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Chapter VII. The history of Don Pompeio de Castro.
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Volume One: III.7 131 cried, gentlemen, you have no cause to be charmed with that buffoon, who is not such an exquisite actor as you imagine: I can play the pig better than he, and if you doubt it come hither again to-morrow at this hour. The people prepossessed in favour of their pantomimes, reassembled next day in greater numbers, rather to hiss the peasant than see what he could do. The two rivals appearing on the stage, the buffoon began, and was applauded more than ever: then the countryman stooping in his turn, and muf- fling his head in his cloak, pinched the ear of a real pig which he held under his arm, and made it squeak most piercingly; nevertheless, the audience gave the preference to the pantomine; and hooted the peasant, who all of a sudden, producing the pig to the spectators, gentlemen, said he, it is not me whom you hiss, but this poor pig himself: such excellent judges you are.” “Cousin, (said Alexo) thy fable is too severe: but notwithstanding thy pig, we will not give up our opinion. Let us change the discourse (added he) I am tired of this subject. So, thou wilt depart to-morrow, in spite of my desire to enjoy thy company a little longer ?” “I wish I could make a longer stay in Madrid, (replied his kinsman) but it is not in my power. I have told you already, that I came to the court of Spain, about an affair of state; and at my arrival yesterday, had an audience of the prime minister, whom I shall see again to-morrow morning; immediately after which, I shall set out on my return to Lisbon.”7 “Thou art become altogether Portuguese, (said Segiar) and in all likelihood, wilt never return to live in Madrid.” “I believe I shall not: (answered Don Pompeio) for I am so happy as to be beloved by the king of Portugal;8 and enjoy a great deal of pleasure at his court. But notwithstanding his kindness to me, would you believe that I have been on the point of quitting his dominions for ever?” “Pray tell us the reason!” (said Don Alexo.) “With all my heart; (answered Don Pompeio) and at the same time, will relate the story of my life.” chapter vii. The history of Don Pompeio de Castro. Don Alexo (added he) knows that while I was yet a boy, I resolved to carry arms; and that seeing our own country in profound peace, I went to Portugal, from whence I passed over into Africa with the duke of Braganza,1 who gave me employment in the army under his command. Being a younger brother of very small fortune, I was under a necessity of signalizing myself in such a manner as to attract the notice of the general; and did my duty so well, that the duke promoted and put me in a condition to serve with honour. After a long war, the issue of which you all know, I attached myself to the court, and the king, upon the recommendation of the general officers, gratified me with a considerable pension. Sensible of this monarch’s generosity, I lost 132 The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane no occasion of manifesting my gratitude by my assiduity; and was always in attendance, at those hours in which people are permitted to pay their respects; by which behaviour, I insensibly acquired the love of that prince, who honoured me with new favours. Having one day distinguished myself at the ring, and a bull-fight that preceded it, the whole court commended my strength and address; and when I returned home, loaded with applause, I found a billet importing, that a lady, the conquest of whom ought to flatter me more than all the honour I had that day acquired, wanted to converse with me; and that I should in the twilight repair to a certain place that was described . This letter gave me more pleasure than all the praise I had received, and I imagined that the person who wrote it, must be a lady of the first quality. You may easily guess that I flew to the rendezvous, where an old woman being in waiting, to serve as a guide, introduced me by a little garden-door, into a great house, and shut me in a rich closet, saying, “Stay here until I inform my mistress of your arrival...