so pure that it knows no wish beyond that of serving her, and prevailing
on her to love me, and return in the like kind what is due to my
honourable affection."

Here Lope gave a shout, and cried out in a declamatory tone, "O Platonic
love! O illustrious scullery-maid! O thrice-blessed age of ours, wherein
we see love renewing the marvels of the age of gold! O my poor tunnies,
you must pass this year without a visit from your impassioned admirer,
but next year be sure I will make amends, and you shall no longer find
me a truant."

"I see, Asturiano," said Tomas, "how openly you mock me. Why don't you
go to your fisheries? There is nothing to hinder you. I will remain
where I am, and you will find me here on your return. If you wish to
take your share of the money with you, take it at once; go your ways in
peace, and let each of us follow the course prescribed to him by his own
destiny."

"I thought you had more sense," said Lope. "Don't you know that I was
only joking? But now that I perceive you are in earnest, I will serve
you in earnest in everything I can do to please you. Only one thing I
entreat in return for the many I intend to do for you: do not expose me
to Argueello's persecution, for I would rather lose your friendship than
have to endure hers. Good God, friend! her tongue goes like the clapper
of a mill; you can smell her breath a league off; all her front teeth
are false, and it is my private opinion that she does not wear her own
hair, but a wig. To crown all, since she began to make overtures to me,
she has taken to painting white, till her face looks like nothing but a
mask of plaster."

"True, indeed, my poor comrade; she is worse even than the Gallegan who
makes me suffer martyrdom. I'll tell you what you shall do; only stay
this night in the inn, and to-morrow you shall buy yourself an ass, find
a lodging, and so secure yourself from the importunities of Argueello,
whilst I remain exposed to those of the Gallegan, and to the fire of my
Costanza's eyes."

This being agreed on, the two friends returned to the inn, where
Asturiano was received with great demonstrations of love by Argueello.
That night a great number of muleteers stopping in the house, and those
near it, got up a