Strona 147 z 1118

None can tell when the magistrate would have cast anchor, if Don

Roderick had not interrupted him. "Signor Podestà," said he, "and

you, gentlemen, a bumper to the Count Duke, and you shall then

judge if the wine is worthy of the personage." The podestà bowed

low in gratitude for an honour he considered as paid to himself

in part for his eloquent harangue.

"May Don Gaspero Guzman, Count de Olivares, Duke of St. Lucar,

live a thousand years!" said he, raising his glass.

"May he live a thousand years!" exclaimed all the company.

"Help the father," said Don Roderick.

"Excuse me," replied he, "I could not--"

"How!" said Don Roderick; "will you not drink to the Count Duke?

Would you have us believe that you hold to the Navarre party?"

This was the contemptuous term applied to the French interest at

the time of Henry IV.