At this sight, I was no longer master of myself, but advanced and saluted them: “You must agree, ladies,” said I, “that fate is most propitious to me to day, since it has been its will that I should meet you every where; but to complete my happiness I should be seated by your side.” Donna Maria replied with a smile, “that it was my own fault only if I were not; and that it was but just that so many fair shepherdesses should have at least one shepherd to protect them from the wolves.” This answer delighted me, and I quickly joined the party, abandoning myself to all my natural gaiety. The mother and the daughter seemed to vie with each other in politeness towards me. I thought that I had never spent many such agreeable moments, and regretted exceedingly that I had declined the opportunity of associating with so charming a family. The other ladies were also very gracious; and I told them more than once, that I thought all the loveliness in Alcala was in my presence. This compliment, as you may suppose, did not in the least offend them; and to shew me that there was some justice in my remark, they prepared after the collation to entertain me with a concert. Two of the ladies played guitars which they had brought with them, and Donna Maria, and the others who had voices, accompanied them. A guitar was then presented to me, and I was entreated to play some airs to dance to, which I did with much less pleasure than I felt in seeing the ladies trip to it in the meadow like so many nymphs of Diana. The eldest sister was the dancer I took most notice of. An air of peculiar nobleness and grace distinguished her from her companions. It is not surprising then that a man who took fire so easily as I did, could not resist such fine qualities. In truth I was so enamoured of Donna Maria, that I saw nobody but her. When she left off dancing, I seated myself at her feet, and presenting her with a guitar, entreated that she would play and sing to it. This request she was willing to comply with, on condition that I would accompany her. She had heard my voice praised, she said, and she longed to hear it herself. As I had no less a longing to gratify her desire, I was easily prevailed on, and acquitted myself, as I need not tell you, very much to the satisfaction of the party assembled.