Presently he commenced droning a ballad, of which the interminable text is as follows:
In my house I heard at night,
Sounds that roused me in affright;
Quick unsheathed my rapier bright,
Stole upstairs with footsteps light.
Searched the dwelling all around,
From the rooftree to the ground,
Listening for the faintest sound--
Nothing heard I, nothing found.
And my story, being new,
I'll repeat it o'er to you.
In my house, etc., etc.
Maria said nothing, nor did she think much more. Rocked by the quiet pace of her animal, she yielded herself to the indolence which the balmy spring day induced, and went along sleeping.
Half the road being passed, they came to a small inn. When they arrived some soldiers were lounging upon the brick seats which were fixed on each side of the door under the projecting roof. As soon as they perceived the approach of our venerable couple, they began to attack them with facetious sayings, burlesque provocations, and railleries, such as are usual among the country folk, and especially among the soldiers.
"Uncle," said one, "where are you going with that ancient relic?"
"Aunty," cried another "is the church where you were christened still standing?"
"Aunt," said another, "does your grace retain any recollection of the day you were married?"
"Uncle," asked the fourth, "are you going with this maiden to Alcalá to have the bans published?"
"No," answered Pedro, lazily dismounting, "I shall wait for that until I am of age, and the girl has her growth."
"Aunt," continued the soldiers, "shall we help you down from that gay colt?"