University of Virginia Library

TO DAVID WILKIE, ESQ. R.A.

You may remember, that in the rambles
we once took together about some
of the old cities of Spain, particularly
Toledo and Seville, we remarked a strong
mixture of the Saracenic with the Gothic,
remaining from the time of the Moors;
and were more than once struck with
scenes and incidents in the streets, which
reminded us of passages in the "Arabian
Nights." You then urged me to write
something that should illustrate those
peculiarities, "something in the Haroun
Alraschid style," that should have a dash
of that Arabian spice which pervades
every thing in Spain. I call this to your
mind, to show you that you are, in some
degree, responsible for the present work,
in which I have given a few "Arabesque"
sketches from the life, and tales founded
on popular traditions, which were chiefly
struck off during a residence in one of
the most Moresco-Spanish places in the
Peninsula.

I inscribe these pages to you as a memorial
of the pleasant scenes we have
witnessed together in that land of adventure,
and as a testimonial of an esteem
for your worth which is only exceeded
by admiration of your talents.