II. “The Fuéntarábian waters poured between.”
When Charlemagne with all his peerage fell
By Fontarabia.
Milt. Par. Lost, i. 586.
In this name, I have departed slightly from the Spanish orthography, a corruption of the Latin Fons rapidus, and made “errabia” “arabia;” in deference to the example of Milton, and for the sake of the excellent musical effect in connection with one of the finest names in romance.
V. “When first beheld by Vimieiro’s wall.”
Vimieiro is merely a village about 35 miles N.N.W. of Lisbon, where the accommodations are so miserable that it was with difficulty I could procure a calda de gallinha (boiled fowl served up with its broth) the only thing in the shape of comfortable nourishment which is to be had in the country parts of Portugal. The walls referred to are therefore, as may be supposed, not turret-crowned like Berecynthian Cybele. For the allusion to the effect produced on the French by the sight of our Highlanders first met by them in this battle, see Southey, Hist. Penins. War, and Campbell, Ode for the Highland Society.
VI. “Where Bidasoa’s stream impetuous runs.”
The Passage of the Bidasoa took place on the 7th October, a month after the fall of San Sebastian. The morning was heavy and louring, and the day’s work was ushered in by a thunder-storm (already referred to) which caused the early British operations to be happily unperceived.