prolonged
existence to the possession of an admirable work of art,--the tomb of
Juan the Second and his Queen Isabel, which stands immediately in front
of the high altar of the church. This living mass of alabaster, the work
of Gil de Siloe, son of the celebrated Diego, presents in its general
plan the form of a star. It turns one of its points to the altar. Its
mass, or thickness from the ground to the surface, measures about six
feet; and this is consequently the height at which are laid the two
recumbent figures.

[Illustration: _N. A. Wells. deb._ W. I. Starling, "84"

INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF MIRAFLORES,

NEAR BURGOS.]

It is impossible to conceive a work more elaborate than the details of
the costumes of the King and Queen. The imitation of lace and
embroidery, the exquisite delicacy of the hands and features, the
infinitely minute carving of the pillows, the architectural railing by
which the two statues are separated, the groups of sporting lions and
dogs placed against the foot-boards, and the statues of the four
Evangelists, seated at the four points of the star which face the
cardinal points of the compass,--all these attract first the attention
as they occupy the surface; but they are nothing to the profusion of
ornament lavished on the sides. The chisel of the artist has followed
each retreating and advancing angle of the star, filling the innermost
recesses with life and movement. It would be endless to enter into a
detailed enumeration of all this. It is composed of lions and lionesses,
panthers, dogs,--crouching, lying, sitting, rampant, and standing; of
saints, male and female, and personifications of the cardinal virtues.
These figures are represented in every variety of posture,--some
standing on pedestals, and others seated on beautifully wrought
arm-chairs, but all enclosed respectively in the richest Gothic tracery,
and under cover of their respective niches. Were there no other object
of interest at Burgos, this tomb would well repay the traveller for a
halt of a few days, and a country walk.

At the opposite side of the town may be seen the royal convent of Las
Huelgas; but as the nuns reserve to themselves the greater part of the
church, including the royal tombs, which are said to be very numerous,
no one can penetrate to satisfy his curiosity. It is, however, so
celebrated an establishment, and of such easy access from the town, that
a sight of what portions of the buildings are access