miration of its natural superiority; but he is distrustful of his
modern compatriots, of whom he has no great opinion. His anxiety is,
therefore, extreme with regard to the judgment which a Frenchman or
Englishman may have formed respecting his countrymen and country: and he
is not at his ease until satisfied on that point; fearing that the
backward state of material civilization may be attributed by them to
hopeless defects in the national character, and diminish their respect
for his country. He is restored to immediate peace of mind by a delicate
compliment, easily introduced, on the ancient grandeur of Spain, or the
eternal splendour of her skies and soil, and especially by an expression
of disapproval of the influence which foreign governments seem desirous
of arrogating to themselves over her political destinies.

Should the stranger delay the application of some such soothing balm, he
will not hesitate to provoke it, by ingeniously leading the conversation
in the direction he wishes, and then heaping abuse and censure on his
compatriots.

The interference of foreign governments in their politics is, in fact,
one of the consequences of the present national inferiority, the most
galling to their feelings. This is accounted for by the high
independence, which is one of the principal features of their character,
and is observable in the most insignificant events of their daily life.
The practice which prevails in some countries, of meddling each with his
(and even _her_) neighbour's concerns, and of heaping vituperation where
a man's conduct or opinions differ from his who speaks, is one of the
most repugnant to the Spanish nature. If a Spaniard hears such a
conversation, he stares vacantly, as though he comprehended nothing; and
the natural expression traceable on not a few countenances and attitudes
may be translated, "I don't interfere in your affairs, pray don't
trouble yourself about mine."

It is curious to trace this in their favourite sayings, or proverbs
(_refrans_), by which the national peculiarities of character are
admirably depicted. Of these no people possess so complete a collection.
The following is one which expresses the feeling to which I allude:

El Marques de Santa Cruz hizo
Un palacio en el Viso:
Porque pudo, y porque quiso.

or, translated,

What could induce Sir Santa Cruz to
Build a house the Viso close to?
--He had the money, and he chose to.

I place, in t