LA PELEGRINA. 69
The
Prince of Wales was received with great pomp. Balls, jousts and
bull-fights in profusion were ordered for his benefit, and the King,
Queen and Infanta loaded their visitor with kind attention. At the same
time it must have been rather an irksome visit to all concerned.
Charles spoke to the Queen once in French, she being a French princess,
whereupon she advised him to do it no more as it was customary to kill
any man who spoke to queens of Spain in a foreign tongue!
On the departure of the English prince gifts to a
fabulous amount were exchanged amongst the royalties. One pearl in
particular was declared by the court chronicler to be so fine that it
might " supply the absence of the Pelegrina." The splendid pearl, thus
highly rated by the Spanish courtier, was given by Charles to the
Cardinal-Infante along with a pectoral of topazes and diamonds.
The Pelegrina appeared at most of the court pageants of Madrid, serving to deck either the
