Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/204

220 the arrival of the Duke of Brabant, King Leopold's eldest son, for he himself was very seldom present. But people were very glad to see his youthful son, whose ingenuous manners, and handsome and agreeable countenance, produced, when he spoke or smiled, a pleasant impression. The young duchess, his wife, is a pretty blonde, very fair, with a full figure and an expression of life-enjoyment. The younger of the king's sons was absent on a hunting party.

Brussels sits like a holiday-attired princess, proud and elegant, on the table-land of Brabant, gazing out freely, on all sides, over flourishing, fertile fields. The new portion of the city, with its royal palace, its beautiful park and tree-planted boulevards, broad streets, large market-place, handsome, well-built houses, produced the most cheerful effect. Cleanliness and elegance prevail everywhere. Wealth and elegance are united with a certain character of permanence and strength. We are in the head-quarters of Brussels lace. But, nevertheless, one dark trait pervades it—the pale, ragged, begging children! Why should this exist in a city, and in a nation which has so lately rejoiced exultantly in being one of the best-governed in the world? It is asserted that the burgomaster of Brussels favors beggary, as a privilege of a Catholic country! In the old city one admires the proud buildings of the ancient time, the Stadthouse, the Cathedral, the house of Egmont, in the market-place, where he and Horn were beheaded. These, and many private houses, are built in a peculiar and old-fashioned style, yet they scarcely appear old, because they are kept in such careful repair. The memory of the