Spain, v. 2 (of 2)

A weary traveler crosses the desolate, sun‑baked plains of central Spain, where the landscape feels as dry as a crisp tart crust. Suddenly, a boisterous band of hunters stages a playful scare, shouting and firing mock shots to startle the passing carriage. The momentary alarm fades, and the barren expanse magically transforms into a verdant garden of shaded avenues, fragrant groves, and sparkling fountains as the train rolls into the royal town of Aranjuez.

Stepping onto a tree‑lined boulevard, the narrator finds the magnificent palace that has long served as a summer retreat for Spanish monarchs. Its brick walls, light‑stone trim, and tiled roofs speak of centuries of royal patronage, while interior rooms showcase treasures such as a Chinese cabinet and the elegant dressing‑chamber of Isabella II. The scene hints at the historic unrest that once shook its halls, inviting listeners to wander through Spain’s layered past and its enduring beauty.