the liberal cause; and Catalunia, one of the strong-holds of the Carlists, was governed by the _Conde de España_, whose great experience, staunch loyalty, and decided character, are always considered a guarantee for the tranquillity of Catalunia. It was never contemplated by the Spanish Government, to meet the attempt by any other weapon than force; and even if the strength of the Constitutionalists had been far more formidable, and their success far more probable, conciliatory measures would have been impossible; it is perfectly understood that any act of the government savouring of liberalism, would at once be sealing it over to the power of the Carlists. The result was as all had anticipated: no indication of favourable feeling, on the part of the peasantry, attended the movements of the invading force; and without this, it was impossible that it could maintain itself. The events that took place upon the frontier, were probably better known in England than in Spain: at all events, it does not fall in with my object to enter into a detail of them. CHAPTER X. THE ESCURIAL--ST. ILDEFONSO--SEGOVIA. Journey from Madrid; First View of the Escurial; Philip II.; Situation of the Escurial; the Church; Lucas Jordan; the Relics; the Santa Forma; the Sacristy and its Pictures; a Reverie; the Hall of Recreation; the Library; the Tomb of the Kings; the Manuscript Library; Ignorance and Idleness of the Monks, and Anecdotes; Manner of Life among the Monks; the Palace; Particulars of the Extent and Cost of the Escurial; Pedestrian Journey across the Sierra Guaderrama to St. Ildefonso; the Palace, Waters, and Garden of La Granja; Road to Segovia; its Remains, and Present Condition; Expensiveness of Royal Honours; Return to Madrid. Before leaving Castile for Andalusia, I made two excursions, to objects well deserving a visit,--the Escurial and Toledo. To the former of these, I shall dedicate the present chapter. Having hired a mule and a guide, I left Madrid one charming morning, before day-break; and passing out of the city by the gate de San Vincente, I proceeded up the bank of the river Manzanares along a good road, bordered on both sides by poplars and willows. From this road, the palace is a striking and beautiful object; and the sun rising shortly after I had passed the gate, its blaze reflected from the innumerable windows, produced a magnificent and almost magical effect. A league from the city, the road, crossing the river, leaves the stripe of scanty herbage that borders it, and enters upon the wide arid country, that extends all the way to the foot of the Sierra Guaderrama. Travelling in any direction from Madrid, there is little to narrate; the country is wholly devoid of interest; there is scarcely any population; and no travellers are seen on the road, to relieve its monotony, or attract the attention.