Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/271

Rh, to the end that the natural fragrancy of the flowers may be heightened.

This delicate operation having been performed, an economical distribution is made among the ladies who are present. Each places her portion in her bosom, and thence presents her favourite with an orange-blossom, or a small bunch of flowers, which sometimes receive a greater value from the beautiful hand that bestows them, than from that of Nature herself.

To you, gentlemen, as true lovers of the country, I have recourse for counsel, and for relief from the anxieties, sufferings, and perplexities, which oppress and drive me to despair.

I am a reputable and well-disposed man, very much at your service, gentlemen, and wedded to a lady of great judgment and talents, according to vulgar report;—well born, of a gentle disposition, possessing many graces and accomplishments, and endued with a rare wit. A certain friend of mine, a great observer in these matters, has noticed in her twenty-five different modes of laughing, and more than forty of looking. As a proof of her vivacity, he says that he has never seen her either gape or stretch herself, notwithstanding she has passed four nights in succession without sleep. In short, she is a precious pearl, and the theme of all the assemblies. We