16. XVI.
Pelayo and Egiza led the way, and were closely followed
by their new companion, wielding his massive
club. Ere they left the hovel, they broke their fast
upon a few dried acorns and chestnuts, which hitherto
had supplied the desires of the “seven-teethed” Britarmin.
Upon this simple fare had he lived for weeks
before the arrival of Pelayo; and such was his savage
and severe love of liberty, that he infinitely preferred it
to all the refinements and delicacies of the city. There,
as he said, he felt himself still in bondage, though perfectly
unshackled. The walls of the city, of themselves,
annoyed him, for he could not conceive of their object,
unless to hold men in prison. When Pelayo told him
that their use was to prevent the incursions of the foe,
he replied that men never yet needed such defences
so long as they possessed the desires and the strength
of freemen.
“Thou shalt be at the pulling down of these walls,
Britarmin,” said Pelayo. The savage shouted till the
hills echoed again, waved his mace in air, but, uttering
no other answer, followed his new guide with all the
thoughtless simplicity and gladness of a child.
