In truth it was a lovely night, for across all
these years I remember it. Let those who have seen it say if they know
any prospect more beautiful than the sight of the August moon shining on
the broad waters of the Guadalquivir and the clustering habitations of
the ancient city.
Now as I leaned upon the wall and looked, I saw a man pass up the steps
beside me and go on into the shadow of the street. I took no note of him
till presently I heard a murmur of distant voices, and turning my head I
discovered that the man was in conversation with a woman whom he had met
at the head of the path that ran down to the water-gate. Doubtless it
was a lovers' meeting, and since such sights are of interest to all, and
more especially to the young, I watched the pair. Soon I learned that
there was little of tenderness in this tryst, at least on the part of
the gallant, who drew continually backwards toward me as though he would
seek the boat by which doubtless he had come, and I marvelled at this,
for the moonlight shone upon the woman's face, and even at that distance
I could see that it was very fair. The man's face I could not see
however, since his back was towards me for the most part, moreover he
wore a large sombrero that shaded it. Now they came nearer to me, the
man always drawing backward and the woman always following, till at
length they were within earshot.
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