He was the son of a rich landowner in a neighbouring valley, and, I think, the most beautiful human creature I ever saw.

That day he was particularly good to look at, his complexion of clear olive slightly flushed, his violet eyes beneath their long dark lashes dancing, his perfect white teeth gleaming with excitement and delight.

He wore a cloak, broad striped, of white and crimson, a white frilled shirt of lawn showing above a vest of crimson velvet, fawn-coloured baggy trousers, and soft sheepskin boots.

A snow-white turban crowned his whole appearance.

His horse was thoroughbred and young, and he controlled its ceaseless dance to admiration.