4.[{137-4}] Fígaro, the pen-name of Mariano José de Larra, author of El castellano viejo.
[Page 138.]—1.[{138-1}] If the text is correct, this is a curious case of agreement, or rather of disagreement, of adjective and noun. Apparently Larra had in mind, not gentes, but Braulio and his wife. Cf. the somewhat similar use of gens in French.
2.[{138-2}] This repetition of entre is unusual, but it makes clear the meaning of the sentence.
[Page 139.]—1.[{139-1}] que Dios maldiga, which is an abomination, or curse it.
[Page 143.]—1.[{143-1}] Cerrar, an infinitive with the force of an imperative.
[Page 145.]—1.[{145-1}] For the life and works of Bécquer, see [page viii] of the Introduction. The text of El beso is taken from the Obras de Gustavo A. Bécquer, Tomo Segundo, Madrid, 1907.
2.[{145-2}] una parte ... siglo. The French armies entered the Spanish peninsula in 1807, and were finally expelled by the combined Spanish, English and Portuguese forces in 1814. To this day the Spaniards are fond of telling in song and story the brave exploits of their forefathers who fought against Napoleon's men. The French devastated parts of the country, but they also brought with them many new ideas that helped to awaken Spain from its torpor. This war is known in England as the "Peninsular War", and in Spain as the "Guerra de la Independencia" (War of Independence).
3.[{145-3}] The alcázar (Arabic for the castle) stands on the highest ground in Toledo. Originally a citadel, it was converted into a palace which served as a royal residence. It was enlarged and embellished by Charles V.
4.[{145-4}] la Puerta del Sol, a handsome gateway in the Moorish style, built in the 12th century.
5.[{145-5}] Zocodover, a small three-cornered plaza in the northeastern quarters of Toledo. It is the focus of the city's life. The name Zocodover is of Moorish-Arabic origin. In Tangier, Morocco, there are a small socco ('market') and a large socco.