the Spaniards lay in Funen; the English ships were cruising about
in the Belt, and Romana fled with his whole army on board, but they
could net take their horses with them. These were the most splendid
Andalusian creatures that eyes ever saw. The Spaniards took off
their bridles, and left them here to scamper about the fields like
wild horses. The horses of Nyborg chanced also to graze here, and
as soon as the Andalusian steeds became aware of ours they arranged
themselves in a row, and fell upon the Danish horses: that was a
combat! At length they fell upon each other, and fought until they
fell bleeding to earth. Whilst still a boy I saw little skull of
one of these beasts. This is the last adventure left us from the
visit of the Spaniards to Denmark. In the village through which we
shall now pass are some outer remembrances. Remark the young lads
and lasses,--they are of a darker complexion than the inhabitants
of other Funen valleys; that is Spanish blood, it is said. It was
in this village that the story took its rise of the preacher's
servant-girl, who wept and was so inconsolable at the departure of
the Spaniards. But not on account of her bridegroom did she weep,--
not over her own condition. The preacher consoled her, and then she
said she only wept to think that if the innocent child resembled
its father it certainly would speak Spanish, and then not a soul
would understand it! Yes, such histories as this have we in Funen!"
said he laughingly to Otto.

With similar relations, and some agricultural observations,
according as they were called forth by surrounding objects, did our
excellent landed proprietor amuse our young gentlemen. They were
already distant several miles from Nyborg, when he suddenly broke
off in the midst of a very interesting discourse upon a
characteristic of a true inhabitant of Funen, which is, that