"On whichever side I turn my eyes," continued the Spirit, "I see nothing but addled brains. There, for instance, is a chevalier of Calatrava, who is so proud, or rather vain, of being privately encouraged by the daughter of a noble signor, that he thinks himself on a par with the first persons of the court. He reminds me of Villius, who thought himself son-in-law of Sylla, because he was on good terms with the daughter of that dictator; and the resemblance is the more striking, because this chevalier, like the Roman, has a _Longarenus;_ that is to say, a rival of low degree, who, nevertheless, is still more favoured by the lady than himself. "One would be inclined to affirm that the same men are born anew from time to time, but under other circumstances. I recognize, in that secretary of department, Bollanus, who kept measures with nobody, and who affronted all whose appearance was, at first sight, unpleasing to him. I behold again, in that old president, Fufidius, who lent his money at five per cent. per month; and Marsoeus, who gave his paternal mansion to the actress Origo, lives once more in that noble stripling, who is spending with a dancer of the ballet the proceeds of a country seat which he has near the Escurial." Asmodeus was about to continue, when, suddenly hearing the sound of instruments which were tuning in the neighbourhood, he stopped, and said to Don Cleophas: "There are musicians at the end of this street, who are just commencing a serenade in honour of the daughter of an _alcade de corte;_ if you would like to witness this piece of gallantry, you have only to say so." "I am a great admirer of this sort of concert," replied Zambullo; "let us by all means get near them; there may chance to be some decent voices among the lot." He had hardly spoken, when he found himself on a house adjoining that of the alcade. The serenade was commenced by the instruments alone, which played some new Italian airs; and then two of the voices sang alternately the following couplets: "List, while the thousand charms I sing, Which round thee such enchantment fling, That even Love has plumed his wing To seek thy bower. "Thy neck, that shames the mountain snow, Thy lip, that mocks the peach's glow, Bid Cupid's self a captive bow Beneath thy power. "Thine arched brows as bows are bent To speed the shafts thine eyes have sent; E'en armed Love's own mail is rent, Resisting them. "Thou art, in sooth, a queenly maid; Yet hast thou every heart betray'd, That thee its trusting pole-star made; Thou priceless gem! "Oh! would that I some spell possess'd, While painting thee, to touch thy breast; Thou evening star, thou heaven of rest, Thou morning sun!"[6] [6] "Si de tu hermosura quieres Una copia con mil gracias; Escucha, porque pretendo El pintarla.