The seal bore as a device two triangles crossing each
other, so as to form a star. This device is said to be a cabalistic
sign, invented by King Solomon the wise, and of mighty power in all
cases of enchantment; but the honest student, being neither sage nor
conjurer, knew nothing of the matter. He took the ring as a present
from St. Cyprian in reward of his prayer, slipped it on his finger,
made a bow to the cross, and strumming his guitar, set off merrily
on his wandering.
The life of a mendicant student in Spain is not the most miserable
in the world; especially if he has any talent at making himself
agreeable. He rambles at large from village to village, and city to
city, wherever curiosity or caprice may conduct him. The country
curates, who, for the most part, have been mendicant students in their
time, give him shelter for the night, and a comfortable meal, and
often enrich him with several quartos, or half-pence in the morning.
As he presents himself from door to door in the streets of the cities,
he meets with no harsh rebuff, no chilling contempt, for there is no
disgrace attending his mendicity, many of the most learned men in
Spain having commenced their career in this manner; but if, like the
student in question, he is a good-looking varlet and a merry
companion, and, above all, if he can play the guitar, he is sure of
a hearty welcome among the peasants, and smiles and favors from
their wives and daughters.
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