The cloth is then thrown over
the saddle, and the pockets hang on each side like saddle-bags. It
is an Arab invention. The bota is a leathern bag or bottle, of
portly dimensions, with a narrow neck. It is also oriental. Hence
the scriptural caution, which perplexed me in my boyhood, not to put
new wine into old bottles.
On the present occasion he spread quite a sumptuous variety of
remnants on the green-sward before us, graced with an excellent ham
brought from Seville; then, taking his seat at a little distance, he
solaced himself with what remained in the alforjas. A visit or two
to the bota made him as merry and chirruping as a grasshopper filled
with dew. On my comparing his contents of the alforjas to Sancho's
skimming of the flesh-pots at the wedding of Camacho, I found he was
well versed in the history of Don Quixote, but, like many of the
common people of Spain, firmly believed it to be a true history.
"All that happened a long time ago, senor," said he, with an
inquiring look.
"A very long time," I replied.
"I dare say more than a thousand years"- still looking dubiously.
"I dare say not less."
The squire was satisfied. Nothing pleased the simple-hearted
varlet more than my comparing him to the renowned Sancho for
devotion to the trencher, and he called himself by no other name
throughout the journey.
Our repast being finished, we spread our cloaks on the green-sward
under the tree, and took a luxurious siesta in the Spanish fashion.
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