Italy, always Italy! I know Italy too, for I've been in Brescia, looking for good steel sword-blades for the Prince and other nobles, I crossed the rugged Apennines and went to Florence to see fine pieces of armor.

From Livorno I went by sea to Genoa, where I obtained chased gold and silverwork for shoulder-belts and sheaths.

Truth is truth the brown-skinned rascals can do fine work.

But the country--the country! Roland, my fore man--how any sensible man can prefer it to ours is more than I understand." "Holland is our mother," replied von Warmond.

"As good sons we believe her the best of women; yet we can admit, without shame, that there are more beautiful ones in the world." "Do you blow that trumpet too ?" exclaimed the fencing-master, pushing his glass angrily further upon the table.