Tales

II

Começou por me dizerHe began by telling meque o seu caso era simples —that his case was simple —e que se chamava Macário...and that his name was Macário...

Devo contarI should mentionque conheci este homemthat I met this mannuma estalagem do Minho.at an inn in Minho.

Era alto e forte:He was tall and strong:tinha uma calva larga,he had a broad bald patch,brilhanteshinye lisa,and smooth,com restos de cabelo brancowith remnants of white hairque se levantavam em redor;that stood up around it;e os seus olhos pretos,and his black eyes,com a pele à volta enrugada e amarelada,with the skin around them wrinkled and yellowish,e olheiras inchadas,and swollen bags under the eyes,tinham uma clareza e retidão invulgares —had an unusual clarity and directness —por trás dos seus óculos redondosbehind his round glassescom aros de tartaruga.with tortoiseshell frames.

Tinha a barba feitaHe was clean-shavene o queixo saliente e decidido.and had a prominent and determined chin.

Usava uma gravata de cetim pretoHe wore a black satin necktieapertada por trásfastened at the backcom uma fivela;with a buckle;um casaco compridoa long coatcor de pinhão,pine-nut colored,com as mangas estreitas e justaswith narrow, tight sleevese punhos de veludo.and velvet cuffs.