enjoyment remain unimpaired, or are even stimulated, the energy of
action is rapidly sapped. We know that the Gothic conquerors of this
peninsula lost, in a few generations, their energy and enterprise. A
war of seven centuries revived and sustained that of their
descendants; but, after that stimulant was withdrawn, on the expulsion
of the Moors, they gradually sunk to what we see them now. Some
persons attribute the character and condition of these peninsular
nations to the vices of government, others to the corruption of the
church. I doubt the question's admitting of so simple a solution as
either, or both of these. We may be putting effect for cause, and
cause for effect. An inferior people may deteriorate government, and
corrupt the church. The disciples of the apostles received
Christianity in its purity. Whence originated the rapid degeneracy of
the early Church? We see some portions of the human race betraying
stronger downward tendencies than others. But the 'why' is too complex
a question to admit of a simple solution. The Portuguese of this
province especially are an inferior people. They are probably a
degenerate people; and one cause of that degeneracy may be an
intermixture of dissimilar races."

"It is evident," said Lady Mabel, "that the work Pelayo began was
never finished by his successors; that in reconquering the country the
Christians did not make thorough work in expelling the Moors."

"I know not how thoroughly they may have driven out the Moors," said
Mrs. Shortridge, "but they certainly have not kept out the
black-a-moors. The negroes now form no small part of the population of
Lisbon."

"And the worst part," said L'Isle; "as will always happen when an