questions. Freedom is, in one word, Liberty: a kind of thing which you
foreigners never can understand, and which mere theory can make no man
understand. When you have been in the island a few weeks all will be
quite clear to you. In the meantime, do as others do, and never knock
men down!'



CHAPTER 7


'Although we are yet some way from our hotel,' remarked Popanilla's
conductor, 'we have now arrived at a part of the city where I can ease
you, without difficulty, from your troublesome burthen; let us enter
here!'

As he spoke, they stopped before a splendid palace, and proceeding
through various halls full of individuals apparently intently busied,
the companions were at last ushered into an apartment of smaller size,
but of more elegant character. A personage of prepossessing appearance
was lolling on a couch of an appearance equally prepossessing. Before
him, on a table, were some papers, exquisite fruits, and some liqueurs.
Popanilla was presented, and received with fascinating complaisance.
His friend stated the object of their visit, and handed the sackful of
gold to the gentleman on the sofa. The gentleman on the sofa ordered a
couple of attendants to ascertain its contents. While this computation
was going on he amused his guests by his lively conversation, and
charmed Popanilla by his polished manners and easy civility. He offered
him, during his stay in Vraibleusia, the use of a couple of equipages, a
villa, and an opera-box; insisted upon sending to his hotel some