It is the very best Spanish wine--as dear as if it were melted silver, and as strong as if it were liquid fire." On entering a room in the house, he drew two bottles from his doublet and one from under his cloak, placed them upon the table, and looked at them longingly.
"No, no, not now; presently! Business first.

Your bewitching smile cannot seduce me.

Patience, my friends; an hour hence we will become acquainted.
To fill up a grave and roll some empty casks into the cellar is a small matter.

But it is getting so dark that I can no longer distinguish the image of the emperor on the gold pieces; I must light the lamp." Taking a wooden box from the mantelpiece, he drew out a flint and struck it.

It was some time before the tinder took fire, and Julio laughed at his own failures; but at last he succeeded in his efforts, and a large lamp made the whole room bright with its rays.
Julio approached the table and said: "Now at least I can gratify the desire which has irritated my nerves during the last hour.