The girls sing very pretty airs in praise of some renowned chieftain, or of her who happens to be the acknowledged beauty. Maria Josepha, of Fuentes de Onor, was the happy _Moza_ whose charms were extolled at this period: but what most struck my attention was a song about Marlborough's knowing how to make war, and sung to the same tune as in England. The mothers lull their children to sleep by it; and when bodies of troops enter towns, or the girls dance _boleros_, this is a general tune. I inquired of a _muchacha_ where she learnt it; she opened her eyes with a ludicrous surprise, and made answer, in the quick witty manner usual amongst the Mozas, "Why, of my grandmother,—_Que edad tiene V. M?_"[13]—by way of giving me a hint not to consider myself the instructor. The long expected night of performance having arrived, written bills of the play having been distributed throughout the village (which was filled like a bee hive with officers who had come from a considerable distance from other divisions of the army, with flowing camlet cloaks, and mounted on _boricos_, mules, and ragged-mained stallions;) and tickets being issued for pit and boxes, we moved in Bacchanalian groups towards _el Teatro_ (or chapel). It was crammed to excess, as we had not forgotten to reserve some room for _los soldados_. The curtain no sooner drew up, than the wonder of the _Muchachas_ knew no bounds, and they became so loquacious in admiration of the scenery and dresses, and in disputing among themselves which was _el Principe_, and which the various characters the officers were to personify, that it was a considerable time before they could be so far tranquillized as to permit the performance to proceed, which, however, went off with great eclat. "Poins, and be hanged." Alas! no. Poor Poins was badly wounded, and blown up a few days after! [Footnote 13: How old are you?] CHAPTER VII. Preparations for the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo—A review of the light Division by Lord Wellington—The fort and convent of Saint Francisco taken—Storming the breach—Capture of the place—Regulations for the prevention of plunder—Disorders committed in the city—Remarks and anecdotes connected with the siege—Burial of General Craufurd—Removal of quarters to El Bodon—Vestiges of the previous engagement near that place—Ciudad Rodrigo consigned to a Spanish garrison—March towards Badajoz—Castello de Vida—Fortress of Elvas—An accidental acquaintance.