Spanish Highways and Byways

by Katharine Lee Bates

Wandering over Spain I found everywhere these winning, vivid, helpless girls, versed in needlework and social graces, but knowing next to nothing of history, literature, science, all that pertains to intellectual culture. Some were hungry to learn. More did not dream of the world of thought as a possible world for them. Among these it was delightful to meet, scattered like precious seed throughout the Peninsula, the graduates of the International Institute. So far as a stranger could see, education had enhanced in them the Spanish radiance and charm, while arming these with wisdom, power, and resource.

XXII

ACROSS THE BASQUE PROVINCES

"The Oak Tree of Guernica

Within its foliage green

Embraces the bright honor

Of all the Basque demesne.

For this we count thee holy,

Our ancient seal and sign;