Silius Italicus (III. 393), praises the wines of the neighbouring Nebrissa, the City of Bacchus. But time, which changes all things, has made Bacchus desert Nebrissa for Xeres, where the wine-vaults, named "botegas," are of immense size, more like cathedrals than mere stores. Some of them contain several thousand wine-butts, and are parcelled out into divisions, bearing the names of the several saints to whom they are dedicated. The superintendence of the manufactory is entrusted to the capataz, or chief butler; and he is the principal "taster." The tasters, of whom there is a considerable number, are generally natives of the Asturias. A peculiar delicacy of taste is requisite for the office, in which these mountaineers are supposed to excel the rest of their countrymen, probably in consequence of their indulging less than others in the use of garlic, with the fumes of which you are smothered, in whatever quarter you turn. If you pay a visit to one of these botegas,' you are overwhelmed with civilities, and presented with hundreds of samples, the great object being of course to effect sales. 66 On this subject of wine-tasting, Sancho Panza supplies us with a good anecdote, which will not be out of place here. Sancho boasts his descent from two ancestors, celebrated for their skill as winetasters, who differed over a cask of "divine Valdepeñas." One of them dipped in his tongue, and swore that the wine had a twang of iron; the other thrust his nose inside the bung-hole, and protested that it smelt strongly of leather. On emptying the cask, a key tied to a thong of leather was discovered at the bottom, and wonderfully confirmed the degustatory acumen of his ancestors. Hence Sancho derived his own love for the "pigskin," analagous to our bottle, it being in this tough but serviceable article that the Spanish peasantry carry their wines to the present day. As regularly as the Irish bogtrotter brings his pigs to market, the Spanish paisano conveys thither the produce of his little vintage, pent within a hog's hide, whence probably "hogshead!" Whether this be the true etymon or not, it is an original suggestion. The favourite Sherry in Spain is seco, or dry. This is the "Sherris Sack" of Shakspere, Sack being the corruption of Seco. This will, we have no doubt, be new to most of our readers. The corruption of names by popular usage has led to some amusing changes. "Port" for Oporto is reasonable enough; but "Sherry" is rather a distant approximation to Xeres. The "Bulland-Mouth" for Boulogne Mouth, the "Cat-and-Wheel" for St. Catherine's Wheel, and the "Bell Savage" for "La Belle Sauvage," are somewhat farcical. But the nomenclature of sailors is still more ridiculous. Only think of Livorno corrupted into Leghorn, and Fiorenza into Florence. Sam Slick presents us with another laughable approximation. It appears that in some parts of the Northern States, Buenos Ayres is now spoken of as "Bows and Arrows." "There is nothing new under the sun;" for Strabo informs us that at Carthage the Greeks metamorphosed the Bosra, the Punic Acropolis, into Burse, "a skin," and, with the habitual audacity of that lying race, tacked upon this fabrication the idle etymology of Dido and the bull's hide, which they alleged her to have cut into slips, and "astonished the natives" by thus enclosing a vast extent of territory. but we feel convinced that Sherry will never lose its popularity. Its body combines well with brandy, and in a climate like this highly brandied wines will always have a preference. Sherry is used in Spain quite differently from the English mode. The Spaniard drinks it sparingly, and more as a liqueur than as a vin d'habitude. It is designated by them a vino generoso, and generous it is to all intents and purposes. Its strong and fragrant" nosegay" will ever recommend it in England. Sherry is not much known in Spain beyond the immediate vicinity of the vineyards which produce it; and it is estimated that there is more of it consumed at Gibraltar than in all the rest of Spain. This is chiefly owing to the penchant of the English residents. Sherry is a dear wine in Spain, and even at Seville it is difficult to get it good. Captain Scott narrates a joke of a Spanish Boniface, who, in advertising his Sherry, misplaced and interchanged his initial letters, somewhat like the Cockney, with his "vine, weal, and winegar." The Spaniard's sign was inscribed " Aqui se bende vuen bino," instead of " Aqui se vende buen vino." In allusion to this frequent use of the b for the v, and vice versa amongst the Spaniards, Scaliger pleasantly says that with them: "Nihil est aliud vivere quàm bibere!" Near Xeres are the ruins of a celebrated Carthusian convent, whose church and halls were once decorated with several of Zurbaran's masterpieces. The site is now desolate, and the rich plains around were once the breeding-farms of the convent. The Guadalete flows below; and upon its banks that memorable battle was fought in 711, at which Roderick the Last of the Goths lost both crown and life. The name "Guadalete" signifies "River of delight," so called by the Moors from its enchanting aspect. "Rio" is the Spanish name for river; but the humblest student in geography will remember that the names of all the rivers in the South of Spain commence with "Guad," the Moorish name for a river. The road from Xeres to the mountain-capital of Ronda climbs over the highest range of the Ronda Sierra, through a wild and dangerous waste of cistus and ilex. At Grasalema, a deep ravine in the face of a high mountain, the hardy inhabitants beat back a whole division of French, who out of spite, when they evacuated Ronda in 1812, maliciously blew up its fine old Moorish castle. The scenery of this Sierra is of the most magnificent description. The mountains seem carelessly tossed about like the waves of a stormy ocean. But amongst rocks, crags, and torrents there are ever to be found fresh and delightful valleys, alternating with Alpine cliffs. The mule-track is carried sometimes along the beds of rivers, at others on the verge of tremendous precipices. At Gaucin, where a fine old castle is perched upon a crag, its pinnacles appearing like a portion of the rock, the cannon, which some time since defended it, are dismounted. But the fort, if you believe the countrypeople, needs no such defence, it being under the protection of "El Niño Dios," an image of the infant Saviour, in embroidered petticoats. This image is greatly respected; and, according to the sacristan, “ Ese caballero chico ha hecho muchissimos milagros." (This little gentleman has wrought a great number of miracles.) Ronda is renowned for the ruddy cheeks both of its apples and its damsels. It is also somewhat celebrated for its fairs and bull-fights, to which the British officers stationed at Gibraltar are fond of repairing. The inhabitants are hardy and independent, like most highlanders. The view from the Alameda of Ronda is perfectly magnificent. The stupendous chasm, El tajo, through which the Guadalevi has forced its way, "Dizzies the head to cast one's eyes below." The gulf yawns at a fearful depth, and is spanned by a bridge, which connects the Moorish town with a modern suburb. The saying of Wilson at the falls of Terni might well be applied here: "Well done, rock and water, by Heaven!" The road which leads from Ronda to Seville passes through Olvera. Here it is that the French, during their stay, for want of better, regaled themselves upon asses' flesh. The wits upon their return denounced them as unnatural cannibals; and whenever any of these gasconading SIGISMUND; OR, THE TURN OF LUCK. THE church-clock of Stuttgard had just struck twelve, when a postchaise stopped before the hotel of the Great Mogul. On the chaisedoor being opened, a young gentleman, most fashionably dressed, and of prepossessing appearance, alighted, exhibiting in his manner all the gaiety of a young student just entering on his vacation. It was Sigismund Von Eppenstein, an amiable young gentleman of the Duchy of Baden, who inherited from his parents every thing that constitutes a gentleman, including the most expensive tastes, but with nothing to spend. Up to the period at which we have introduced our hero, his position was any thing but enviable. He had been long languishing in a miserable employment, and it was with difficulty he could even afford himself frills to his shirt or a second hat in the entire year. But fortune seemed to grow weary at length of the severity with which she had so long treated him, and he arrived at Stuttgard big with the hope of securing a more brilliant position. The hotel-keeper, after having made his wonted salutations, conducted Sigismund to a small but elegant chamber. The curtains were of the richest silk; two wax candles were placed one at either end of the chimney-piece, and a boot-jack reposed invitingly at his foot. Our hero, who knew something of the world, readily perceived that he was lodged in one of the first hotels in Baden, and that consequently his purse would be made to suffer. Every one knows how eager society is to bestow its favours and attentions on a person of rank, though sure of receiving nothing in return; public esteem being in the inverse ratio to one's real merits. Fatigued and oppressed from the effects of his journey, Sigismund opened the window that he might breathe more freely. As he was leaning forward he perceived young lady on the balcony of the house opposite, who smiled upon their eyes meeting. Sigismund had received too good an education not to appreciate such a mark of favour; he passed his hand through his hair, pulled up his cravat, and saluted her with studied grace. The unknown fair one returned his salute. Sigismund, encouraged by this fresh proof of approbation, conveyed to her, by signs far more expressive than language, how beautiful, how charming she was, when, lo! she burst into a fit of laughter. Enchanted with his success, he ventured to salute her with all the earnestness of an ardent lover; the young lady shut the window-" Excellent," said our hero, "she retires-a proof that already she takes an interest in me; the adventure begins well. I am delighted with the town of Stuttgard, with what pleasure shall I make it my abode !" As the hour for dinner was still distant, he strolled out to view the city. He found the streets crowded with people, some returning to their homes with all the bustle of business, and others moving along in the anxious expectation of creating an appetite. The young ladies spoke loud, so as to attract the utmost possible attention; boys returning from school, amused themselves with tormenting dogs, and other unfortunate animals; little girls, seated at outer doors, were busily employed in dressing up their dolls, whilst the merchant, suspending his more serious occupations, found relaxation in the amusement of watering the flowers that were ranged in botanical order along his balcony. Sigismund took singular pleasure in witnessing this diversified scene. "What joyous activity!" said he; every one seems to consult only his own amusement. How I love this bustle, and am delighted by the festive air that every thing seems to wear! It was always my opinion that in large cities alone all the resources of human happiness are understood and developed.' " He found an insatiable pleasure in gazing on the passing crowd, and imagined he already knew all the citizens, of whom he rejoiced that he was about to become one. He repeated to himself the names which he read on the signs, and was almost on the point of saluting those whom he elbowed, and inquiring after their health. He continued walking along, absorbed in his pleasing reveries, and confiding to chance the charge of bringing him back to his hotel. It turned out as he wished, for after a very long walk he found himself before the door of the Great Mogul. As he entered they were just sitting down to dinner. Among the guests he recognized one of his old companions at the Gymnasium, where he was educated, Bellerman by name. The two friends shook hands warmly, and having sat down, informed each other of the purport of their respective journeys to Stuttgard. 66 "I have come," said Sigismund, "to fill the place to which I have been appointed." "I come on the very same errand," replied Bellerman; but I have lost all hope." "How is that?" "The place I was expecting rests entirely at the disposal of the president." Precisely like mine." "I have just seen him; he informed me that a competitor, having indisputable claims, had just presented himself, and that he would certainly be preferred." "And do you know this competitor ?" "No, name. I have not been able to make out his He is a young man who has written, as I have been told, various memoirs on the science of political administration." "Indeed?" "A doctor of law." "Oh, indeed!" "And who moreover is related to General Swurberg." "Just so," cried Sigismund, striking the table in uncontrollable triumph with his fist. "You know him then?" said Bellerman. Why, man, it is I!” Bellerman drew back with an ejaculation of surprise. Sigismund immediately repressed his joy as well as he could, and assumed a modest air. "I am extremely sorry, my dear fellow," he said," that my preferment should be the cause of your disappointment; but it has been promised me this long time. As you were told, I had a right to expect it." "And you are the nephew of General Swurberg?" added Bellerman. "It is rather clear that I am the nephew of my uncle," replied. Sigismund, with naiveté and good humour. However, my dear fellow, don't be in the least uneasy; I hope to be able to acquire some influence over the president; and the first place vacant shall be reserved for you." By this time dinner was over, and Sigismund, who felt that generosity which a victory gained always inspires, resolved not to abandon his friend to the sad state of mind which his disappointment had naturally produced; he asked the landlord the way to the most frequented promenade, took Bellerman by the arm, and the pair set out together. It was not, however, without repugnance that Bellerman yielded to the importunities of his more fortunate rival. He found fault with every thing; the walks were badly planted, the women ugly, and the weather heavy and cloudy. The true sun of mankind is not in the heavens, but in the heart. Our feelings beget the sunshine or the shade. When they had arrived upon an elevation from which Stuttgard was seen in its fullest extent, Sigismund stopped, transported with admiration at the view before him. His companion shrugged his shoulders with evident contempt. "I always detested a large city; what is it?" said Bellerman: "A hive without honey; an ant-hill where all are labouring at doing nothing. Such is the life of man, a perpetual motion directed to no fixed end! The stream glides on, the winds pass over, the birds wing their airy flight, man grows old-to what end? Under what influence do all these phenomena take place? by what laws are they governed? Chance-Chance! Some are incessantly arriving at success and honour, without setting out in the pursuit-others as incessantly set out but never arrive. The lucky portion of mankind have their fathers or their uncles, who engage places for them in life beforehand, as for the theatre, and the friendless and unprotected, obliged to stand at the door exposed to the wind and rain, arrive when there are no more tickets to dispose of." Sigismund felt hurt at this allusion, to which no doubt his enviable position had given rise. "The first condition requisite for filling a situation, is the right which talent gives," he replied; "but those on whom nature has bestowed her gifts with a sparing hand, are like pennyless people, to whom paying for any thing appears an extortion." As he perceived that he had already wounded the feelings of Bellerman, he added, smiling, "After dinner is no time for philosophising. To-morrow we can talk over serious matters. Let us digest our dinners like true Germans, looking up at the clouds, as though we were studying the heavens. Who can find fault with society, or repine at his existence, when he breathes this air laden with odorous perfumes, when he hears the soothing music of yonder murmuring stream, and beholds the rich foliage of the trees that wave around There are none really happy or miserable in this world, Bellerman; all conditions are equal, for all are equally the slaves of penury on the one hand, or vain-glory on the other. The rich require the admiration of the poor, the powerful the approbation of the weak. Look at those charming women that pass before us. Well! it is to attract our us? attention that they study to heighten their charms. Look at that sumptu ously gilded equipage, it is gilded to call forth our admiration; those postillions are dressed up in velvet for the same end; even that old gentleman, who sits his horse so badly, exposes his neck to be broken for no other remuneration." A gentleman advanced in years, and elegantly dressed, had just rode up in time to call forth these last reflections. His steed was well trained in all those pranks and curvettings, which are so dangerous to bunglers, while they are the delight of skilful riders. His gait was neither a walk nor a trot, but a very showy sort of ambling pace. Describing a series of curved lines, chewing the bit as if it were a pottle of oats, pawing the earth and snorting, he now and then made as much way backwards as forwards, all which proved him to be a steed on whose education nothing had been spared; and the old cavalier, though far from feeling comfortable, endeavoured to look the centaur. at him. Bellerman stopped to look 66 "Did you ever see anything resemble more a pair of tongs on horseback?" said he. "He certainly must be some very great personage, who can brave so much ridicule with impunity." "It must be so," said Sigismund, for you see how respectfully they all salute him. Even the ladies look on him with gracious smiles."- "Base flatterers!" murmured Bellerman; "if he were a poor mechanic they would look on him with contempt. See him now, how he parades before that carriage; does he not resemble the clown in a company of mountebanks? I have a mind to hoot him."-"Silence! here he comes towards us: he is a very distinguished man, for you see all the decorations he bears."—" I must get nearer to him, suppose it was only to laugh in his face. It shall never be said that I, enjoying all the privileges of freedom, let such a caricature pass with impunity.""Take care what you are about!" cried Sigismund. "I hold no public office," replied Bellerman, “Î am free to express my opinion." |