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Volume One: I.15 47 ish for the world; but design to end my days in this convent, and become a benefactress to it.” Such was the discourse of Donna Mencia, who taking out a purse from under her robe, put it in my hand, saying, “Here are a hundred ducats, which I give you only to buy cloaths: come and see me again, after you have equipped yourself; for I do not intend to confine my gratitude within such narrow bounds.” I gave the lady a thousand thanks; and swore I would not depart from Burgos, without taking leave of her: after this oath, which I had no intention to break, I went in quest of an inn, and going into the first I perceived, demanded a room, telling the landlord (to prevent the bad opinion he might conceive of me, from my shabby frock) that notwithstanding my appearance , I was in a condition to pay handsomely for my lodging. At these words, the inn-keeper, whose name was Majuelo, naturally a great wag,3 surveying me from top to bottom, answered dryly, with a sarcastic sneer,4 there was no occasion for such an assurance, to persuade him, that I should spend like a prince in his house: for he discovered something noble in me, by my dress; and in short, did not doubt that I was a gentleman of a very independent fortune. I could easily perceive that the rascal rallied me, and in order to put an end to his witticisms, shewed my purse. I even counted my ducats on a table before him, and observing that my coin altered his opinion very much in my favour; desired he would recommend me to a taylor. “You had better (said he) send for a broker, who will bring along with him all kinds of apparel ready made, and fit you in a trice.” I approved of his advice, and resolved to follow it: but the day being near a close, deferred my purchase till next morning, and thought of nothing but making a good supper, to indemnify me for the sorry meals I had made since my deliverance from the cavern. chapter xv. Of the manner in which Gil Blas dressed himself—Of the new present he received from the lady, and the equipage in which he departed from Burgos. They brought for my supper a huge fricassee, of sheep-trotters,1 which I picked to the bones; and having drank in proportion, betook myself to rest. As I had the convenience of a good bed, I was in hopes of enjoying a sound sleep: but for all that, could not close my eyes; my thoughts being ingrossed, in determining upon the dress I was to choose. “What must I do? (said I to myself) prosecute my first design, buy a cassock, and go to Salamanca in quest of a tutor’s place: But why should I take the habit of a licentiate? Am I ambitious of consecrating myself to the church? or have I the least biass that way? No. I feel myself (on the contrary) quite otherwise inclined: I will turn gentleman,2 and endeavour to make my fortune in the world.”3 Having resolved upon this, I longed for day with the utmost impatience; and no 48 The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane sooner perceived the glimpse of light, than I got up, and made so much noise in the inn, that I wakened all those who were asleep. I called the waiters, who were still a-bed, and who loaded me with curses by way of answer. They were obliged to rise, however, and I gave them no quarter, until one of them had gone for a broker, who soon appeared, followed by two apprentices, carrying each a great green bag on his shoulders. He saluted me with great civility, saying, “Signior Cavalier, you are very happy in having applied to me, rather than to any other body. I don’t choose to disparage my brethren. God forbid that I should prejudice their reputation in the least! but between you and me, there’s no conscience among them. They are all as abandoned as Jews. I am the only honest broker in town. I confine myself to a moderate profit; being satisfied with a pound in the shilling—I mean, a shilling in the pound. Thank heaven! I deal upon the square with all mankind.”4 The broker...

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