Latet Anguis in Herba 



they fell upon it voraciously enough at first ; but soon the 

 ingenious obstinacy of the animals discovered that we took 

 a pleasure in seeing them eat the lucerne, and they began to 

 draw oflF the green heap, which they could devour by great 

 mouthfuls, to nibble at foolish little points of grass-blades, 

 which they pretended to consider sweeter. 



We attempted for some little time to disabuse them of 

 their error, jerking their stupid heads back over the heap 

 again, and only allowing them to eat in peace when they 

 ate our lucerne. This course, however, was found equally 

 to disturb the tranquillity of our smoke and their meal ; so 

 we let the ungrateful fools feed where they liked ; and 

 when the sun was down rode into Valladolid. 



Like our ponies, however, possessing in some degree the 

 quality of firmness, we were resolved not to relinquish the 

 valuable vegetation for which we had paid a considerable 

 sum, not exceeding threepence. It was agreed, that if 

 Harry (who is handy with cords and lashings) would make 

 it up in a neat roll, and cord it with one of our halters, I 

 would carry it in, and we would leave it in their mangers 

 all night, and see if they did not repent before morning. 



As we entered the gate of the city (it being now dark), 

 this great bundle of green stuff greatly excited the suspicion 

 of the dogana. 



"Ou'es esto, — what's this? (holding the lamp to it), 

 Vam.os a ver que tal es la sierpe que debajo desta yerba 

 s'esconde, — Let us see what sort of serpent lurks beneath 

 the grass (ferreting for bottles as he spoke). It is probable 

 that in such a meadow we shall meet some dew." 



" Nada hay senor Doganero sino unas mielgas — nada mas 

 (it is nothing but lucerne)." 



" What the deuce do your worships bring lucerne into 

 Valladolid for, carajo ? " 



359 



