104 WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AIMERICA 



there was nothing very tempting in a trip across 

 the Channel, and as for a tour through England ! 

 — England has long ceased to be the land for 

 adventures. Indeed, when good King Arthur 

 reappears to claim his crown he will find things 

 strangely altered here; and may we not look for 

 his coming? for there is written upon his grave- 

 stone : — 



"Hie jacet Arturus, Rex quondam Eexque futurus," 

 "Here Arthur lies, who formerly 

 Was king — and king again to be. ' ' 



Don Quixote was always of opinion that this 

 famous king did not die, but that he was changed 

 into a raven by enchantment, and that the Eng- 

 lish are momentarily expecting his return. Be 

 this as it may, it is certain that when he reigned 

 here all was harmony and joy. The browsing 

 herds passed from vale to vale, the swains sang 

 from the bluebell-teeming groves, and nymphs 

 with eglantine and roses in their neatly-braided 

 hair went hand in hand to the flowery mead to 

 weave garlands for their lambkins. If by chance 

 some rude, uncivil fellow dared to molest them, 

 or attempted to throw thorns in their path, there 

 was sure to be a knight-errant not far off ready 

 to rush forward in their defence. But alas! in 

 these degenerate days it is not so. Should a 

 harmless cottage maid wander out of the high- 

 way to pluck a primrose or two in the neighbour- 

 ing field the haughty owner sternly bids her 

 retire; and if a pitying swain hasten to escort 

 her back, he is perhaps seized by the gaunt house- 

 dog ere he reach her. 



