THE {i} LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE, OR THE SPANISH ROGUE.

——— TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH EDITION OF MONS. LE SAGE. ——— BY JOHN HENRY BRADY. ——— SECOND EDITION, CORRECTED AND CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED. ——— IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II. ——— LONDON: PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN, PATERNOSTER-ROW. — 1823.{ii}

London: Printed by J. Nichols and Son, 25, Parliament-street.

CHAP.

Wisdom is better than riches, since Fortune is but a fickle goddess, who bereaves us one day of what she has bestowed on us the preceding. During the course of our lives she makes us resemble comedians, who have every day new parts to study, and must appear in different characters. Who could have thought that, after having served the cook so faithfully, he would have turned{2} me out of doors for so trifling an offence? It is true, that thus the world wags, and that persons of much greater consequence than myself are constantly treated in the same manner by the great upon the most trivial occasion, after having rendered them a thousand services.

Stop, Guzman, cry you, or you will lose yourself in moral reflections. Whither will this learned discourse lead you? To my basket again, reply I; yes, my friend, to my basket, which, having now become to me as useful as eloquence was to Demosthenes, or stratagems to Ulysses, consoled me under my present misfortune. Long may the basket-trade flourish, which a man, having once tried, will never fail to resume. I must candidly confess that when I returned to it I was much in the same condition as when I was fool enough to leave it; for all the produce of my former knaveries, during the time I had been scullion, had{3} gone as lightly as it came, and, with the exception of a finer suit of clothes, I was no better off than before.

That my returning to my old employment, however, might not be attributed to my indolent and discontented disposition, I determined, before I purchased a new basket, to offer my services to some cooks of my master’s acquaintance, who knew me. If they had received me, it was my intention to have rendered myself thoroughly knowing in kitchen affairs, in which I had already made so good a beginning, and for which I might boast a most happy disposition; but they had heard of my inclination for gaming, and that nothing was safe within my reach when I wanted money: and thus, finding there was no chance of obtaining another situation of this description, I was compelled to resume my former occupation. I therefore took up my basket again; and though I did not fare so well among my comrades as at the hotel from{4} which I had been dismissed, yet I was once more independent, and completely master of my own actions. Being naturally sober, this sort of life was more adapted to my inclinations than the other, so that I had but little reason to regret

leaving a house in which I was led into a thousand intemperances.

We basket-bearers had a small row of houses, or rather hovels, near the market, which we had bought at our own expense. Here it was that we usually regaled ourselves, and held our merry meetings. I always got up with the sun, and was ready at every body’s call, by which means I never failed to secure a profitable day’s work from such of the citizens as kept no servants, who employed me to carry home the provisions they purchased; and the faithful manner in which I performed their commissions soon established my credit in the several markets.

About this time commissions were issued{5} to the different regiments to raise new levies. When any thing of this nature happens, the report soon gets abroad, the people assemble in every direction to discuss the subject, and a council of state is held in almost every house. In ours, as you may imagine, we canvassed the designs of the Court as freely as the best of them, and had some politicians among us whose conjectures were not very far from the truth. Good sense is to be found in every condition. When we were all assembled at night each reported what he had heard or seen during the day in the principal families in the city, and we formed our opinions accordingly; and I can assure you, that though some among us reasoned absurdly, yet there were others, the solidity and good sense of whose arguments were fully justified by the occurrence of events which they predicted. I well remember that, among others, our fraternity could boast of a certain beggar with wooden legs, who{6} never left his post on a bridge where he begged the whole of the day, whose

acquaintance with state affairs would have astonished a prime minister.

We concluded then that these new levies that were making, the destination of which was concealed, must be intended for Italy; and this, you will see, proved to be true. The first time I heard these troops mentioned they brought into my mind my intended journey to Genoa, and made such an impression on my spirits that I did not sleep a wink the whole night. I felt more anxious than ever to see my relations, from whom I did not doubt I should obtain a brilliant fortune, every body telling me that they were exceedingly rich, and many of them without children; which latter, I considered, would be charmed to have an heir of so great merit as myself. To these flattering expectations, however, unpleasant ideas soon succeeded. “How,” thought I,{7} “can I have the insolence to appear before these noble Genoeses in this miserable dress? and though I tell them I am their kinsman, are they likely to credit my assertions? I hope they may be simple enough to believe me; but I fear they cannot fail to treat me like a rogue and an impostor, if only to

support the honour of the family. Perhaps I may not escape even so well as this; for my father, who was thoroughly acquainted with the dispositions of his countrymen, has often said that a Genoese is not to be trusted in any case where his interest or reputation is concerned. Still,” thought I, “they may be honest like my father; and I am persuaded that they will entertain too great a respect for the memory of their deceased relative, to refuse to assist me in my present distressing situation. They are too prudent to venture to treat me as an impostor before they have interrogated me as to our family affairs; and in this respect I{8} shall be well able to answer, for I can tell them such particulars as none but my father’s son could possibly be acquainted with, and which, being not proper to be made public, they will undoubtedly be obliged to do something for me that I may not divulge them.”

Thus I wavered betwixt hope and fear. Sometimes I thought that I flattered myself too much, and at other times that I desponded without reason. I paused at the latter reflection, which was the more consolatory of the two, and hoping to fulfil the proverb, which says, “he that wishes to be Pope, need only fancy himself one,” I resolved to avail myself of the favorable opportunity which now presented itself of getting into Italy, by joining the levies that were raising. One day, as I was sitting at my usual post, reflecting on the pleasures I should enjoy at Genoa, my agreeable reverie was disturbed by some one who called me two or three times. I{9} turned round to see who it could be that was so well acquainted with my name, and perceived that it was an old Apothecary who had often employed me before. He beckoned me to come to him, and I ran immediately; but two of my companions, who were nearer to him, got before me, and proffered their services before I came up. He however repulsed them sharply, saying, “no, no; get you gone, birds of

prey; this is not a morsel for you, but for my faithful Guzman.” He little thought he spoke so truly. Then addressing himself to me, who had just come up, “open thy basket,” added he, and he threw into it three bags of money, which he had with him wrapped in the corner of his cloak. “To what brazier must I carry all this copper?” quoth I with a smile. “This copper!” answered the Apothecary, laughing outright; “here’s a pretty rogue of a beggar, that takes silver for copper. Come, march on,” continued he, “for I am in{10} haste; I have engaged to pay a foreign merchant this money to-day, who has sold me some drugs.”

This might have been his intention; but I had formed another to defeat it the instant I heard those charming words, open thy basket. The news of the birth of an only son causes less joy to a tender parent than I felt at those sweet words, which engraved themselves on my heart, if I may so express it, in letters of gold. I looked on these three bags as a present sent me from Heaven, to enable me to support the part I had to perform at Genoa, and concluded them already my own. As my man had not the slightest suspicion of me, being already well convinced, as he conceived, of my honesty, he walked before, and I followed him, pretending now and then that I was obliged to rest myself a little, as if my burthen were too great, although, in truth, I could have wished it much heavier. I never was so anxious{11} to meet a crowd of people as on this occasion, or even a sly turning by which I could suddenly disappear from my unsuspecting friend the Apothecary. We chanced, however, shortly to pass a house with which I was well acquainted, the front and back

doors of which stood most invitingly open. I could not allow this opportunity to escape me, but entered instantly, and passed through the house without meeting with any interruption; and in less than two minutes had got through two or three streets as though I had wings to my feet. I then resumed my usual pace, to avoid suspicion, being far enough from my Apothecary, and walked on as demurely as though nothing had happened.

In this manner I soon arrived at the gate de la Vega, that is to say, the open country, whence, with the same grave countenance I gained the bank of the Mançanares; then crossing over to Casa del Campo, I travelled a good league{12} through woods and thickets, and, as night approached, stopped among some poplars very near to the river, where I began to consider how I should proceed. “It is not enough,” said I, “to have begun so well, I must continue in the same manner. Of what use will this prize be to me if I cannot take care of it now that I have got it? If I should happen to be nabbed, I shall not only be obliged to refund, but may lose both my ears to wit; let me, therefore, look out for some place where I may deposit my money in safety.”

After having looked about for some time I made a hole about two feet deep at the bottom of the river, and let down my basket and bags of money into it. Then covering them with large stones, to prevent them from floating, I set up a stake in the sand near the spot, that I might be sure of recollecting where my darling treasure lay concealed. After this grand operation I went to sleep at{13} the foot of a tree hard by, where I passed the night, not altogether free from anxiety, though perfectly well satisfied with the reflection that I was now so well off. When day-light appeared, I hid myself in a thicket until it was dark again, when hunger, which drives the wolf from the wood, obliged me to leave my haunts to go and purchase some provisions, not at either of the villages in the environs, where, in all probability, the Apothecary would have sent the alguazils after me, but at Madrid itself, where I could be best concealed. Having a little money in my pocket, independent of my hoard, I ventured into the town, whence I returned in about three

hours with a hamper containing provisions sufficient for eight days, and spent the greater part of the night in cramming myself with this good cheer.

When I awoke the next morning, I felt most curious to examine the contents of the three bags. In vain did I{14} reflect that it must be the Devil that tempted me, and that I could not satisfy my curiosity without running the risk of being observed. I could not help yielding to this gratification, which was certainly the sincerest I had ever felt in my life. I advanced to the side of the river, and after having looked on all sides to see if any body was near, I drew my basket out of the water, and carried it, dripping with wet as it was, into my place of retreat. Here I opened my bags, and found about two thousand five hundred reals in them, all in silver, with the exception of thirty pistoles in gold, which I discovered carefully wrapped up in one of the bags. I spent the whole of this day with the sincerest pleasure in counting my pieces over and over again; and when night came on, I put the whole into the basket again, and secured them in their former hiding-place.

As it is not my intention, however, to pretend to entertain my reader with a{15} journal, I need only add, that, after having concealed myself in this manner in the wood for a full fortnight, I considered that I had no longer any thing to fear, and that all the hounds of Justice had by this time so completely lost scent of me as to have given over their pursuit. I fished up my treasure again, which I deposited at the bottom of my hamper, under some fresh provisions which I had been again to Madrid to procure. As to my basket, I left that in the water with the stones upon it. I then cut me two good sticks, one to carry my burthen on my back, and the other I made into a sort of pilgrim’s staff; after which, like a new pilgrim, I took my route towards Toledo across the fields, thinking it more prudent to avoid the high roads.{16}

CHAP. XIV. Guzman in his way to Toledo meets with a young man: what passed between them.

I tripped along so briskly, that after two nights trudge, I found myself in the midst of the Sagra, near a wood called Açuqueyca, within about two leagues of Toledo. I entered this wood, intending to rest there the whole of the day, that I might not enter the City till night. I sat down under a shady tree, and began to think in what manner I should spend my money. I soon determined on so many fine purchases, that four times what I possessed would have been insufficient to have procured them. It were impossible to enumerate the variety of{17} visions and fancies that possessed my mind. I was no longer afraid of appearing before my relations like a beggar, but now looked forward with pleasure to my arrival at Genoa, and all the purchases that I made in my mind, were with a view to cut a most brilliant figure among them.

A stream of clear spring water ran at my feet, with which I found myself much refreshed, and beginning to feel hungry, I spread my provisions on the grass for breakfast. Scarcely had I eaten a mouthful, when I heard a noise, and turning round hastily, I was much alarmed at perceiving a man close behind me, seated also on the grass, with his head reclining against a tree. But when I considered him with attention I soon found that I had nothing to fear. He appeared to be about my own age, but seemed as raw and inexperienced as if he had not been long weaned from his mother’s breast. Although he was well{18} dressed and had a large bundle lying at his side, through which I could discern some clothes and linen, he looked so unhappy that I judged his purse could not be very full, and set him down for some knight-errant like myself, who had been fool enough to forsake his family to wander about the world. We stared at each other for some moments without saying a word; but when I observed that he looked with a longing eye on my provisions, I could not

help pitying him. His eager looks reminded me of my own feelings when I stood before the kind-hearted Monk at the Inn; and I determined not to be less generous than his Reverence. I, therefore, immediately invited this young man in the most polite manner to breakfast with me. Shame prevented him at first from accepting my offer; but when I repeated it, he laid aside his modesty, and confessed to me that he had not tasted any thing for the last four and twenty hours. This I found no difficulty{19} in believing, when I saw in what style he demolished the meat and the bread and cheese I gave him.

During the repast we inquired of each other concerning our travels. He told me that he had come from Toledo, and was going to Madrid; and I acquainted him that I had just come from Burgos and was on my way to Cordova. He then related a most romantic story about the occasion of his pilgrimage, and I was not more sincere with him: considering that he was but a novice, he lied with a very good grace, and by no means disgraced his countrymen, who have the reputation for wit and smart answers on every occasion. I asked him, how he came to set out on his journey, without providing himself with victuals. He replied, that he had not had time to procure any, having been forced to leave the place with precipitation, and that he was more laden with clothes than money. “So much the worse,” said I,{20} “so much the worse; money is the most necessary commodity for a traveller now-a-days; for even though you were going on a pilgrimage to St. Jago in Galicia, I would not advise you to reckon much upon charity, which has grown very cold of late; you will

find something more than your staff necessary to support you by the way.” “I perfectly agree with you,” replied the Toledan, “and am well aware of my imprudence in setting out without provisions; but as it cannot now be remedied, it is useless to regret it.”

“It is in your own power,” answered I, “to repair your neglect, by disposing of a part of the clothes contained in that large bundle, which you must find extremely burdensome. Money is more portable.” “Granted,” said he, “and I need not inform you that it is my intention to sell at least half of them, as soon as I can find a purchaser.” “Perhaps,” replied I, “without going any{21} further, you have a man before you who is willing to relieve you of the greater part of your load, and give you as much for them as they are worth. Shew me the contents of your bundle, and I will select such as I am inclined to purchase.” My little gentleman turned pale at these words; he considered me a knave who intended to repay myself for the breakfast by robbing him of a part of his property, or at least, that I was willing to amuse myself at his expense; for when he surveyed my elegant attire, which was not worth four maravedis, he could not for a moment think that I was in earnest: every one is apt to judge in this manner, forming opinions of strangers

from the difference of dress and outward appearances. Such as I see you, such I take you to be.

I observed his confusion; or rather, saw plainly that he suspected my intentions; and as he made no answer, I drew out one of my bags very deliberately,{22} untied it, and exhibited a handful of reals to his astonished eyes: “I believe, my little hero,” said I, “that here is enough to pay for what I wish to buy of you.” The colour was soon restored to his cheeks at this sight; he immediately left off eating, and ran to fetch his bundle, saying that all he had was at my service. At the same time he was proceeding to show me his best suits, but this I would not permit, until we had finished our meal. His hopes seemed to serve as a fresh sauce to his appetite, and he fell to again, as though he could not do sufficient honor to my breakfast; he could scarcely contain the joy that he felt.