h are known as
Gypsies, Bohemians, Gitanos, Zigani, and by many other names, but whose
proper appellation seems to be 'Rommany,' from the circumstance that in
many and distant countries they so style themselves, and also the
language which they speak amongst each other. We began conversing in the
Spanish dialect of this language, with which I was tolerably well
acquainted. Upon inquiring of my two newly-made acquaintances whether
there were many of their people at Badajoz and in the vicinity, they
informed me that there were nine or ten families residing in the town,
and that there were others at Merida, a town about nine leagues distant.
I asked by what means they supported themselves, and they replied that
they and their brethren gained a livelihood by jobbing in horses, mules,
etc., but that all those in Badajoz were very poor, with the exception of
one man, who was exceedingly _mubalballo_ or rich, as he was in
possession of many horses and other beasts. They removed their cloaks
for a moment, and I saw that their undergarments were rags.

They left me in haste, and went about the town informing the rest that a
stranger was arrived, who spoke Rommany as well as themselves, who had
the eyes and face of a Gitano, and seemed to be of the _eratti_, or
blood. In less than half-an-hour the street before the inn was filled
with the men, women, and children of Egypt. I went out amongst them, and
my heart sank within me as I surveyed them; so much squalidness, dirt,
and misery I had never before seen amongst a similar number of human
beings. But the worst of all was the evil expression of their
countenances, plainly denoting that they were familiar with every species
of crime; and it was not long before I found that their countenances did
not belie them. After they had asked me an infinity of questions, and
felt my hands, face, and clothes, they retired to their homes. My
meeting with these wretched people was the reason of my remaining at
Badajoz a much longer time than I originally intended. I wished to
become better acquainted with their condition and manners, and above all
to speak to them about Christ and His Word, for I was convinced that
should I travel to the end of the universe I should meet with none who
were more in need of Christian exhortation, and I accordingly continued
at Badajoz for nearly three weeks.

During this time I was almost constantly amongst them, and as I spoke
their language and was con