ture, founded
on the supposed wealth of that King, who possessed larger states than
his successors, and who paid no tribute to the sovereigns of Castile.

Immediately over the highest story of the Moorish tower is the belfry.
The bells are suspended on the centre of revolving beams, which traverse
the open arches of the four faces of the tower. They are consequently in
full view, as they throw their somersets and send forth their lively
clatter on a _dia de fiesta_.

Their effect is very original, and as unlike as possible to the
monotonous and melancholy cadence of an English peal. None of them are
deep-toned nor solemn, but all high and sharp: so that being let loose
in merry disorder, and without tune, they somehow appear to harmonize
with the brilliant skies, just as the descending ding-dong in England
suits the gloom of the northern heavens. Leave Seville, and never shall
their tones steal on your memory without your being transported into a
blaze of bright sunshine.

In Spain the houses of the grandees are not called palaces, as those of
the same rank in Italy are usually termed. There is not even an
intermediate term, such as mansion,--still less the hall--abbey, or
castle. They have the last, but only applied in cases in which it is
correctly and legitimately applicable. The Arab expression _alcazar_,
composed of the article _al_ and _cazar_, is so like the Spanish _la
casa_ (the house), that, not having at hand a professor of Arabic to
consult, I will risk the assertion that it bore the same meaning;
notwithstanding the opinion of several French writers who translate it
_chateau_. Chenier, author of the history of Morocco, derives it from
the word Caissar, which he considers synonymous with Caesar: but this
derivation appears to admit of much doubt, as the word would signify the
Emperor, instead of his residence. Supposing it to signify the house, it
must no doubt have meant the principal, or royal house. At present the
two words are admitted into the Spanish language as one, which is
applied indiscriminately to royal town-residences, whether castles or
not, as well as the term _palacio_. But a private residence of whatever
extent is modestly termed a house.

In this instance, as in many others, the proud contempt of high-sounding
phraseology is common to Spain and England, where some of the most
palace-like habitations are called Wentworth House, Hatfield House,
Burleigh House: the very porters' lodges bei