a second Attempt upon Hispalis and is as Successless as before 156 Chap. 22. Adilbar goes to Valence defeats the Governour of that Province and has him Beheaded 165 Chap. 23. Almanzor gives Tariff a place in his Council and chooses him for his Ambassadour Extraordinary for the Conclusion of the Prince his Sons Match with the King of Thunis's Daughter 168 Letters Patents of Almanzor's Demission in favour of his Son 171 Chap. 24. Abraham Amcary goes to fight Abenbukar defeats him and has him beheaded 180 Chap. 25. King Aboulvalid assembles a great Army in Africa and marches against his Brother Abraham gives him Battel wherein his Brother is kill'd 185 King Aboulvaiid's Letter to Muca Vice-roy of Morocco and Africa 188 Chap. 26. Adilbar Vice-roy of Spain leads his Army into Biscaya against Pelagius and thence returns without doing ought 195 Chap. 27. Of the Death of the King of Thunis and of the great Wars Aboulvalid was oblig'd to make to render himself Master of that Kingdom 200 Chap. 28. Aboulvalid makes Muca Generalissimo of his Armies and after having reduc'd the Kingdom of Thunis under his Obedience returns into Arabia 206 Aboulvalid's Letter to Muca Abenzairi Generalissimo in his Armies 207 Chap. 29. The Oath of Allegiance which Aboulvalid causes the States to take to Jacob Almanzor his Son 214 Chap. 30. Aboulvalid's Death who leaves to one of his Kinsmen call'd Mahomet Amcari the Regency of his State during his Sons Minority 221 Chap. 31. The Regent Amcari meaning to bereave Prince Almanzor of his Life is discover'd and punish'd for his Perfidy 230 Chap. 32. Prince Almanzor's Death the Queen his Mother dyes of Grief in a short time after and Ali Abilhachek causes himself to be Proclaimed Caliph 235 PART I. Containing the Life of Don Rodrigo King of Spain The Conquest of that Kingdom under the Caliph Valid Almanzor And the Wars which his Death occasion'd in Africa in Europe and Asia between his Children and his Generals Luna and all the Spanish Authors put Mira mamolin instead of Emir el mumenin Prince of Believers Almanzor signifies August Victorious Caliphe Vicar Successor CHAP. I. Anagilda King Acosta's Widdow withdraws with the Prince her Son to Cordoua Rodrigo invites her to bring him back to Court to assist at a Festival She goes thither and departs thence forthwith IN the Year 91 of the Hegira Spain was govern'd by a King call'd Rodrigo of the Race of the Goths a People that came into that Country from the farthest parts of the North and who made profession of the Christian Religion This Kingdom did then enjoy a profound Peace and was as much under his subjection as Arabia could be formerly to the Great Almanzor our Soveraign Lord. Insomuch that this unhappy Prince for we may well term him so had the freedom to abandon himself to all the Vices whereof Idleness is commonly the source What curb'd him was the young Prince Don Sancho Son to the late King Acosta his Eldest Brother to whom by consequence the Crown was devolved after his Death and which had been only conferr'd upon him until the Majority of his Nephew But he was loath to resign so precious a Pledge and his thoughts were wholly taken up in contriving the means to appropriate the whole Authority to himself which to him did not seem sufficiently Charming as long as it was only borrow'd The more his Nephew became fortify'd in Body and Mind the more this unnatural Unkle became peevish and uneasie The Affection which all the Grandees bore him much before the time giving him a Jealousie which he had much ado to dissemble Queen Anagilda having sooner than any other perceiv'd the ill will he bore her Son seldom suffer'd him out of her sight and only plac'd such persons about him as of whose fidelity she was well assur'd But in short the Affection she had for Don Sancho making her shrift into all Rodrigo's pernicious Designs and to foresee the storm that was suddenly like to come pouring upon her Head she ask'd Rodrigo's Permission to leave Toledo the usual Abode of the Kings of Castille to retire to a City in Andalousia called Cordoua whither she took along her Son and all her Houshold This Resolution which Rodrigo durst not thwart made him harbour new and stronger Distrusts He every moment fancy'd that his Nephew had attain'd to his years of Majority that the Scepter was to be put into his Hands and of an absolute King as he was become his Subjects Pupil And looking on this fall as a thing worse than Death he found no better means to screen himself from it than to dispatch as soon as possible Don Sancho out of the World To bring this Design the more easily and secretly about he caus'd a Turnament to be proclaim'd at Toledo where several days were wholly spent in the Preparations for so great an Entertainment And as all People were invited to be there on the day it was to begin he sent a Courier on purpose to Cordoua earnestly to entreat Queen Anagilda to Honour it with her Presence and with that of the Prince her Son This Princess ever labouring under the apprehensions of some Treachery at first wav'd with Excuses the undertaking of this Journey but at last being press'd by the Messengers that were sent upon the heels of one another she consulted those in whom she thought she might confide They all agreed That the Diffidence she harbour'd of her Brother-in-Law was well grounded but that it became her not to suffer it to be perceiv'd That Rodrigo wou'd easily guess the Reason why the Prince went not to Court and so might be urg'd to Extremities for which they ought not to give him any occasion Immediately after Orders being given for the Departure and the rumours thereof being spread about Andalousia several Persons of Quality came to ask the Queen leave to attend her and she being willing to be accompany'd by the most People she could with joy accepted their offers Thus did she repair with a very numerous brisk and stately Train into the Province of Castille at her arrival at Toledo she was there received with all the Honours due to her and found the Court extraordinary full She was lodg'd with all her Train in a Stately Palace wherein she had hardly remain'd the time necessary to recreate herself after the fatigue of so great a March but that the day appointed for the solemnity of that Festival being come she was conducted in Ceremony upon a Scaffold erected and spread with Tapistries magnificently in a place where the Prince D. Sancho sat in the middle having the King his Unkle on his Right Hand and the Queen his Mother on his Left As soon as this Entertainment was over it having been perform'd with much Joy and Magnificence notwithstanding the earnest entreaties and instances made by the King D. Rodrigo to oblige Anagilda to stay some days to divert herself in his Court
confines upon France on the North and is separated thence by very high and very rugged Mountains by them call'd the Pyrenees We pass'd them Tariff and I in the Head of your Armies but we thought that it became us not to undertake the Conquest of another Kingdom than that of Spain without your Permission After having entred pretty far into the Country we Retired again without having lost any of our Men. I end in telling you That this Country is full of all sorts of Riches and that there is wherewithal to live very pleasantly and with all sorts of Conveniences Congratulating you for so many and such happy succrsses which I only inform you of in the Bulk leaving the particulars to Tariff who will give you an Account of all that is not in this Letter relieve me in the faults I have therein committed and with your Celcitude's leave will here find assurances of my Friendship praying God that he would assist you in all things with his Grace From the Palace of Morocco in Africa the 3d of the Moon Dulquesita the Year 94. Ismael with this his Brothers dispatch being Shipp'd in a very light Barque for the making the more haste in a little time arriv'd in Arabia and presented his Letter to Almanzor This great Prince tho sufficiently inform'd of all those Affairs of Spain did nevertheless express much joy at his receiving Testimonies of the care Muca took of all things that related to his Service and to shew the value he had for him he commanded his Brother to stay with him until farther order Ismael sent immediately a Courier to his Brother to signify to him the manner of his Reception This was a great Consolation to Muca he taking the order the Emperour had given his Brother to attend upon his Person as a good Augure This Mighty Prince having assembled the Principal Lords of his Empire and conferr'd with them and particularly with Tariff upon all matters the Result of this Council was to send Ismael as Ambassadour to the King of Thunis to condole with him the Death of the Prince his Son thank him for the Succours he had given him in that War that had more than a little contributed to the Conquest of Spain and to demand in Marriage his Daughter call'd Omahair for Abilgualit Abinacer his Eldest Son and Heir to all his Kingdoms Ismael very well satisfied with being chosen for so Noble an Employ departed with an Magnificent Equipage a very Noble Train and a great number of Martial Men as well for his Guard as for the Dignity of his Embassy He was very welcome at Thunis and had immediate Audience of Mahomet to whom he gave the Caliph's his Masters Letter and the Presents he had brought He was highly entertain'd by that Prince who having agreed to the Proposal and having Examin'd it with the Principal of his Council this Match was found advantageous for the State and suitable for the Princess Omahair and for this reason he with all Expedition dispatch'd away Ismael with an Answer as favourable as the Valid could desire it as it is easy to see by the Letter and Answer A Letter from Valid to the King of Thunis Praise be to God Amen THE most High and most Puissant Caliph Valid Almanzor Emperour of the Arabians to the most Wise and most Potent King of the Moors Grand Justiciar Warriour Martial and Defender of the Law of God Mahomet Gilhair Greeting with all sort of Tenderness and Amity I am under great Obligations of imparting to you the happy Event of the Enterprize I made upon the Kingdom of Spain since you had so great a share therein by the Succours you gave me for the Conquering of it But the Death of Prince Gilhair your Son has much diminish'd the joy I should have had and I have only to represent to you on this Occasion that since it has pleas'd Destiny or rather the Providence of our Great God so to ordain by one of his Decrees conceiv'd from the knowledge of men and reserv'd to his Eternal Science There is only Suffering with Patience the Evils he sends us and praise him in the mean while for the Benefits we daily receive from him For which reason I shall say no more to you upon this resting satisfied with shewing you how much I interest my self in all that concerns you through the peculiar Esteem I have of your Virtue through the acknowledgment I ought to have of all the Benefits I have receiv'd from you and the Amity you have ever had for me as your Good Relation And through a thousand other Reasons which Ismael the Bearer of this Letter will tell you whom I desire you to afford entire Credence as to the Proposals he shall make you in my Name that I shall reckon my self happy can they but Succeed as well as all your Designs for which I pray God with all my Heart From our Palace of Carbal the 4th of the Moon of Babeth the 2d day of the Year 94. The King of Thunis's Answer Praise be to God the Creator of all things to whom alone is due Sacrifice and Prayer THE Generous King of the Moors the Exalter of the Law of God and Extirper of his Enemies Mahomet Gilhair to the most Honour'd most Noble most Wise most Prudent and most Potent Emperour of the Arabians Valid Almanzor to whom the Great God give a Long and Happy Life as well as to all his Servants Health I am oblig'd to you for imparting to me the happy success of the Conquest of Spain which has afforded great joy and still more at the Proposal that has been made me in your name according to the Credentials you sent me To which I have no other answer to make but that I shall esteem my self very Happy that all you express your self desirous of be treated and accomplish'd in such manner as you shall please to order as a thing that absolutely depends on you I pray God to take you into his keeping From our Palace Royal of Thunis the 11th of the Moon of Rageb in the year 95. Ismael was very much pleas'd to carry back so favourable an Answer as this into Arabia where he had a kind Reception made him by Almanzor and all his Court The happy issue of this Embassy occasion'd the Caliph to give him the Office of Algouazil being one of the Chief of his State that fell vacant after his Return and made him at the same time incur a great deal of Envy CHAP. XX. Adilbar went to invest the City of Hispalis with his Army but is constrain'd to raise the Siege and return to Cordoua WHen that General Tariff and the Vice-roy Muca had repass'd the Sea before they began their Voyage the one into the East according to Almanzor's orders and the other into the West to his Palace of Morocco where his Brother Ismael expected him they caus'd Proclamation to be made throughout
Africa that was known at that time and whose Generals having reduc'd Spain in subjection to him could hardly curb themselves from passing the Pyrenees and undertaking the Conquest of France before they had received orders from their Master for that purpose Yet do not our Historians so much as agree upon this mighty Princes Name of the time when he Reigned nor of the Year when the Moors pass'd the Streight But the Principal cause of our little acquaintance with this and other the Histories of the Eastern Princes is the Ignorance of the Arabick Persian Turkish and Mauritanick Languages which hinders us from being so Critical as to know the good from bad Books written in those Tongues and the difficulty there is not only in understanding them aright but in reading them also aright insomuch that after many Years Study few People but do at length desist VVherefore we must needs own our selves the more indebted to Michael de Luna for having taken the pains to Translate Abulcacim's VVorks into Spanish since this single History may stand in Competition with all those of the Greeks and Romans And indeed the Circumstances of the Conquest of Spain by the Moors in the Year 712 of our Lord are so curious and the Life of the Caliph Almanzor under whom this great Event happen'd so fine that Abulcacim Abentari who accompany'd Tariff and Muca throughout that whole Expedition may be said to Challenge more Credit than Arrian who only writ after the Memoires of Ptolomy and Aristobulus who attended Alexander in his and that he has all the Qualifications necessary to merit the Character of the most perfect of Historians Now to shew the Authentickness of the Arabick Original and the Spanish Version many of the most Eminent Spanish Authors as Pedrasa Rodrigo Caro Bleda and others Quote and Commend Abulcacim Tariff as an Author the most worthy of Credit they knew And as for Michael de Luna his Translator as he was a Citizen of Grenada whence the Moors had not been long driven he could know by Tradition many things that had relation to this History And in all probability having been chosen by Philip the Second to be Interpreter of the Arabick Tongue and having doubtless had a great part in the Scrutiny made after Arabick Books that compos'd the greatest part of the Escurial Library he must have seen and examin'd all those that speak of the same subject and that he would not have chosen it to have given it to the Publick if he had not judg'd it more worthy of it than all the rest VVe shall not descend to justifie this History particularly referring that to the Dissertation in the second Volume wherein it is compar'd and put to the Test with the most Authentick Oriental Manuscripts Besides we have been but too rude already in detaining thee so long when the Entrance is so alluring History is the Mistress of all Mankind a Mistress that Refines and Diverts the Ingenious new Polishes the gross and uncouth and has Reformed me and so out of Gratitude my Darling But through an over-great Publick Spirit I could no longer deny the English VVorld the Possession of so Ravishing a Mistress and so have ground to hope that this piece of Generosity will meet with such a due Acceptance as may quicken me to hasten out the next and indeed more entertaining Volume And so Farewel A TABLE Of the Chapters contained in the First Part. PART I. Containing the Life of Don Rodrigo King of Spain The Conquest of that Kingdom under the Caliph Valid Almanzor And the Wars which his Death occasion'd in Africa in Europe and Asia between his Children and his Generals Chap. 1. A Nagilda King Acosta's Widdow withdraws with the Prince her Son to Cordoua Rodrigo invites her to bring him back to Court to assist at a Festival She goes thither and departs thence forthwith pag. 1 Chap. 2. Rodrigo causes the Prince Don Sancho to be taken into Custody His Mother frees him out of Prison and goes with him into Africa 7 The Letter of Queen Anagilda the Prince Don Sancho's Mother to the King D. Rodrigo 11 Chap. 3. Rodrigo causes most of the Fortresses of his Kingdom to be dismantled and commits several Violences that make him incur the anger of God 19 Chap. 4. Rodrigo falls in love with Florinda call'd La Caux by the Arabs She signifies to Count Julian her Father then in Africa the violence done her by this Prince 25 Florinda's Letter to Count Julian her Father 27 Chap. 5. Count Julian being throughly inform'd of the outrage done to his Danghter resolv'd to be Reveng'd and to deliver Spain to the Moors 30 Muca's Letter to Valid Almanzor 32 Almanzor's Letter to Muca 35 Chap. 6. Rodrigo enters a Cave that was at the Gates of Toledo and thinking to find Treasures therein finds only Presages of the loss of Spain 38 Chap. 7. Muca sends Tariff and Count Julian into Arabia to give an account to Almanzor of the success of the Voyage they had made into Spain 46 Almanzor's Letters Patents 49 A Prediction made by a Religious 55 Chap. 8. Great Preparations for War made by Rodrigo in all the parts of his Dominions 59 Chap. 9. Muca passes into Spain and joins with Tariff Rodrigo puts himself at the head of his Army gives them Battel and loses it 64 Chap. 10. General Tariff causes search to be made through all the Country for D. Rodrigo and promises great rewards to whom ever shall deliver him dead or alive into his hands 72 Chap. 11. The Amours of Mahomet Gilhair with the Queen who induces him to turn Christian and then Marries him 76 Chap. 12. Tariff makes himself master of the Province of Grenada and of the Snowy Mountains call'd by the Spaniards of the Sun and of the Air. 84 Chap. 13. The Conquests of Muca and his return to Cordoua 91 Chap. 14. The Conjunction of the two Generals and their entrance into Castile 103 Chap. 15. The March of the two Generals towards Valentia and Murtia and their Return to Cordoua 109 Chap. 16. The Order that Tariff left in Spain before his Departure thence 113 A Letter from King Pelage to General Tariff Abenziet 120 A Letter from Tariff Abenziet to Caliph Valid Almanzor Emperour of the Moors 122 Chap. 17. Pelage takes the City of Gixa from the Moors and burns it 125 Chap. 18. The Vnhappy end of Count Julian of the Countess his Wife and of Florinda his Daughter 131 Chap. 19. Muca being vex'd that Almanzor did not send for him as well as Tariff dispatches his Brother to him with the description of all Spain 136 A Letter from Muca Vice-roy of Africa to Caliph Almanzor Emperour of the Arabians 138 A Letter from Valid Almanzor to the King of Thunis 145 The King of Thunis's Answer 147 Chap. 20. Adilbar goes to invest the City of Hispalis with his Army but is constrain'd to raise the Siege and return to Cordoua 149 Chap. 21. Adilbar makes
Dust again and that when after thy Death thou shalt appear before his Tribunal thou wilt only carry along with thee thither the Good and Evil thou hast done in this Life I Challenge thee in his Name and summons thee to restore the Crown to whom it belongs and to rest satisfy'd with thy Condition If thou dost not do it assure thy self that though I am a Woman and weak by Consequence Truth shall strengthen me and make me triumph with the help of God over all thy Artifices that will all vanish into smoak The Innocence of my Son as well as my own will be Chains of Iron which all thy efforts can never break and the Calumny and Treason wherein thou wouldst involve us will last no longer than threds of rotten Flax whereas the justice of my Cause being firm and stable as Marble will appear in the Eyes of all the World as clear and as pure as Cristal It is easie for thee to judge of the little reason thou hast by the little help Heaven gives thee Thou sendest to take an Innocent with a Troop of Guards as if he had been a Malefactor God has broke those bonds and if thou doubtst it thou needest only to see the Nose and Ears of him to whom thou gavest thy Commission for that purpose who will inform thee whether thou or we have the best Right I will put an end to my Letter but take this along That I am not at all resolv'd to put an end to either my Cares or my Endeavours against thee from which on the contrary I will never desist till such time as that I am fully Reveng'd From the Algesires on the 23 day of January in the year 750 of the aera of Caesar The Superscription of the Pacquet was to D. Rodrigo the Tyrant and Vsurper of D. Sancho his Nephews Kingdom Rodrigo in the mean while thinking he had taken his measures aright flatter'd himself with the hopes of suddenly seeing that Prisoner arrive whom he had so great a longing to rid himself of but strangely was he surpriz'd when he saw his dear Astolpho come all disfigur'd as he was disclaiming against and cursing his ill fortune He was much more so when having ask'd him Who had put him into that condition He acquainted him how that having taken Don Sancho and bringing him along towards Toledo the Queen his Mother issued out of Cordoua with abundance of Horse and Foot and had us'd such expedition that she had overtaken him on the way had cut all his Party to pieces whatever resistance he had been able to make to endeavour to hinder her from rescuing his Prisoner from him and that she would doubtless have put him to Death as well as the rest had she not thought fit to reserve him to carry him this Letter which he did not expect would be over welcome The King after having taken it ask'd what was become of Anagilda and her Son And he having reply'd That they had taken Shipping for Africa he was so sorely griev'd that his Affliction had like to have made him run mad He went and shut himself up in his Closet that he might so with the more freedom give a loose to the vexation he had for the unhappy event of his Enterprize He could not then forbear opening the Queens Letter and as Truth has great force he felt in that moment some Repentance for what he had done But Ambition being the ruling Passion of his Soul the remorse of his Conscience did not trouble him so much as the fear he had lest Anagilda should go demand succours of the Moors against him This made him send in all haste for Count Julian to whom belong'd the Castle of the Algesires where she had resided for some time before she went into Africa that he might by him discover the intention of her Journey into those parts This Count being come to Court and having assured the King that she went away with a Resolution to prevail with the Moors to wage War upon him he resolv'd to send this Count into Africa to endeavour to divert this Storm and to procure the better welcom for his Letters to Muca who was then Vice-roy for the Caliph Valid-Almanzor he accompany'd them with a world of Presents and made him the offer of entring into a Treaty of Alliance with his Master Anagilda in the mean while falling sick through Grief rather than fatigue was oblig'd to stay for for some time at a City of Africa call'd Tangier by which means Count Julian had seen the Vice-roy and presented him with the Jewels sent him by Rodrigo before he had heard talk of her Muca receiv'd him with much Honour and after having treated him several times in a House he had caus'd to be prepar'd for that purpose he made him answer That he could not of his own head resolve upon any thing of what Rodrigo required but that if he would stay some time he would write to the Caliph Almanzor who would undoubtedly receive in due manner the advances of so great a King and would do all that should be most fitting and most suitable for both During these Transactions Rodrigo receiv'd Tydings that Anagilda and D. Sancho were both dead at Tangier which inspir'd him with mighty Joy seeing himself at the point he had so long wish'd to be at and believing he had now nothing more at all to fear He nevertheless imagin'd that the Amity of the Moors might be of some use to him For which reason he wrote to Count Julian that notwithstanding the Prince's Death he should nevertheless remain in Africa to wait the event of his Embassy After having taken these Precautions for abroad his thoughts were now only bent how to secure all things at home where were still some Princes that might dispute the Crown with him He caus'd the States to be held at Toledo where D. Sancho's Death being made known he caus'd an Oath of Allegiance to be taken to him by all the Grandees there assembled as Don Sancho's Lawful Successor to the Crown He had likewise his Coronation perform'd in great Ceremony and with all the rejoycing that is wont to be us'd in such like solemnities But in the midst of all this Joy could not he refrain from labouring under some Disquiet and to free himself wholly from it and to put himself into a posture that he should not need to dread any thing from any of the Grandees or any of his Subjects the only People he imagin'd he needed to fear having learnt the good success of the African Negotiation he bethought himself of expedients whereof mention shall be made in the following Chapter CHAP. III. Rodrigo causes most of the Fortresses of his Kingdom to be dismantled and commits several Violences that make him incur the anger of God IT is very true and Men have daily but too much Experience of it that having once believ'd Fortune propitious we ought not to
of the State and the greatest Good and Vtility of our Subjects and to hinder the Dissentions and Discords that commonly happen after the Death of Kings which are wont to overturn the best establish'd Empires and for other Considerations us thereunto moving we have thought convenient to Renounce Grant and Transport by these Presents all the Soveraign Authority that we have with the Scepter and Crown we bear in such manner as it appertains to us in Quality of Caliph Absolute and Soveraign Lord without acknowledging any Person living for Superiour in Temporals to our Well Beloved and Obedient Son the Wise Virtuous and accomplish'd Aboulvalid Abenacer our eldest Son Lawful Heir and nearest Successour on whom may God bestow the Wisdom necessary for the Governing all his Kingdoms in such manner as that all his Subjects may enjoy a continual Peace and Tranquillity by reserving to us the direct Siegneury in case of Death or failure of Succession or any other such like misfortune or disgrace which we pray God not to suffer to make way for our returning to the Throne to which we no longer pretend any Right For which reason We signifie and order to our well-beloved Son and Lawful Heir and Successor in the second Degree the Prince Abraham Amcari and to all those of our Council of State and of War and to all the Governours Cadis Generals and Captains and to all and as many as there are of our Officers and Subjects of what Quality and Condition soever they be to hold and Honour as Emperour of all these Kingdoms our said Son Aboulvalid Abenacer and in that Quality make Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity to him as from this present we mean to make to him our selves acknowledging him for King and giving him all the Power we have hitherto had according to the Laws commanding expresly all our Subjects to obey his Commands and Execute all his Orders as if they were issued out by us on pain not only of our Malediction but of that of God of his anger as they must needs all incur that want Fidelity to their King and for a token of the effectual Possession of all that is contain'd in these Presents we mean to put them our selves into his hand in the presence of all the Governours and Subjects assembled in our Palace for that purpose For such is our Express determinate Will and Pleasure to which end we have our selves sign'd these Presents with our hand and have caus'd our Great Seal to be put thereto In our Palace of Corbal in Arabia Foelix the 3d. of the Moon de Vaguel in the Year 95. By the means of this Renunciation Aboulvalid Abenacer being acknowledg'd Crown'd King his Father Almanzor took a chosen number of his most Faithful and most Ancient Domesticks to attend and serve him in the Place he had resolv'd upon making his Retreat leaving his Youngest Son Abraham Amcari with the King his Eldest and no sooner was he arriv'd in that Solitude but that his Infirmities daily augmenting he fell into an ill Distemper which lasted upon him till Death which in short fell out in a little time after Abraham had a haughty Spirit and and mmense Ambition the Caliph being very jealous of him and uneasie on his score that he might deprive him of the means of fomenting Cabals against him sent him into Stony Arabia which is a Country of very small extent and where he could not find wherewithal to do him any great mischief About that time the Governour of Damas Abenbukar by name who all his life long had had roving and Chimerical thoughts imagin'd that Almanzor being no longer in the World he might attempt all with impunity He thought of no less than of dispossessing Aboulvalid and of placing himself in his stead and had assembled a great Army with which he ravag'd all the Provinces bordering upon his Government The Caliph was also oblig'd on his side to take the Field to bring him to his Duty when that Prince Abraham Amcari who was continually gnaw'd with the lust of Reigning and omitting nothing he judg'd useful to his Designs found it to be the most propitious juncture he could wish for the manifesting them to the World Whereupon he on his side assembled the most Horse and Foot that was possible for him and after having pass'd the Desarts of Arabia he march'd directly to Court with all his forces making semblance of coming to his Brothers assistance against Abenbukar the Rebel And accordingly he met with a kind welcome at first but having all on the sudden changed face and having seiz'd on the Castle and the best Gates of the City about midnight he sent to seize on the principal persons of the Court as well Officers as people of Service whom he thought Loyal to his Brother and had 'em all beheaded This so intimidated all the rest that either out of the fear they had of him or by reason of the little affection they bore the King and the esteem they had for this Prince whom they saw to be brave and generous and love War they were easily inclin'd to acknowledge him for their King nay and there was so great a concourse of People at his Coronation that meaning to improve that first heat he saw them in and not thinking it convenient to let it cool again he took the Field with all those that suffer'd themselves to espouse his Party His Brother Aboulvalid was gone at the head of his Forces against Abenbukar wherefore he thought he could easily pen him up between his own Army and that of that Rebel And after having left at Court a Captain a Creature of his call'd Xaira Alxadali in whom he put entire confidence he march'd directly to his Brother with all his Troops which he found to make up twenty thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse The King was so surpriz'd at this News that he was ready to run mad and to see if he could apply some remedy to so great and un-foreseen an Evil he quitted the design of reducing Abenbukar to return with all expedition to meet his Brother The two Armies being in sight of one another Aboulvalid sent a man on purpose to Abraham to divert him from so unjust and unreasonable an Enterprize and representing to him that he was going to be the occasion of the Death of an infinite number of men which could be only imputed to him alone but that if he would desist from his design he promis'd him in the word of a King to forget all that was pass'd and to receive him as his Friend and Brother Abraham made no other answer to this but that he was not come thither to be reconcil'd but to fight that he stood in no need of the friendship he offer'd him but of the Crown he had upon his Head that he was Almanzor's Son and Heir as well as he that he had only to prepare to defend himself and that
having well examin'd the difficulty there was in forcing such narrow and steep Passages he found his continuing any longer in that Country would be only the losing of time and men and resolv'd to put off this Enterprize till another time when as he might find an entrance more easie to force than that from whence he had been newly repuls'd Wherefore without staying there much longer he return'd into Andalousia where he dismiss'd his Army and set his thoughts wholly upon Regulating and Policying that Kingdom while Pelage and his People bless'd God for so favourable a success and were confirm'd in their opinion of those Mountains being made in due manner for the putting a stop to the Conquests of the Moors and serve for an Azylam and Retreat to the Christians wherefore they us'd their utmost endeavours to fortify them to the best advantage CHAP. XXVII Of the Death of the King of Thunis and of the great Wars Aboulvalid was oblig'd to make to render himself Master of that Kingdom THE joy King Aboulvalid had for the victory he had gain'd over his Brother Abraham was quickly ruffled by the news he receiv'd in a little space after of the Death of his Father-in-law Mahomet Gilhair He left no other Children save Queen Omhalair wherefore he resolv'd to send out of hand to take possession of so fine an Inheritance for fear that if he deferr'd any longer some change might happen as commonly does in such occasions for so solemn an Embassy he chose one of his favourites call'd Abulcacim Aben Marchan who departed in great haste with all his Train and was very kindly receiv'd by all the Grandees of that Court and Lodg'd in the Deceased Kings Palace Having forthwith conven'd all the Members of the Council of that Kingdom and having let them peruse the Powers he had from Aboulvalid in his Name to take Possession of that State they examin'd them and having found them in the form they ought to be King Aboulvalid was acknowledg'd and declar'd King of that great Kingdom and Abulcacim Aben Marchan Vice-roy in his absence But as in all times and all Countries People there are Transported with a desire of Ruling one of the Principal Governours was there of this who flattering himself with the thought that being Mahomet Gilhairs near Relation the Kingdom ought rather to appertain to him than to his Daughter began under-hand to sollicit all the Leading men and Governours each in his turn to assist him with his Forces He represented to them That being born in the Country and with them brought up and the late Kings nearest Relation the Crown belong'd to him rather than to a Foreigner and had the knack so to coaks them with fine promises that they at last resolv'd among themselves for the most part to throw off Aboulvalid's Yoak and to place him in his stead upon the Throne Hacan so was this Captain call'd wanting not courage for so noble an enterprize having assembled all the heads of his Party entred by main force into the Palace where Aben Marchan had his residence This Vice-King distrusted nothing but as soon as he had notice of so very treacherous a design having put himself upon his defence with what happen'd to be about him he chose rather to dye in defending himself generously than to fall alive into the hands of the Revolted Thus though they only really desir'd to take him Prisoner they kill'd him with all those that were about him without so much as one escaping The rumour of this rising being immediately spread all those of Hacan's Party proclaim'd him King after the wonted manner taking withal an Oath of Allegiance to him And this new King fail'd not at his accession to the Crown to bestow favours upon all his Partizans and to give as all Usurpers do all the orders necessary for the acquiring of reputation At that same time one Wednesday evening a very great Comet appear'd upon the Horison about whose angle it took up towards the East It was accompany'd with very thick Clouds extraordinary Winds and pernicious Exhalations and appear'd for forty whole days together This very much affrighting the new King he caus'd the Mathematicians and Astrologers of the Country to meet who after having very exactly examin'd the Elevation and Nature of this Comet and the sign in which it rise said that it threatned the Kingdom with great Wars and the Kings Person with an imminent Death While they were still making their Observations a great Earthquake was felt and being repeated to the eighth or ninth time and there arose so furious a storm at Sea by the great Eastern Winds that all the people of this Country thought that the end of the World was coming nay they said they had heard by night strange howlings in the Mountains that seem'd to be roaring Lyons But what most amaz'd and was most strange was a Cloud that coming from the West burst upon their heads and rain'd a water of the colour of blood The Earthquakes I have newly mention'd had topsy-turvyed some Houses and over-whelm'd whole Families uuder their ruines insomuch that not only the people but the King himself was in a Consternation These surprizing signs of Heavens anger were follow'd with a great scarcity of Corn that famish'd to death several persons as also with certain Contagious Sores that taking them in the Groyn and behind the Ears knock'd off a very great number Aboulvalid whom Hacan's Rebellion had very much inrag'd seeing the people weary'd and ruin'd by all the late Wars was not in a very good posture to undertake so great an one as this that fell upon his hands He conven'd the Estates where having expos'd the necessity he was under to go reduce under his obedience a Kingdom that so lawfully belong'd to him on the account of the Queen his Wife and having demanded of them succours in Money they answer'd him that they should not fail him in his need but that it was requisite first to know in what state the Kingdom of Thunis was and whether the Pestilence that had already lasted two months was ceas'd the resolution was taken that enquiry should be made and the persons sent thither brought word back That a world of people was there dead of it but that the contagion began to diminish This occasion'd the hastening the preparations for that War insomuch that a great number of stout Ships were fitted out for the taking on Board so great an Army as was that then preparing to be embark'd in it in the Spring in the Year following CHAP. XXVIII Aboulvalid makes Muca Generalissimo of his Armies and after having reduc'd the Kingdom of Thunis under his Obedience returns into Arabia MVca had serv'd Aboulvalid usefully in the War he had with his Brother he was his Father Almanzor's most Trusty Servant and had had a great share in the honour of the Conquest of Spain All these reasons made this Prince cast his eyes upon him to
truly in the best manner they could together Abraham having made no difficulty to go meet his Brother with his Forces the Battel was fought in the Plain of Cahar on the 3 of the Moon Dulquihida in the year 97. It lasted from Sun rising to its setting Abraham then perform'd all that could be done by a great General and a good Souldier But seeing his Army in Disorder he threw himself into the hottest of the Engagement where he was kill'd with his Sword in his hand Aboulvalid did much lament his not having been able to take him alive and doubtless as he had ever had a kindness for him maugre all the mischief he had done him he would have given him his life and would have been contented with continuing him in a perpetual imprisonment Wherefore having caus'd his Body to be put into a Coffin he pursu'd his way towards Carbal whence the Queen his Wife was coming to meet him tho she had ever been kept as a Prisoner the Prince had ever had her very civilly treated Aboulvalid was mighty joyful to see her again but could not forbear expressing much grief for Abraham's death he caus'd the whole Court to put on mourning and assisted at his Funeral which he caus'd to be perform'd with great Pomp nay he was seen to shed tears in that occasion but he had not the same mildness and clemency for all the Officers that sided with his Brother he put a great number of them to Death and set himself to retrieve his Authority and set matters again to rights throughout the whole Empire General Tariff receiv'd a wound in his Right Arm in the Battel which he had neglected at first by not refraining to mount on Horseback after his usual manner but through the little care he took of it and through the toyl and drudgery of marching his Arm swell'd in such manner as to gangre and so in a few days time sent him out of the world Aboulvalid was much griev'd at the loss of so great a General and to shew the esteem he had for him he caus'd him to be Interr'd with great magnificency and had the same honours paid him as had been paid to the Person of his Brother And I can certainly say one thing of him that is somewhat singular that his Valour was accompany'd with such great Fortune in War that he never undertook any enterprize but what he sped in to his honour This Prince after having punish'd as I have said those that were revolted against him began with recompencing those that had serv'd him so usefully in that War by distributing among them the Governments Lieutenancies and Employs insomuch that they were all satisfy'd with the returns he made to their Services and then set his thoughts upon enjoying amid Pleasure the repose that had cost him so dear CHAP. XXVI Adilbar Vice-roy of Spain leads his Army into Biscaya against Pelagius and thence returns without doing ought ADilbar having sped so ill in the Siege of Hispalis he had receiv'd order from King Aboulvalid his Master to go the soonest he could to make the Conquest of those Mountains where Pelage had made his Retreat and where an infinite number of Christians were gone to find him from all the corners of Spain to save themselves with their Wives and Children from the fury of the Moors Whereupon he sent a Renegado-spy to examine the strength of those Places where this Prince lurk'd and to enquire into the number of the Souldiers he had with him and the world of People that had there taken refuge The Renegado being entred into the Country pretended to make his escape as well as the other Christians from the Persecution of the Moors and over-ran all the Mountains of Biscaya where he most carefully observ'd all he saw in pursuance of the orders he had receiv'd from Adilbar But when upon his departure thence again he was brought before Pelage by the Guards he had plac'd upon the Frontiers having been taken for a spy as he really was Pelage ask'd him a Thousand Questions but as he was cunning and crafty he answer'd very pertinently and without being at a loss Pelage nevertheless was not willing to let him go and kept him some days in Prison but at length finding nothing against him but a weak suspicion with which his Imagination had been possess'd he set him at liberty After this the Renegado took his time so well that he found the means to get again to Cordoua where he deliver'd Adilbar an account of all that had befaln him and of all he had seen assuring him that it was no difficult matter to force the pass of those Mountains that were guarded only by a small handful of men of little Courage Adilbar being incourag'd by this Relation resolv'd upon undertaking the War against Pelage well perceiving that if he had once reduc'd the Christians of that Canton Hispalis would no longer put him in pain the succours that Town had receiv'd from Biscaya having occasion'd it 's not being surrendred Wherefore he prepar'd suddenly to besiege it as not believing those Mountainers could resist him long and flattering himself with the hopes of rendring Aboulvalid the absolute Master of all Spain as far as the Pyrenean Mountains that separate it from France For this purpose he assembled twelve thousand Foot and would not take any Horse along as not believing they could be useful to him in so rocky a Country With this small Army compos'd of choice men he advanc'd as far as the place by the Spaniards call'd the Term of War Pelage having notice of his march conven'd the Principal Persons of the Cantons of Biscaya to concert with them the means of opposing him and their unanimous opinion was to think of defending the Entrance of the Mountains which was very difficult this was also the sentiment of Pelage so as that having plac'd five hundred chosen men and well arm'd in Ambuscade in a great Quarry or Den that is under a steep Rock Pelage plac'd himself a little higher with fifteen hundred men being all he could assemble The Moors going about to mount to get to that Mountains top Pelage charg'd them with the small Forces he had but had quickly been overcome had not the five hundred men that were hid in that Cavern as I newly hinted appeared in the nick behind the Enemies put them into disorder kill'd a great number of them and put all the rest to flight That day Adilbar by computation lost a thousand men besides the great number of those that were dangerously Wounded whereas the Christians lost but four hundred Pelage Retreated forthwith with all his Men into the hallow of those Mountains to defend the Entrance of them well knowing this to be the most important of all insomuch that Adilbar inrag'd at the loss he had newly undergone all the faults of which he reflected upon the Christian Renegado who had deceiv'd him he sent him to the Gallows After
who leaves to one of his Kinsmen call'd Mahomet Amcari the Regency of his State during his Sons Minority ABoulvalid was much joy'd to see all his great Kingdoms in Peace and all the Wars and Dissentions he had been oblig'd to undergo absolutely stifled But as the Wheel of Fortune turns continually and there is no man upon Earth that has a continued and an accomplish'd happiness all Great and all Mighty as he was he try'd it like other men For he fell into so obstinate and so violent a Feaver that whatever care the greatest and ablest Physicians in the World took that were at that time they could not bring any Remedy to it Wherefore this Prince seeing that all that was given him did him more hurt than good resolv'd upon taking nothing at all And one day in their presence and in that of the Principal Persons of his Court he said That he plainly perceiv'd it to be the Will of God that he should dye of that illness that thus he thank'd them for all the pains they had thitherto taken and that he had no longer any need of them Then he dismiss'd them as well as all those that were about his Bed and sent for Mahomet Algaseli the Morabite to confer with him upon all things and to provide the best he could for the Government of the State after his Death which was what put him most in pain For he plainly saw his Son was as yet too Young to be able to contain so many Nations in their Duty and that it was absolutely requisite to give the Regency of the State to some one during his Minority He was much at a loss how to determine on whom to pitch but he and Algaseli at last concluded that there was not a man of more Ability nor in whom more Confidence could be put than in Mahomet Amcari his very near Relation insomuch that having had him call'd to him to tell him the choice he had made of his Person and Amcari having made him a thousand Protestations of Acknowledgment and Fidelity he nam'd him in his last Will and Testament the Regent and Lieutenant-General of the Empire till that his Son Almanzor was at Age to Govern He liv'd but a very few days after having declar'd his Will in this manner And as he had govern'd with much Lenity and Justice his Funeral that was perform'd with great state was accompany'd with a real Mourning by all the People and with such tears as departed from a down-right Affliction Mahomet Amcari having immediately taken upon him the management of Affairs the Queen Mother resolv'd to live retired as being well becoming a Widow and that she might have the more care of her Son and keep him in the greater security withdrew to a Country House whither the Caliph Almanzor her Father-in-law formerly retired and where there was all sorts of Conveniences Wherefore being gone thither to shut her self up with all her Family and that of the King her Son Amcari seeing himself absolute Master of the State and obey'd by all the Governours of all the Realms that compose this great Empire began to be sensible of the movements of Ambition and the desire of Reigning that glides by little and little like an Earth-worm into the Hearts of all men who from the nothing wherein they were see themselves rais'd up to Authority For after having began to prick him on by little bites they came at length to gnaw him all over Having his mind possess'd with this thought and only thinking of the means to bring it about he thought it expedient to begin with gaining over the Principal men of the Council and Army and the Governours of the Towns and Provinces as those that had all the Forces of the State in their hands Wherefore he let not any occasion slip of making them Presents and of obliging them When any of them dy'd he only put in their place such people as of whom he was well assured and whom he thought would not fail him on occasion and did this with so much dissimulation that as he spoke to no body of his design nor did any body perceive it At length having dispos'd all things to his fancy having reduc'd them to the point he judg'd proper for the Executing of his Treason he would needs communicate his mind to one of his principal friends whom he had made head of the Council of War call'd Aben Culeyman who told him frankly That since he ask'd him his advice he found great inconveniences in undertaking a thing of that nature as long as the Prince Jacob Almanzor his Master was alive For as he was beloved by all his Fathers Creatures there would be doubtless many Governours that would declare for him that this enterprize would seem very strange to the Arabians and that it would meet with great difficulties in the Provinces where in imitation of himself there would not be a Governour but would make himself King in the extent of his Government That thus whereas all he intended to do was only to augment his Authority and be absolute and independant he would find himself abyss'd in the stormy Sea of Wars which such an over-turning would occasion and that after he had thus Rioted the people it would be no longer in his power to calm them These reasons seem'd very pertinent to Mahomet Amcari and as he had ever sped in following the other Councils given him by Aben Culeyman he plainly saw that this he then gave him departed from a man consummated in the experience of State Affairs Wherefore he bethought himself of an indubitable expedient which was to rid himself of Prince Almanzor He was resolv'd not to communicate this thought to any other than the same Aben Culeyman but that Wise Councellour still endeavoured to divert him gently and by the best reasons he could bethink himself of from so wicked a design being in no wise able to approve of so horrible a cruelty and so base and black an action Nevertheless perceiving he could not root this intention out of his mind he was furiously vex'd and having at last resolv'd upon applying a fitting remedy he thought it to be time to discover the secret of this Treason to the Captain-General as to his best friend and to the Prince his Masters most Faithful Servant Muca being much surpriz'd at such an infidelity having confirm'd his friend in the design he already had of preventing so great a mischief after having concerted together what they had to do and promis'd one another the strictest secresie they resolv'd that Aben Culeyman should continue to put the Regent upon this matter of which he made him the confident and that he should endeavour to discover by what byass he pretended to bring about his design that so they might by the same means break all his measures This being their result Aben Culeyman happening to be with Amcari alone did not fail to put him upon that Chapter and the Regent
having told him That finding the difficulties he had urg'd rational to all intents he was resolv'd to overcome them by causing the Prince to be Poyson'd after which all things would be easie to him Aben Culeyman having to this made him answer That he was in the right and having much ado to entertain the vexation he had on this account he left him as soon as he could and went in all hast to inform Muca These two Trusty Servants considering the blackness of the Regents action and of what a consequence it was to think of saving the Prince their Master from the peril that was preparing against him found there to be less evil in bereaving the Traytor Mahomet Amcari of his life and fail him in that occasion that to keep his secret to be Traytors to their Lawful King Wherefore they both resolv'd together that they might make the less noise and disorder to invite him one day to Dinner and to seize on his Person while at Table But in the mean while for fear the Prince should fall into the Trap that was laid for him while they were taking their measures for so hardy a design they thought it convenient to inform the Queen of all that pass'd that so she might be upon her Guard against the Treason that was preparing against the Prince her Son Whereupon Muca went to her with all Expedition in that retir'd House I mention'd and having acquainted her with the Regents Perfidy she was much afflicted but she receiv'd comfort at the same in having found such Loyal Persons as would discover it to her Muca having intreated the Queen to keep the matter very secret as it highly became her to do both for her Sons sake and the whole Kingdoms and having assur'd him she might make account of him and that he was resolv'd to dye for her Service he return'd in all hast to the Court of Mahomet the Regent CHAP. XXXI The Regent Amcari meaning to bereave Prince Almanzor of his Life is discover'd and punish'd for his Perfidy MAhomet Amcari still contriving to work the Princes Death and seeking for that purpose the safest and least noisie means caus'd a very rich Garment to be made to make him a Present of as is customary at certain times And after having caus'd it to be well prepar'd with a very subtile Poyson sent it to the Prince with a thousand other very gallant and very curious Presents All those of the Queens Palace seeing these Presents unfolded were immediately transported with the beauty of that Vestment all saying That the Prince could not put on a finer But the Queen being afraid of its being poyson'd would by no means suffer him to wear it that day no not so much as try it And the Night being come to see if she had any reason to harbour such apprehensions she had it put upon a great Greyhound that was found dead on the morrow his Skin all cover'd with Sores Mahomet's malice and design being then past all doubt this generous Princess being very Prudent and having a Courage above her Sex without making any noise of the thing she had discover'd or of the resolution she had taken in her mind to punish such an attempt sent to tell Mahomet Amcari the Regent That the Prince would be very glad to see him and she also to discourse upon some matters of consequence And knowing him to be upon the way thither she caus'd all her Guards to keep the entrance of the Gate as if it were to do him honour but with order That none of his should be admitted in with him As soon as he was entred they seiz'd on his Person and brought him into the Queens presence who having reproach'd him with his perfidy and told him how she knew all his Treacherous design she had an Executioner call'd in whom she had at hand on purpose for his Execution and had his Throat cut into the Bason of a Fountain that was in the Castle Then having caus'd his Body to be laid upon an Ass had it carry'd to Carbal and so through all the Streets of that City follow'd by the publick Criers who by sound of Trumpet Proclaimed he was in that condition for having design'd to Poyson his King and seize on the Crown and after having left it in the publick place she caus'd his Head to be set upon the Gate of the City She did not long defer coming to Carbal with the Prince her Son and entring the Palace she sent immediately for the two Faithful Servants who had revealed to her this most Trayterous design and told them That the obligation she lay under for the Service they had both newly done her was so great that she knew not how to express the acknowledgement she had of it that the only reward proportionate to it was the Regency of the State that she had had a design to give it to the one and to the other but that as this great Authority which they both equally deserv'd could not be divided and that she was afraid of offending one of the two if she gave it to the other she was resolv'd to Govern the best she could her self without giving any one that Title but that she would ever manage all things by their Councils and that they should ever be the first of the State after her They were both very well satisfy'd with this resolution and News being come of a Party that was framing in the West she sent them both as those in whom she had most confidence namely Aben Culeyman into the Kingdom of Thunis and Muca into that of Morocco with an absolute Authority there to contain the People in their Duty Whereupon they both departed from Carbal cover'd with Honour and Testimonies of Esteem and Affection which the Queen and Prince gave them and took their way towards the Ponant where they safely arriv'd but in a short while after Aben Culeyman falling ill dy'd on the way Muca spent his time in setting things in order in a Kingdom he had so long since left and Queen Omhalair remain'd sole Regent CHAP. XXXII Prince Almanzor's Death the Queen his Mother dyes of Grief in a short time after and Ali Abilhachek causes himself to be Proclaimed Caliph QUeen Omhalair made it the whole study and application of her mind to bring up well her Son the Prince Jacob Almanzor whom she had ever in her Eye One day when that she was gone to Dine with him in a Garden out of the Town the Prince after Dinner threw himself upon a Bed in a Room where he fell a sleep and a Spider having prick'd him in the Right Eye his Face swell'd in such a manner and put him to such great Pain and occasion'd such dangerous Fits as that he liv'd but seven days The Queen laid his Death so to heart that not being capable of receiving any Consolation or of surviving a Son for whom she had so tender an affection she fell into so great
that removing whole Mountains of Sand from one side to another as sometime happens it buryed above three hundred Persons of his Retinue that were found thus Interr'd alive which much afflicted him But having pass'd them at the long run he arriv'd in good health in Arabia Foelix where he was receiv'd with great joy by all his Court and thought in good earnest to recreate himself after all the troubles he had thitherto undergone CHAP. XXIX The Oath of Allegiance which Aboulvalid causes the States to take to Jacob Almanzor his Son THE Caliph thinking only now of leading a more calm and sedate life and considering that he had not any other Children than Jacob Almanzor capable of succeeding him he was very willing to secure to him the Crown before he was overtaken by Death that regards Kings no more than other men For which reason after having conven'd all the Grandees of his Kingdom a Morabite call'd Mahomet Algaseli that was in great favour with him and whose advice he demanded in things of the highest importance by his order made them a long Speech on which he gave them to understand the reason for which he had call'd them together which was to own Prince Jacob Almanzor for Lawful King of all his great Realms after his Fathers Death The States having declar'd they all approv'd this design as a thing very advantageous to the good and profit of all the Nations King Aboulvalid having one day put on his Royal Robes sat in his Throne and caus'd Prince Jacob Almanzor to sit there with him on his Right Hand and then all the Governours of the Places being present Mahomet Algaseli the Morabite being seated on the Kings Left Hand rose up and utter'd these words with a loud and intelligible voice Gentlemen Honour'd Governours Virtuous Lords and all you here present King Aboulvalid wills and requires that you own Prince Jacob Almanzor his Lawful Son who is here present for absolute Master of all his Realms after his Death Are you willing to make Oath to him accordingly To which they answer'd aloud Yes we are willing Do then reply'd Algaseli as a token of the Allegiance you promise to him and of the Possession he from this present is going to take of the Crown all that the King and I am going to do Then the King rising took his Son by the Hand and seated him in his Throne and the Prince having taken the Right Hand of his Father kiss'd it for a mark of his Obedience The Father on his side for a token of the Blessing he gave him laid his Hand upon his Head and also kissing his Sons Hand sat down by him on his Right Hand Algeseli the Morabite did the same and sat down on his Left and after him all the Governours of the Provinces having also kiss'd his Hand an Alfaqui having brought the Alcoran wrapt up in a very rich stuff and having laid it on the Table Algaseli the Morabite rose up from his Seat and lifting up his voice that he might be heard by the whole Assembly Honorable Governours said he and Virtuous Knights and also every one of you here present Do not you swear and promise by the Supreme God and by all that is contain'd in this Book to acknowledge and hold all your life long Prince Jacob Almanzor for your King and Soveraign of all the Realms as Son and Lawful Heir and Successour of King Aboulvalid Abenacer his Father And all having answer'd Yes we promise it Let him then the Morabite reply'd that shall not accomplish what he has now promis'd be declar'd Perjur'd Infamous and a Traytor to the State and may the curse of the Great God fall upon him and on all his and the whole Assembly cry'd Amen And the Morabite having said with an audible voice That for the solemnity of their Oath of Allegiance all should do the same as the King and he did The King being got up and having kiss'd the Alcoran put it upon his Head the Morabite and all the Chiefs and Governours did the same afterwards each in their order After which the Morabite being got up from his Seat and having address'd his Speech to Prince Jacob Almanzor Your Celsitude said he to him do you not swear and promise by the most Great and most High and by all that is contain'd in this Book in Quality of Kings and Soveraign of these Realms to do Justice to his Subjects and maintain and keep all the Priviledges that the Kings his Predecessors in general and each of them in particular have granted them so as that you may cause them to live in Peace and not suffer any wrong to be done them And the Prince having said Yes and that he swore and promis'd it Mind it well then reply'd Algaseli for if you do not do it the curse of God will fall upon you as upon one perjur'd to which the Prince having answer'd Amen Let your Celsitude then continued he to show you make an solemn Oath do as I do In uttering these words he took the Book and having kiss'd and put it on his Head he presented it to the Prince who did the like This Ceremony being finish'd all the Governours and Leaders of Troops going out before the Prince set him on Horseback and carry'd him around through the City in great Pomp amid the noise of a world of Instruments And all alighting at the great Mosch and having said their Prayers there return'd with the same Pomp to the Palace where the King his Father waited his coming and where the whole Cavalcade ended and separated This solemnity lasted three whole days during which there was nought but Feasts Conserts of Musick Turnaments and all the other Recreations to be thought of These three days that had been given to joy being pass'd the King caus'd the States to be held once again in his Palace to confirm and ratify all that had been done and the Morabite open'd the Sessions in these terms Illustrious Captains Generous Governours Brave Cavaliers that are here all present do not you confirm and ratify the Oath of Allegience to Prince Jacob Almanzor our Soveraign Lord who is here present And all having answer'd Yes and said expresly that they ratify'd it Let all pursu'd he for the conclusion of so solemn an Oath do then as the King and I shall do In finishing these words the King arose and having taken the Alcoran he kiss'd it and put it again upon the Table he also took the Prince his Sons hand and kiss'd it and after that the Morabite and all those that compos'd that great Assembly had done the same they were dissolv'd after having all receiv'd some favours from the King who was very much satisfy'd with seeing the Accomplishment of a thing he had so much desir'd This great Ceremony pass'd in the ten first days of the Moon of Rabeh on the first day of the Year 104 of the Hegira CHAP. XXX Aboulvalid's Death