'd, column strown
In fragments, choked up vaults, and frescoes steep'd
In subterranean damps, where the owl peep'd,
Deeming it midnight:--Temples, baths, or halls--
Pronounce who can; for all that Learning reap'd
From her research hath been, that these are walls."

"I had been too much taken up with the scene, the verses, and the strange
being who was repeating them with so much feeling, to notice the approach
of a slight female figure, beautiful in the extreme, but whose tattered
garments, raven hair, swarthy complexion, and flashing eyes, proclaimed
her to be of the wandering tribe of Gitanos. From an intuitive sense of
politeness she stood with crossed arms and a slight smile on her dark and
handsome countenance, until my companion had ceased, and then addressed
us in the usual whining tone of supplication--'Gentlemen, a little
charity; God will repay it to you!' The Gypsy girl was so pretty and her
voice so sweet, that I involuntarily put my hand in my pocket.

"'Stop!' said the 'Unknown.' 'Do you remember what I told you of the
Eastern origin of these people? You shall see I am correct.' 'Come
here, my pretty child,' said he in Moultanee, 'and tell me where are the
rest of your tribe.' The girl looked astounded, and replied in the same
tongue, but in broken language; when, taking him by the arm, she said in
Spanish: 'Come, Caballero, come to one who will be able to answer you';
and she led the way down among the ruins towards one of the dens formerly
occupied by the wild beasts, and disclosed to us a set of beings scarcely
less savage. The sombre walls of this gloomy abode were illumined by a
fire, the smoke from which escaped through a deep fissure in the mossy
roof, whilst the flickering flames threw a blood-red glare on the bronzed
features of a group of children, two men, and a decrepit old hag who
appeared busily engaged in some culinary operations.

"On our entrance, the scowling glance of the males of the party, and a
quick motion of the hand towards the folds of the faja (where the clasp-
knife is concealed), caused in me, at least, anything but a comfortable
sensation; but their hostile intentions were immediately removed by a
wave of the hand from our conductress, who, leading my companion towards
the sibyl, whispered something in her ear. The old crone appeared
incredulous. The 'Unknown' uttered one word; but that word had the
effect of magic. She prostrated herself at his feet