The Spanish Cavaliers : a tale of the Moorish wars in Spain

Front matter

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Library of The Sacred Heart Aitenla lark, Califarnia of

By Mrs. ¥.

Chapter I

BEGINNING AND END OF THE MOORISH POWER IN SPAIN— GRANADA AND ITS VICINITY—SIEGE AND CAPITULATION OF THAT CITY.

Roprigo, the last king of the Goths, had wounded Count Julian in his sweetest paternal affections, and the latter, to avenge the outrage, called in the aid of the African Moors. Led on by Tarik-ben-Zeiad, those barbarians landed on the coast of Algesiras in the month of April, 711, and possessed themselves of Mount Calpa, the present Gibraltar,

Rodrigo marched against them with all his forces, and attacked them near Xeres de la Frontera. The battle lasted two whole days, without any signal advantage to either side; but on the third day, Tarik, recognizing the Gothic king by his royal mantle, rushed upon him and pierced him with his lance, then cut off his head.

The death of that prince decided the contest. The Goths were routed with fearful slaughter, and the Moorish general took one after another the cities of Malaga, Jaéen, Cordova, and Toledo, the latter almost without resistance. Master of Toledo, which was then the capital of the empire, he overran the central provinces of the Peninsula and destroyed almost entirely the scattered remains of the Christian armies.

Meanwhile Pelagio, King of Asturias, forced to abandon his principality after the disastrous defeat at Xeres, had retired into Biscay. In those mountains he remained concealed for three whole years, with no other shelter than a deep cave, since known as the shrine of Our Lady of Govagonda.* The Christian fugitives, no less anxious than himself to shake off the Moorish yoke, gathered around the prince and proclaimed him their chief. Small though their number was, Pelagio led them boldly against the enemy. Heaven blessed his noble courage : the Moors were completely defeated at the foot of Mount Ansena, and in the following year they were forced to evacuate Oviedo.

The successors of Pelagio continued the struggle commenced by him with such unlooked-for success, and the Spanish provinces were one by one recovered from the enemy ; but the _ territory of Granada still remained in the hands of the Infidels,

Situate in the southern part of Spain, that celebrated kingdom reckoned at the accession of Ferdinand the Catholic, no less than fourteen cities, with one hundred fortresses which kept together a considerable number of towns and villages defended by formidable castles. On one side it was bounded

* See Calendar at the end of Orsini’s Life of the Blessed Virgin.

THE SPANISH CAVALIERS, +f by the Mediterranean, on the other by steep mountains, separated from each other by deep valleys whose aspect was as gay and smiling as their soil was rich and fertile.

In the heart of the kingdom rose Granada, a city built on the sides of two mountains between which flowed the Darro, On one of these heights was seen the fortress of Alcazaba, on the other the royal palace of Alhambra. Founded by one of the Moorish kings, after the seat of empire had been transferred from Cordova to Granada, this palace became the favorite dwelling of a long line of princes who enriched it from the spoils of the vanquished in a style of oriental luxury. Even now, no one can wander through those silent and deserted courts, those ruined halls, where walked of old the princes of Granada, without being struck with admiration at sight of the sumptuous ornaments so lavishly displayed around, preserving their freshness and their beauty amid all the ravages of time. ‘

Not only the Alhambra, but even the houses of private individuals inclosed within their walls courts refreshed by sparkling fountains, and planted with odorous trees which filled the air with the most delicious perfume, Placed in the form of an amphitheatre, one over the other, these houses gave the city the appearance of a half open grenade, whence the origin of its name. The whole was surrounded by lofty ramparts three leagues in circumference, with twelve gates and more than a thousand fortified towers.

Around Granada extended the magnificent Véga, an immense plain which might be compared toa pleasure-garden. As far as the eye could reach, nature was seen in her most graceful and picturesque forms, The hills were clothed with vineyards and the fields covered with waving grain. There, in the richest profusion, grew the orange, and citron trees, the pomegranate, the fig, and, above all, the mulberry-tree, which served for the sustenance of the useful silk-worm. There, too, were numerous flocks grazing in the fat pastures and expressing their contentment by many a sportive gambol. Limpid streams whose waters when united went to swell the Silvery waves of the Xenil, there meandered through the country watering the meads and vineyards on their way, and assisting the fresh verdure of the fields and woods to dissipate the languor which, in that burning climate, easily subdues the senses of man and beast. In general, the country was so beautiful and the atmosphere so pure that the Arabs supposed the paradise of their prophet to be placed in that part of the heavens which overhung the kingdom of Granada.

After céntemplating with delight that country so rich and so varied in its productions, the eye paused in astonishment before the imposing aspect of the Sterra Nevada. The everlasting snows, the eternal desolation of those gigantic mountains, contrasted strangely with the softened tints of the plain which spread itself at their feet. N evertheless, those very snows tempered the summer’s stifling heat, and whilst other cities panted in the scorching rays of the dog-star, a gentle breeze was refreshing the darkened halls and chambers of the voluptuous Granadines.

But the time had come when the crescent was to disappear from the land of Spain, and the Cross resume its pristine splendor. In the spring of the year 1491, Granada was besieged by

Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic, who had united under one crown Leon, Castile, and Arragon. The Véga, but late so beautiful and so blooming, soon became one vast scene of carnage and desolation.

Astrologers had long foretold that the fall of the empire should take place in the reign of Boabdil. That prince occupied the throne, and the Christians had advanced to the very gates of Granada. The prediction was about to be fulfilled: Boabdil, weak and undecided, was not the man to stem such a torrent. Frightened at the misfortunes which menaced his subjects, he would have capitulated at once were it not for the remonstrances of Mouza, one of his generals, who succeeded in inspiring the Moors with a spark of courage. Mouza placed himself at the head.of the cavalry, harassed the enemy without

“mercy, but also without much benefit to the cause which he defended with such ferocious valor. |

Meanwhile the Christian camp had been destroyed by an accidental conflagration. Ferdinand and Isabella, anxious to disappoint the Moors of Granada in the hopes founded on this disaster, decided on having a city erected on the place where the camp had stood; and, as if by enchantment, on the very spot where a few days before nought was seen but tents and light pavilions, a city sprang up,* furnished with solid and substantial buildings, and girt by thick walls. What more was wanting to convince the Moors that the siege was only to cease on the reduction of Granada,

Whilst food and provisions of all kinds abounded amongst

* This city still exists undor the name of Santa Fe.

10 ' HE SPANISH CAVALIERS.

the Christians, the besieged began to experience all the horrors of famine. Boabdil once more convoked his council.

“Tt is in vain,” said he, “ that we struggle against the will of heaven. It was written in the book of Fate that I, unhappy king, should see the end of the kingdom of Granada.”

‘The will of God be done,” answered the dejected counsellors; and, notwithstanding the protestation of Mouza, the capitulation was signed on the conditions proposed by the besiegers.

When the detachment sent. by Ferdinand to take possession of the Alhambra, reached the summit of the mountain, the Moorish king advanced to meet it with a few of his knights, and thus addressed the Spanish officer :

“Go, take possession of that fortress which Heaven has delivered to your mighty sovereign in punishment of our sins.”

Boabdil said no more, but advanced sadly towards the king and queen. He was about to alight from his horse, in token of homage, but that Ferdinand would not permit. The Moorish prince then presented to the conqueror the keys of Granada, the last remains of the Arab dominion in Spain.

Soon after, the silver cross, the great standard of this crusade, was hoisted by the bishop of Avila on the highest tower of the Alhambra, amid the joyous acclamations of the Christian army spread over the plain below. Ferdinand and Isabella prostrated themselves in thanksgiving to God for such glorious success, and the soldiers entered singing the solemn canticle of praise and thanks, the Ze Deum.

It was not till some days after that the Christian army made its triumphal entry into Granada. When the streets resounded

THE SPANISH CAVALIERS. il with the victorious shouts of the Christians, and the prancing of their war-steeds, the Moors retired to the darkest and deepest recesses of their houses. There they wept and sighed over the banished glory of their nation, suppressing their groans the while that they might not reach the ears of the enemy.

The royal cortege advanced towards the principal mosque, which had been already converted into a church. After renewing their act of thanksgiving, Ferdinand and Isabella ascended to the Alhambra, and there received the homage of the principal inhabitants of Granada, with that of the deputies from the other places of strength which had not yet made their submission. Boabdil retired to the mountains of Alpuxarras, in the territory of Porcheva, which had been assigned for the place of his retreat.

So ended the dominion of the Moors in Spain, on the Feast of the Epiphany, 1492, seven hundred and sixty-eight years after the defeat and death of Rodrigo on the banks of the Guadaletta.

Chapter II

REVOLT OF THE MOORS—ISABELLA CONVOKES HER COUNCIL— SHE GIVES THE ROYAL BANNER TO DON ALONZO D’ AGUILAR, WHOM SHE CHARGES TO CHASTISE THE REBELS.

Norwitustanpine the capitulation of Granada, the country long remained disturbed and unsettled. Isabella, in her zeal for religion, had resolved from the beginning of the war to make use of all her power in suppressing the absurd doctrines of Islamism; and as soon as. she saw herself in possession of Granada, she sent out missionary monks to all parts of the kingdom. Her pious efforts did but exasperate the Moors of the mountains, who were more ignorant and more obstinate than those of the cities. Several missionaries were attacked and severely injured, and, in the city of Dayrin, two of them refusing to deny their faith, were cruelly stoned to death by women and children.

On the other hand, symptoms of rebellion were manifested _ even in Granada, and the disaffection became almost general, An officer was sent to that part of the city called Albaycin, where the insurgents made a show of intrenching themselves ; he was first assailed with violent imprecations, threats followed, and at length a stone thrown from a window stretched him dead on the ground.

Persuaded that this crime would not go unpunished, the Moors then openly revolted in several districts, and prepared for resistance with all the fury of despair. A great number of these madmen were seen rushing through the streets calling their countrymen to arms.

Although the Count de Tendilla, whom the queen had appointed governor of Granada, was endowed with courage and coolness fit for any emergency, he could not conceal his unea- Siness regarding the consequences of this insurrection. In order to avoid further irritation, he thought it his duty to employ mildness and conciliation before having recourse to those violent measures which would compromise the safety of the city.

He contented himself, therefore, with representing to the malcontents the folly of their enterprise and the little probabi- - lity there was of its being attended with success. His efforts to restore order were long unavailing. He was obliged to promise the offenders a total amnesty on the part of the queen, together with redress of the grievances whereof they complained, and, as a pledge of his good will, the governor sent them his wife and son as hostages.

Such generous devotion struck the rebels with admiration : they laid down their arms and accepted the pardon offered them. . ,

But the chiefs whom they had at first chosen were violently opposed to this submission which they designated as base and cowardly. Dazzled by the dreams of ambition and the delusive hope of securing their independence, they quitted Granada by night and retired to the mountains, where they hoped to maintain themselves at no great disadvantage, in case they were attacked.

They communicated their indignation and their projects to the Moorish inhabitants of that wild district. The cities of Guejar, Lanjaron, and Andurax rose in arms; the mountaineers of Alpuxarras followed their example, and the Christians soon found themselves in danger of losing the fruit of so many victories.

Isabella was no sooner apprised of the turn affairs were taking, than she decided on employing means the most prompt and efficacious to arrest the progress of rebellion. She called around her the most tried and trusty of her councillors; she also assembled the knights whose valor had been so often proved in the hour of danger; Don Alonzo de Cordova, Lord of Aguilar, and brother of the famous Gonsalvo; Don Mendoza, Marquis of Cadiz, the Count Urena, and many other distinguished chiefs, who, in the last war, had acquired numerous titles to the eratitude of Spain.

But she sought in vain, amongst these illustrious cavaliers, a young knight, who, although but lately entered on the career of arms, had already won the respect due to an old soldier, Louis de los Prados, as this young knight was called, had distinguished himself in a remarkable manner in many encounters with the Moors, and his bravery had won him the right to share with the oldest and most experienced captains, the confidence of his august queen.

Isabella was the first to remark his absence, and she asked Don Alonzo if he knew the cause thereof. The knight replied that his young friend had set out some days before for the dwelling of his uncle, Count de Montecalvo, in Murcia.

“That surprises us,” replied Isabella. ‘We thought not to

* hear of him leaving Granada on the eve of a tournament. You will write to him from us, and say we desire his presence here that we may give him a command in the expedition which we are about, to undertake against the Moors,”

Don Alonzo, with the queen’s permission, laid before the Council his plan for the approaching campaign against the rebels. The plan was universally applauded by the Council, every member of which hastened to express their confidence in him who was justly styled The Scourge of the Infidels.

“We see with pleasure,” said Isabella, “‘ the harmonious agreement of our councillors regarding the merits of one of the bravest knights that ever did honor to Spain. It remains for us todo him justice.” ‘ Lord Alonzo @’ Aguilar,” she continued, turning to the hero, “to you doth belong the chief command of this expedition. In your hands we place this banner, that you may fix it on the summit of the Alpuxarras.”

Saying these words, Isabella presented Don Alonzo with a rich banner emblazoned with the arms of Castile and Arragon, Alonzo took it, and his eye kindled suddenly as though he already found himself in front of the rebels. He knelt and kissed the queen’s hand, then, rising, exclaimed with lofty enthusiasm :

‘‘ Brave warriors, it is with joy and gratitude that I receive this precious pledge of the favor of our august sovereign—it shall never leave me but to wave in triumph over the enemy’s walls. Still if God were pleased to withhold the victory from me, and should this banner disappear from your eyes, seek it only where the Moorish dead are thickest. You will find it there red with the life-blood of Alonzo; but never shall his hand yield it to another while strength is his to hold it.” °

The Council rose, and the chiefs slowly retired, still deeply moved by the magnanimous words they had just heard.

The rest of the day was employed in preparations for the sports of the morrow. The knights were busy polishing their arms and adjusting their equipments, whilst hands more delicate embroidered the devices and arranged the colors which were to distinguish the combatants. The streets and squares were filled with crowds of curious spectators attracted to the city by the novelty of the sight, for it was the first tournament given by the Spaniards in Granada. The city could not contain so vast a concourse of people, and tents were erected for them on the smiling plains of the Véga.

Chapter III

A TOURNAMENT, WHEREIN MANY OF THE GREAT CAPTAINS OF THE DAY TAKE PART—BRAVERY OF DON PEDRO D’AGUILAR.

Tux day of the festival at length arrived, that day so long, so ardently expected. The people rushed in crowds from the gates of Granada and bent their steps towards that part of the plain which had been chosen for the tournament.

A gallery extended on either side of the lists. At one end was seen a sort of wooden castle painted to imitate stone, and capable of contaming a large number of armed men. Over the tower which crowned this edifice floated a rich banner adorned with a red cross—this was the arms of the Order of Calatrava, the Grand Master of which was to open the tournament. It was surrounded by other smaller banners belonging to the four knights chosen to maintain the defiance of the challenger.

At the opposite end, there was raised a magnificent pavilion adorned with flags and pennons of the most brilliant colors, bearing devices embroidered in gold and silver. This pavilion was intended for the knights who presented themselves to fight the challenger and his adherents.

About the middle of the gallery rose a platform, which had been constructed for the queen and her attendants. It was hung with scarlet cloth richly embroidered, and the corners were furnished with spiral columns supporting a dais of crimson velvet surmounted by the royal arms of Spain.

In front of this platform there were seen two others, one which was reserved for the judges of the lists, whose duty it was to decide on the merits of the combatants and award the prizes ; the other for the nobles and the principal citizens of Granada; whilst the galleries right and left were free of access to all comers, on the rule of “ first come first served.”

Every seat was already occupied when the great bells of the cathedral were put in motion announcing the arrival of the queen.

Isabella appeared, surrounded by a brilliant and numerous train; she was greeted with joyous shouts by the people, who rejoiced far more in seeing their beloved queen than even in the prospect of the day’s amusement.

The queen was clothed in a magnificent robe of blue velvet, studded with brilliants; a veil of some costly tissue adorned with towers, lions, and other symbolical figures, was fastened to the top of her head, like the mantillas still worn by the Spanish women, and fell in graceful folds over her neck and shoulders. On her bosom sparkled the jewelled insignia of the Order of St. James and of Calatrava, already illustrious from their many heroes and knights of high renown,

Whilst the platform on which the queen sat prevented all the magnificence of a sumptuous court, the galleries offered a scene no less striking. Nothing could be more picturesque than the mixture of Spanish and Moorish costumes, for the two races appeared to fraternize with a greater appearance of cordiality than was ever before seen. Their joyous faces, illumined by the first beams of the rising sun, their eager and animated looks, contributed not a little to the imposing character of the scene. 4

The sound of trump and clarion announced the opening of the sports. In a moment the inclosure was deserted, the heralds alone remaining within. Advancing to the four corners of the lists they proceeded to proclaim the challenge. This challenge, couched in the language of chivalry, declared that the challenger and his friends, Don Manuel, Ponce de Leon, the Alcade de Los Donceles, Count Cifuentes, and Don Antonio de Leyva, invited all knights who wished to try their prowess, to break a lance with them, if any were bold enough to dispute the prize of victory with such valiant knights,

As soon as the challenge was proclaimed, the heralds retired, the trumpets sounded again, the gates of the castle were thrown open, and forth came the five knights whose noble names had been just announced.

Their costume corresponded with the splendor of their armor, which they wore with the greatest ease and dignity. A short cloak of white velvet covered the silvery corslet of the Grand Master, and his shield was easily distinguished by the Red Cross of Calatrava on a field argent with the motto: “ For HER and my King.”

The equipment of the other knights resembled that of the challenger; differing only in the color of the cloak and the device which decorated the shield of each. All the five were mounted on milk-white steeds, no less remarkable for their elegant proportions than the rich ornaments which sparkled on their housings and harness, The proud animals pawed the earth impatiently, as though indignant at the delay, neighing and snorting with an air that seemed to invite opposition.

A moment after, and five other knights appeared to take up the gauntlets. The lists were their own for a short space, during which the spectators had time to observe them. They all Wore coats of mail, and their fleet coursers, black as jet, seemed chosen to contrast with those of their opponents.

But their chief refused to declare his‘name, adding that his four companions were ready to answer for him. He was generally supposed to be Gonsalvo de Cordova, who had left the court in a fit of ill-humor.

gi the other knights, who were easily recognized by their colors and devices, notwithstanding their closed visors, the most remarkable was Don Pedro, son of Alonzo d’Aguilar. Endowed with an intrepidity beyond his age, this young man engrossed his full share of the interest which gathered around his illustrious family. On his shield was a golden eagle, the emblem of his name, Aguilar. The eagle was soaring on the clouds, with the body of a Moor between his talons, and beneath was the inscription : “ J will raise him even to heaven to make his fall the greater.” It was also the device of Alonzo, who was charmed to see in his son that implacable hatred of the Saracen name which he himself had received as a legacy from his fathers,

By the side of Don Pedro was Garcilasso de la Vera Lo the arms of his family he had lately added an Infidel’s head hanging at a horse’s tail, and the motto consisted of but two words engraved on the edge of the shield. It was: Avr

Maris. The knight had chosen this device in remembrance of a famous and singular combat which he had had under the walls of Granada with a Moor who had the insolence to fasten the Angelical Salutation to his horse’s tail.

The two other champions were Count Urena and the young Sayavedra, both brave and loyal knights, ;

They all five rode towards the castle, and having each struck twice on a metal plate, suspended near the gate for that purpose, they retired. Then the challengers came forth anew, and the combatants were face to face with each other.

At a signal given, the ten champions advanced with lightning speed; nevertheless, such perfect control had they of their horses that they reached the centre of the lists at the same instant, and the crash of their meeting seemed as one tremendous shock. Their lances were shivered to their very wrists, but still the knights sat unmoved in their saddles,

Having received new lances, they renewed the attack with the same impetuosity and the same precision, but not with the Same result as before. Victory declared for the knights of the castle.

The youthful Don Pedro could not withstand the superior force of Ponce de Leon; Garcilasso was unhorsed by Antonio de Leyva; and the two other companions of the unknown knight were successively vanquished by the Alcade and the Count de Cifuentes. As for the chiefs on either side, they remained firm in their stirrups, and both appeared uninjured.

The cries of the spectators and the sound of the trumpets proclaimed the victory of the Grand Master and his knights, and they all returned to the castle, ready to renew the combat with any who might wish to have a tilt with them.

_ Don Pedro, whose lofty spirit could not brook the idea of defeat, mounted a fresh steed, and galloping up to the castle, defied the challenger himself. Don Alonzo beheld the noble courage of his son with a mixture of joy and fear: such heroic valor in one so young overwhelmed him with joy, but he trembled at the same time for the possible consequences of so much boldness. '

The dial sounded twice, and the Grand Master issued forth, astonished at the young knight's presumption, They took their places and the trumpets gave the signal,

The first meeting seemed to announce such an equality of strength in the two adversaries that the whole assembly, intensely anxious for the result, began to salute Don Pedro with joyful acclamations. The women especially, who, in such circumstances, always take part with the weakest, waved their: scarfs and kerchiefs to encourage the youthful knight, whose courage, nevertheless, required no such stimulus.

In the second attack, Don Pedro was not so fortunate. The Grand Master, jealous of his hard-won reputation, and determined not to leave the victory with his boyish adversary, had redoubled his attention and put forth all his skill and force.

Don Pedro could not resist the weight of his ponderous blows ; the lance escaped from his failing hand, and he quitted the field with honor indeed, but still vanquished.

Chapter IV

ANOTHER UNKNOWN KNIGHT ENTERS THE LISTS—HE GAINS A COMPLETE VICTORY AND WITHDRAWS—GAME OF THE RING— THE PRIZE IS DECREED TO RODRIGO DE MONTE-CALVO.

Some moments having passed, the heralds of the castle, according to custom, renewed the challenge of their lords,

At the third and last proclamation, a knight was seen to cross the barrier and demand admission to the lists. The marshal of the tournament desired to know his name and quality, whereupon young d’Aguilar replied that he answered for him, This circumstance, together with the unexpected appearance of a new champion just when the victory appeared decided, excited general attention.

The unknown was clad in blue armor, over which was a cloak of black silk embroidered with gold, white and black plumes shaded his helmet, and from the end of his lance floated a pennon of variegated colors. He had with lim neither page hor squire, and his device, which no one remembered to have seen, was conceived in these terms :—« By his deeds you shall know him.”

On presenting himself in front of the castle, he struck the plate again and again, and waved his lance with an air of defiance, The Grand Master, being the principal challenger, came forth. The trumpets sounded, and the two champions darted forward at full speed.

But the Grand Master’s horse having made a motion which exposed his rider to the blows of his adversary, the mysterious knight refused to profit by the advantage, and withdrew again to the end of the lists to renew the attack. Overpowered by the courtesy of his opponent, the challenger declined the combat and retired to the castle.

It was then the turn of Ponce de Leon, Marquis of Cadiz. The many remarkable combats which he had had with the Moors in the Jast war had gained him a celebrity second to that of no other Spanish hero. Relying on his strength he - presented himself in the lists with the easy security of a man confident of success,

After a first assault which left the victory undecided, the two adversaries met a second time. The shock of their lances was terrible, and it was all but fatal to the marquis, who received such a blow that were it not for the solidity of his armor the queen would have had to bewail the loss of one of her bravest subjects. His saddle girths gave way, and the horse, roll- - ing on the ground, cast his rider far into the arena. The marquis arose slowly and painfully and was carried from the lists, whilst the Alcade de Los Donceles presented himself to avenge the misfortune of his brother in arms.

But the Alcade and the Count de Cifuentes, who came after him, were both unhorsed, and there remained only Antonio de Leyva, the youngest, and as the general opinion went, the least formidable of the knights of the Castle.

A profound silence succeeded the shouts of admiration which had greeted the unknown knight. But fear and apprehension gave place to surprise when it was seen that the two Gombat-

THE SPANISH CAVALIERS. “O85