nious changes of the
tune. Why, never preface thy song again with an apology, or I shall
begin to doubt thy sincerity."

"Wild woods and savage life have not tarnished the courtly polish of
Sir Christopher Gardiner," said Arundel. "And now for my guerdon,
though in truth I feel shame for the little I have been able to do, in
comparison with what I expect."

"By my troth, thou art a master in the science of delicate
compliments. There was, I confess, a time when, with youthful vanity,
I did esteem myself possessed of some skill, and could step along the
gamut with any Don or Signor of them all; but that is long since, and
I fear me that the gutturals of Northern Germany have quite driven out
of my throat the liquids and vowels of Italy. However, to pleasure me,
thou hast sung with infinite discretion and wonderful sweetness, a
most delectable song; and now it were boorish not to attempt at least
to repay thy musical favor."

So saying, the Knight sung in a manner and with an expression that
proved him to be an accomplished musician, and in some contrast with
the less artful style of Arundel, the following song:

"On golden Guadalquiver's banks
Are tinkling gay guitars,
To hail with song and smiling thanks,
The soldier from the wars.

"When glowing youth and beauty met,
Blush at each other's glance,
And, bounding to the castanet,
Entwine th' impassioned dance.

"And purple Xeres sends her wine,
To laugh in those dark eyes,
Whose flashing orbs the stars outshine,
Of Andalusia's skies.

"Red lips repeat the hero's name,
White hands are scattering flowers;
Honor be his and deathless fame,
And gratitude be ours!

"Delightful land of orange blooms,
Of chivalry and song,
Whose memory the past perfumes--
O! how for thee I long!

"Where'er may stray my wandering feet,
I never will forget,
Or Guadalquiver's maidens sweet,
Or merry castanet.

"When sun, and moon, and stars turn pale,
On Nature's funeral pyre,
O'er all Spain's glory shall prevail,
An eagle soaring higher."

"You have well profited by your opportunities, Sir Christopher," said
Arundel, at its conclusion. "By mine honor, such sweet and artful
notes never waked the echoes of a mighty forest. I seemed to mingle in
the graceful fandango, and to taste the exhilarating Xeres in your
song."

"Ah!" replied the Knight, with a half sigh. "It is only a reminiscence
of