Page:Impressions of Spain in 1866.djvu/301

Rh rose-window, an internal gallery and pulpit, and a fine old picture of the Last Supper in the sacristy, are all that remain of its ancient splen- dour. The priest, seeing strangers in the church, good-naturedly came forward and invited them to come into the cloisters, fi-om whence the view over Burgos is very beautiful.

Descending the hill, they went to see several of the old houses in Burgos : among others La Casa del Cordon, the house of the constable, so called from the rope over the portal, and the Casa de Miranda, with its beautiftd fluted pillars and 'patio.' But one thing was still unVisited, and that was the Carmelite convent, the last of St. Theresa's foundations, and one accomplished in spite of contradictions and difficulties of all kinds. It was on the 26th January, and therefore in the depth of winter, with deep snow on the ground, and the floods out in every direction, that the saint, though already in failing health and strength, undertook this work. She and her eight nuns were nearly drowned in passing what is called ' The Bridges,' near Burgos, the water having covered all the tracks, so that the waggons were perpetually sink- ing in the mire. In order to comfort her com- panions, St. Theresa showed no fear, but cheer- ftilly exclaimed: 'Courage, my sisters! What