er, would authorise him to practise his profession in any town
throughout Spain. In the course of the same conversation, he asked me
whether Russia was not situated in the Mediterranean, and whether
England did not form a portion of that country.

Tact and good manners are so universal among the lower classes, that a
more familiar intercourse than we are accustomed to, can be allowed
between persons of different ranks. Those of the highest class are seen,
during a journey, dining at the same table with their servants; and on
all other occasions entering into conversation with them. This
intercourse of good nature and good understanding, universally existing
between superiors and inferiors, and which is never known to degenerate
into familiarity, would preserve Spain a long time from revolutions of a
popular origin--were she left to herself. The Spaniard of the lowest
station has as considerable an idea of his personal consequence as a
marquis, and maintains with his equals all the forms of high breeding.
If you stop to listen to the discussions of a knot of ragged children
playing at marbles, you will hear them address each other by the title
of Senor.

The urbanity and polish which prevails throughout all classes is
genuine, and the result of good-nature. This is proved by their
readiness to render all sorts of services as soon as they are acquainted
with you, and even before; and _that_ notwithstanding their suspicion
and dislike of strangers, a disposition for which they have ample cause.
I don't mean to include services which might incur pecuniary outlay; it
would be something like requesting the loan of the Highlander's
inexpressibles. Although even of this a remarkable instance has fallen
under my observation,--the capability existing,--but they will spare no
trouble nor time: doubling the value of the obligation by the graceful
and earnest manner of rendering it.

Should your reception by a Spaniard be marked by coldness, it is
generally to be accounted for by a very excusable feeling. The Spaniard
is usually deeply preoccupied by the unfortunate state of his country.
This subject of continual reflection operating on a character singularly
proud, but which is at the same time marked by a large share of
modesty,--qualities by no means incompatible,--occasions him a sensation
when in presence of a foreigner nearly approaching to suffering. He
feels a profound veneration for the former glories of his land, and
ad