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
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
Royal Standard was fasten'd Those who saw so sudden a Death were a little terrify'd but Rodrigo having given the Colours to another continued his march to the River Gardalete where he encamp'd in sight of Tariff in a Plain very proper for the ranging all his Troops in Battalia The day following the King sent one of the bravest men of his Army call'd Thodomir with five hundred Horse and two hundred Foot all choice men and well arm'd to view the Enemies Tariff fail'd not to detech out at the same time five hundred Moors and three hundred Julianists having in the head of them Abraham Abenabis who began so bloody and so obstinate a Combat that it lasted from Three a Clock in the Afternoon till Night which constrained them to part leaving it undecided which had the advantage the dead and wounded being much the same on both sides The King whose heart was puft up with the success of this Skirmish having held a Council in the Evening and propos'd to the principal Officers of his Army to give Battel on the morrow it was resolv'd on and a Herald sent to signify it to Tariff who accepted it It was on the third Wednesday of the month of Maharran in the year 94 of the Hegira that this Battel was fought which began at break of day and cost both Parties a great deal of Blood For the Christians in this action lost their General Almerique with about three thousand Foot and eight hundred Horse and the Moors a thousand Foot and three hundred Horse Rodrigo was extreamly afflicted for the Death of Almerique for he had that day perform'd Heroick actions and shown he was not only a good Souldier but a great Captain And indeed he it was alone that had put the Camp of the Moors to disorder among whom he broke in with so much bravery that he was kill'd upon the spot and after his death the Christian Army wanted little of being totally deseated And indeed Rodrigo found it convenient to go and encamp six Leagues from thence the more safely to deliberate on what he had to do Whereupon he made his Retreat in the best order imaginable by these means abandoning the Field of Battel to Tariff who on his side caus'd all the dead both Moors and Christians to be buried for fear the Corruption of their Bodies might occasion some Distempers in his Camp But as soon as he heard Rodrigo was retired taking his Retreat for a flight he march'd after him with all Expedition and overtook him on the Friday following when the Conflict being renew'd it lasted from Noon till Night which parted them without either parties having the occasion to boast of the advantage What most afflicted General Tariff was that Prince Mahomet Gilhair the King of Thunis Son and Count Julian were both dangerously wounded in this action and the later particularly of three great wounds On the other side Rodrigo being paul'd by the opposition of the Enemies found that all he had been thitherto able to do was but a small matter and desponding of his being capable of doing any thing more hereafter he knew not what to determine upon and all the courses propos'd to him seeming to him equally bad and dangerous he chose rather to leave the Decision of Fortune to the day following than to wait it any longer having taken a stedfast resolution to Conquer then or Dye Whereupon having marshall'd all his Forces in the best order he could he led them to the Enemies with great vigour and was by them receiv'd with so much bravery and firmness that there dy'd that day fifteen hundred Foot and two hundred and fifty Horse of the Christians and fifteen hundred Moors in all as well Horse as Foot As for the wounded on both sides the number of them scatter'd up and down was so great that they were not reckon'd The Battel having been deserr'd till the Wednesday following by the consent of both parties it began again at break of day but not with the same obstinacy For in short Rodrigo seeing his Men stagger threw himself into the midst of the fray to re-inspire them with Courage and did all he could to rally them but the defeat being absolute and without remedy he forbid the few people he had about him to follow him and he left his Camp without its being known what became of him All the Christians being thus or dead or prisoners or put to slight all the Riches of their Camp wherein there was abundance became the booty of the Conquerours But Tariff without suffering his Souldiers to trifle away their time in plunder and without allowing them one days rest march'd directly to Cordoua which he took without its costing him one man and encamp'd all his Troops in the neighbourhood of the Town in such manner as he judg'd most fitting to refresh them after so many fatigues and to give the wounded time to be cur'd of their wounds CHAP. X. General Tariff causes search to be made through all the Countrey for D. Rodrigo and promises great rewards to whom ever shall deliver him dead or alive into his hands TAriff reckon'd for nothing all these Battels he had won since Rodrigo had escap'd him and did not think Spain was ever conquer'd unless he had him in his hands For which reason he had Proclamation made throughout his Army That whosoever either Moor or Christian should deliver him up alive or dead he would not only grant him great Franchizes and Exemptions but wherewithal to live at his ease the rest of his days The hopes of such great gains set several Christians Moors and Renegadoes upon the hunt throughout all Andalousia to enquire after the King At last some of them questing in the Mountains and Lands thereabouts at a distance saw a Shepherd in a very rich garb being the same that unhappy Prince was wont to wear With great joy did they run after him to catch him and brought him immediately to the General who having caus'd Count Julian to come to view him he was found to be a very simple and ignorant Swain from whom they could hardly get a word and much less information of what they were in quest He told them he knew nothing else of what they demanded but that as he was keeping his flock upon the Mountain where they had taken him he had seen coming towards him upon a Horse very much tir'd and that seem'd out of Breath a man in the Cloaths he at present wore who with a furious voice and frightful countenance had bid him pull off forthwith a Coat lin'd with Sheep-skin he had then on that accordingly having stript himself immediately he had caus'd him to take those fine Cloaths in lieu of his own and that having afterwards ask'd him if he had any thing to eat in his Scrip he had given him a little Bread he had left After which the Unknown having taken his
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
expect that it will so long continue On the contrary as it has not any stability and that it is inconstancy it self the more it smiles upon us the more ought we to distrust it and often expect that she delights to invite us by small baits and allurements to run after her to abandon us afterwards when we shall stand most in need of her succours Of this there can be no greater nor a more illustrious Example found than Rodrigo For after having render'd him absolute Master of all Spain and procur'd him to be Crown'd King thereof she took a pleasure in despoyling him in a short time of all she had conferr'd on him and tumbled him from his Throne by the same means he pretended to make use of to defend himself on it Such of his Subjects as he most distrusted for he had no longer any Apprehension from Strangers were some Grandees and Governours of the Places of Andalousia and of Castile who had been of D. Sancho's Party Wherefore he began to make sure of their Persons and after having put them to Death he caus'd not only their Castles to be raz'd but most of the strong Places of Spain reserving to himself only such as seem'd to him most necessary for his own security wherein he put such men as were wholly at his Devotion He did not think this sufficient He caus'd Proclamation to be made through all his Territories That not any of his Subjects henceforwards should have the boldness to bear any sort of Arms nor to keep any in his House and that all People should bring them into his Palace upon pain of Death imagining that after the People had thus laid aside the Exercise of War and should only addict themselves to Agriculture his Government would be much more absolute and much more quiet But the poor Prince was much mistaken for not being then curb'd by any fear he abandon'd himself to all manner of Irregularities and Dissolutions according as I have been told by Spanish Bishops and other persons worthy of Credit of whom I made enquiry during my abode in that Country So far as that he made no difficulty to put the worthiest persons of all his Kingdom to Death that he might have his Pleasure with their Wives and Daughters So loose a Life occasion'd an Universal Disorder For as Kings are look'd upon by their Subjects as the Models by which they ought to square all their Actions and that indeed they seldom sail to imitate their Vertues and still more their Vices The bad Example of this Prince pass'd on to the People who would needs equal him in Wickedness and Libertinism insomuch that we need not wonder at the punishment God inflicted upon them Rodrigo being still young either out of the desire of perpetuating himself which Nature inspires into all Animals or from that of having lawful Children that might succeed him which is a sentiment peculiar to Men he had a great desire to Marry but he could not find out a fitting Match At that time was there in the Eastern part of Africa a King call'd Mahomet Abhehedin who had but one Daughter of an extraordinary Beauty call'd Zahra Abnaliaca This young Princess walking one Evening upon the Sea-shore with her Maids and some of her Fathers Servants it seem'd to her so Calm and Charming that the fancy took her to go on board a Ship so to divert herself upon the Water Her Attendants without making over much Reflection upon what they did did not divert her from the Design The Marriners made ready the Ship all her Company were eager to go with her on board and in the merry pin they all were they did not mind that they distanc'd themselves a little too far from the Land whither they did not trouble their Heads about returning while it was in their Power In the mean while the Wind changing all on the sudden the Storm became so great that being unable to put into any Port of Africa they were constrain'd to abandon themselves to the open Sea and were at length drove upon the Coasts of Spain in a place call'd Alcapta by the Arabians which in that Tongue signifies a Place of ill luck and by the Spaniards Cabodegata where they were all taken and made Slaves by the Christians of that Place It was easie to see by their Cloaths and Equipage that they were Persons of great Quality insomuch that whatever Care the Moors took to conceal that of the Infanta she was known at length and brought with all her Train to Rodrigo who being informed of it gave order that she should be handsomely received and treated in all Places He was well made and Gallant the Princess was Young and Beautiful insomuch that Love easily engag'd them and quickly augmented by the Entertainments he made her and by the soft Conversations they ever had together The thing came at length so far that the King having offer'd to Marry and place the Crown of Spain upon her Head provided she would turn Christian she without much trouble resolv'd to do so The Nuptials were perform'd with great rejoycing and solemnity The Men and Women of her Retinue that were minded to be converted and stay with their Mistress had considerable Settlements in Spain and those that could not be perswaded to that return'd into Africa whither they brought this News Mahomet being very uneasie for his Daughter was so surpriz'd to hear that she had abjur'd his Faith that he dy'd of Grief and by his Death left the Crown to Avilgualid who as his nearest Relation succeeded him in his Kingdom We shall see in the series of this History the unhappy issue of this Marriage as well as the Amours of this Prince with Florinda CHAP. IV. 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 THo Rodrigo was marry'd he led the same life he did before he was so He nevertheless fell in Love with one of the most beautiful Ladies of his Court call'd Florinda Count Julian's Daughter who was at that time in his African Embassy She had Wit enough to perceive that the Kings Courtship did not at all tend to her own Honour nor to that of her Family since that it doubtless only aim'd at Ravishing her of it and she had Virtue enough to receive his fondnesses with much indifference and Modesty but the more firmness she exerted with the more obstinacy did he persevere to overcome it Now for the more easie effecting of this his purpose he made several new Regulations in his Court Among other things he order'd that when he should eat with his Queen none but the Ladies of the Palace should serve at Table and requir'd them to be dress'd finer than ordinary on such days This being thus establish'd one day after Supper whereat Florinda had serv'd with others he so order'd
Crook commanded him to come shew him the way which he did putting him in a little path that went upwards which he saw him mount till he lost sight of him Tariff was not satisfy'd with this News for after having discours'd the People of the Country of the place where the Shepherd had seen Rodrigo he understood he was gone towards Castile insomuch that he lost hopes of finding him and bent his thoughts wholly upon taking all the advantages he might derive from his Victory Queen Zahra Beneliaza was at Cordoua at the taking of that Town and tho she had time enough before the Defeat of her Husband to make her escape into Castile she had not done so either that she had been surpriz'd by Tariff's Diligence or for want of Resolution and improving her time or rather in short through the ill luck those labour under whom Fortune prosecutes who are wont to want Council as well as all things Tariff left her in her Palace without suffering any one to enter therein to commit the least Disorder he only made sure of her Person as well as the Palace And as this great City could not be kept without a great number of Troops he thought fitting to leave there Prince Mahomet Gilhair as well for the containing 'em in their Duty as for the recovering his perfect health for he was not yet well cur'd of his Wounds nor recover'd from the fatigues of this War He plac'd about this Prince the Moor Abulcacim Hadilbar to assist him with his Council in Military Expeditions in case such occasions should be offer'd and after having given his Orders he divided his Troops into two equal Armies one of which he left to the Vice-roy Muca to go into the Western part of Andalousia and took the other to go into the more Southern call'd Grenada so to leave nothing behind them when they had a mind to enter into the Province of Castile which is separated from Andalousia on the Eastern side by a great Desart compos'd of Mountains and Lands which the Spaniards call Sierra Morena This Resolution being taken those two Generals directed their March each his own way and Mahomet Gilhair staid with Queen Zahra CHAP. XI The Amours of Mahomet Gilhair with the Queen who induces him to turn Christian and then Marries him BEfore they departed from Cordoua Tariff fail'd not to do what is commonly done by Conquerours who change the manner of the Government of the Cities they take and there Establish such Laws as they please He seiz'd on the great Church and of some others which he turn'd into Moschs leaving some to the Christians for the exercise of their Religion And after having caus'd great Fortifications to be made around that Town which he consider'd as the Metropolis of Spain he particularly encharg'd Prince Gilhair to have great respect for Queen Zahra Beneliaca and so to order matters that she might be as little as possible sensible of her Captivity representing to him that being by Nation an Arabian and a near Relation of Almanzor his Master so nigh that Mahomet Abnehedim her Father had shar'd Africa with him they ought all to treat her as their real Queen to endeavour to make her again espouse the Manners and Religion of her Forefathers which there was a likelihood she would not find it a difficult matter to resolve on seeing she must needs be inclin'd thereto by the sentiments of Nature The Unfortunate Gilhair did but too faithfully acquit himself of this Commission for he saw her so often and render'd her so many services that as she was Young and Beautiful and he Gallant and Witty he became desperately in Love with her Nothing now but Feasts and Merriments at Cordoua he daily invented something new to divert and please her and his thoughts were wholly taken up in making her a thousand presents wherein there was ever as much gallantry as magnificence As he had all the conveniency of seeing her he could desire the respect he bare her had long hinder'd him from declaring his passion to her But this at length being become the strongest he could not forbear giving her to understand in a thousand conversations he had with her that if she would again espouse the Religion in which she had been brought up he would bring her back into her own Countrey with the Crown of Thunis which he would put upon her Head instead of that of Castile which she had lost Every time he discours'd her upon this point she pretended she did not understand him but he imagin'd it to be an uneasiness of hers in suffering a Declaration of Love that hinder'd her from answering and that he had to vanquish rather her modesty than her aversion At length they two only being together one day and he thinking her dispos'd to be more favourable to him he threw himself at her feet and conjur'd her not to leave him any longer in the uncertainty of his good or evil fortune and at last resolve upon pronouncing the word that was to give him his death or to render him happy all his life long The Queen not hating him would not suffer him any longer to flatter himself with vain hopes Wherefore she declar'd to him she was resolv'd to live and dye in the Faith she had embrac'd but that if the desire he express'd to her of marrying her was as strong as he would fain perswade her and if he imagin'd it so easie a matter to change Religion he would find no difficulty in doing for her what he propos'd to her to do for him that instead of pressing her to turn Mahometan he needed only to turn Christian and that upon this condition she would consent to a match wherein there was nothing unworthy of her Royal extraction After this answer the Prince went his ways home very pensive but he was not capable to resist his passion long They were neither of them in a place to solemnize this Marriage which was quickly agreed on and the juncture of times was not propitious For which reason the Princess caus'd one of her Religious to come without the least notice being taken out and marry her in private with the Prince after he had baptiz'd him The Ceremonies were perform'd with all possible secresie and Gilhair and Zahra enjoy'd their Amours peaceably for some time carefully concealing the Images they ador'd in private But they could not keep their intelligence so secret but that it was discover'd by one of the Queens Ladies in whom she confided She was born in Arabia of the number of those that had been thrown upon the Coasts of Spain with the Queen and who with her were converted This Woman call'd Sigebeste having been perswaded by some Moors had betaken herself again to her ancient Religion insomuch that having seen Mahomet make profession of Christianity with the Queen in her Palace she resolv'd tho with trouble to inform Abulcacim Adilbard how matters went whom
Tariff had left with that Prince in all things to assist him with his Council Aldilbar was extreamly afflicted at the tydings and would by no means believe the least on 't for a long time imagining this Woman might perchance have a grudge to the Prince for some particular reason But making reflexion upon the greatness of the passion he had long observ'd this Prince have for the Queen he began to believe him capable of all He had then the curiosity to fathom the thing without making semblance of ought and knew at length so well to observe his actions that without the Queens suspecting it he discover'd all that had pass'd between them When he was throughly assur'd he went to the Army where he acquainted Tariff with the particulars of this Intrigue Tariff was surpriz'd and perplex'd at the same time for he consider'd that Mahomet Gilhair being no Vassal of Almanzor but the Son of a Prince as Potent as himself and his Ally who came to assist him voluntarily with his Forces in this War however just the resentment that ought to be had against him for so great a rashness it might be attributed to some jealousie or to some particular ill will which might make him incurr the Disfavour of his Master Wherefore he contented himself with sending Adilbar back to Cordoua with a reinforcement of Troops to confine the Queen Prince Mahomet and all those he should believe to have had a hand in his evil designs and gave him order to take an exact Information of all and to send it him with all diligence As soon as Adilbar was return'd he carefully executed the orders he had brought after having seiz'd on the Person of the Queen of Spain of the Prince of Thunis and of the Religious that had Baptiz'd him he sent what he had discover'd to Tariff who immediately gave notice of it to the King of Thunis by a Courier who carry'd him the Process that Adilbar had caus'd to be made against his Son leaving it to him to decree thereupon according to his good pleasure The Proceedings of this General were found very Wise and very Prudent by this means he screen'd himself from all suspicion envy and jealousie and discharg'd himself from the odium he might have incurr'd by the Death of this Young Prince For assoon as his Father was inform'd of his Impiety he wrote to his men to put him to Death without waiting for further orders The Courier having brought his dispatches to Tariff while that he was in the Province of Grenada the General being not permitted to quit the War he had in those Parts sent an absolute Power to Adilbar with all his Forces to see this Execution done and to make an Exemplary punishment of all those that were found accomplices of so black a business Adilbar having receiv'd Tariff's Commission and that of the King of Thunis caus'd the Process to be review'd against Zahra and Mahomet and had them fetcht out of Prison one Friday morning to conduct them before the Principal Church of Cordoua where there is a good handsome Place There he exhorted them to renounce the Law of the Christians if they were willing to save their Lives But they would in no wise consent thereto and declar'd that they rather chose to suffer the Death with which they were threatned and which they were ready to receive than renounce the Faith they had Embrac'd Adilbar both surpriz'd and provok'd at this obstinacy caus'd them all three to be beheaded and their Bodies were a long time abandon'd in the place in the midst of the dirt from whence they were taken by the Christians who bury'd them the best to their ability tho not accordaccording to the grandeur of their Birth CHAP. XII 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. ALL things being peaceable at Cordoua and nothing more being to be fear'd on that side Tariff pursues his Conquests towards the South and march'd with all his Army towards the Province of Grenada he met with no Resistance in all the Places where he pass'd on the contrary all the Inhabitants went to meet him and brought Victuals and all sorts of Refreshments to his Forces conjuring his Souldiers not to injure People that put themselves under his Obedience and Protection Tariff gave the necessary orders for the containing them in subjection but tho he was fear'd and by consequence obey'd for that he was very severe and did not willingly suffer Omissions in the Executing his Commands his Souldiers seeing themselves in a Land of Conquest did not however refrain from committing some Insolencies At last at a distance he perceiv'd a City built upon a Hill from whence one had the Prospect of the most pleasant and most fertile Plain imaginable and that had the air of the Terrestrial Paradice For it was all about surrounded with little Mounts full of Trees and Springs and cut by a large and deep River that pass'd in the midst of a great extent of Meadows all sow'd with Flowers Those he sent to view it having brought him word that it had good Walls and good Towers he Encamp'd in the midst of that Plain that his Forces might take Breath and that he might at his leisure see where it was to be attack'd with most success But no sooner had he begun the Approaches in the forms than that the Inhabitants seeing the few men they had to oppose against so great a strength and having no hopes of succours being inform'd of the Defeat of their King after having long conferr'd together about the means of securing their freedom they resolv'd upon sending to offer Tariff to surrender up the Town provided he suffer'd them and their Families to enjoy in Peace all their Goods and Estates and remain in their Country without Oppression in their Persons or Violence done them in their Religion Tariff having held a Council accepted their Offers and promis'd to cause the Conditions carefully to be observ'd upon which they were willing to put their Town into his hands The Articles of the Capitulation were drawn up by them and signed by this General who swore in the Name of Almanzor punctually to observe them And thus without its costing him so much as one man he entred Grenada with part of his Army and plac'd as Governour one of his Captains call'd Betis Abenabur born in Arabia Foelix He only cross'd this Town that so he might at the same time reduce the Mountains which cover it on the South these the Christians call the Mountains of the Sun and of the Air by reason they are in the Middle Region For he had been told that the Peasants being brave resolute fellows were resolv'd to defend them relying upon the little knowledge the Moors had of their Country wherein it was impossible to penetrate very far with an
four hundred men But Muca having been oblig'd to cause the Retreat to be sounded by reason of the night the next morning he sent a Trumpeter to the Governour to signifie to him That he had made an Oath and sworn by the most high God that if the Beleaguer'd delay'd Surrendring any longer they should after this all to no purpose implore his Mercy Salaru having straitways assembled the principal men of the Town gave them in a little time a very exact account of the state of the place and after having made them apprehend the necessity they were in of all things and the little likelihood he saw of being Reliev'd they all agreed to Surrender but upon the most advantageous Conditions they could get Insomuch that they made him answer That they would willingly put the Place into his hands provided he would suffer them they their Wives and Children with their Arms and Baggage to go to whatever City of the Christians they should please that all those that were minded to stay should not receive any ill treatment nor be constrain'd to quit their Religion Muca agreeing to all these Articles and having been induc'd to Sign 'em and swear in the Name of the Caliph his Master never to act to the contrary conceiv'd such an esteem of the Bravery and Fidelity of this Governour and of his ability to take his Precautions that he took a Scimitar of great value he had at his Girdle and himself put it on his side saying That the Valour with which he had sav'd his People from so great a Danger merited a thousand times more Honour than he did him Salaru having given him the Keys of the Town where the Riff-raff only staid he took all those along with him that were minded to follow him with whom he went on Shipboard to waft o're to the nearest Islands of that Coast that he might not see the Ruine of his Country and so shelter himself from the servitude of the Arabians under which he foresaw that all Spain was going to be reduc'd The Vice-roy of Africa was overjoy'd at the taking of this great City but could not stay there long for that there was no subsistance to be got out of the Country that had been forsaken by the People who had all taken refuge in the Province call'd in the Spanish Tongue Castile and had left this Country desert For which reason after having put a Garrison into the Place he caus'd all his Troops to march towards Hispalis They were not gone far when that his Scouts came to give him notice that the world of People that had taken refuge there had occasion'd such a Contagion that the mortality was general This News put a full stop to his Career that way and the fear he was in of causing his Army to perish made him return to Cordoua to rejoin Tariff who had signify'd to him he was already on his way from Grenada thither CHAP. XIV The Conjunction of the two Generals and their entrance into Castile THese two Generals being return'd from their Expedition after having each on his side acquir'd much Honour did for a long while hold Council what course to take for the finishing the absolute Conquest of Spain for which they had receiv'd precise orders from Almanzor During that time the Souldiers being put into good Quarters recover'd themselves of the Hardships of that War The Officers repair'd their Equipages which so long a march had ruin'd and the Commissioners not only receiv'd all the new Provisions that were come to them from Africa but had also gather'd up on all sides all that was necessary for the Invasion of Castile according to the resolution they had taken At last the two Armies that now made but one Body being decamp'd in the best order imaginable march'd small days journeys along a great River which having its course towards the Setting Sun crosses that Province and after having wash'd the Walls of Cordoua at a great distance lower falls into the Ocean Thus still on their Right leaving this River which the Christians call Betis and the Arabs Alguidalquibir the first Town they found in their Left was Vbeda whose Inhabitants brought them their Keys as not being in a posture of making a Defence Tariff having on pain of Death forbidden any entrance into the Town without Express order or in any wise the injuring of People that had thrown themselves into his Arms did there only leave one Captain Abencorbas with some Souldiers and leisurely march'd to another Town not three miles thence call'd Balle The Citizens seeing that if they paus'd at following the Example of Vbeda they should but Exasperate the Moors and incur their inevitable ruine without any profit they sent immediately to beseech this General to hinder any mischief from being done them by his Souldiers and in consideration of that they would not only surrender to him but likewise present him with all sorts of Victuals and Refreshments for his Troops Tariff very joyfully accepted their offers and to manifest his Clemency to them and the Discipline he caus'd his Army to observe having forbidden any one soever to enter therein without his order he himself one after the other nominated all those he was willing should accompany him thither to the number of five hundred with whom alighting he took a turn round the Town visited all the Fortifications and left there a Natural African call'd Mahomet Abencorba with a pretty strong Garrison for its Preservation He staid no longer there than he had done at Vbeda and pursu'd his way Northwards across a vast pile of Mountains that separate Andalousia from Castile and stretch from the Mediterranean Sea to the Ocean Thus having travers'd twenty miles or thereabouts they are in breadth he descended into the Plains de la Manche which the Arabs call the Dry Fields where having gone near sixty miles without meeting with any body all the People having quitted and being retired into the heart of the Country he at last discover'd a Town which seem'd very beautiful to him and much stronger than all those he had yet seen and was told that it was Toledo the Metropolis of Castile where the Christian Kings had in all times made their abode Along this City passes the famous River of Tage which also disembogues into the Western Sea And here it was King Rodrigo had caus'd the Enchanted Tower to be open'd whereof I have made mention in the beginning of this History Tariff having Encamp'd all his Troops in the Neighbourhood with intention to Besiege it the Christians sent to tell him That they had no thoughts of holding out and that provided he would suffer them to enjoy peaceably what they had and permit all those that were so minded to go where they pleas'd with their Families and all their Baggage they would pay him all sort of Obedience and would be as faithful to him as they had thitherto been to their King This General
since he express'd so much desire to serve his Country to return to the Moors Camp to tell Abenramin that it was not yet time for him to advance Pelage not being yet arriv'd in the Town with all his Forces The Renegado having accepted this Commission made that forged answer to Abenramin who was very glad at it and sent him forthwith back to Gixa to stay till the Prince was there arriv'd and to bring him immediate word But instead of going thither he went to the Christians Camp Pelage not losing time march'd all the night and being acquainted with the Country he arriv'd at the Camp of the Moors without they having the least inckling of him and attack'd them with so much vigour that he kill'd a very great number of them and put all the rest to flight obliging General Abenramin to Retreat in great disorder In this Attack the Moors lost two thousand men and the Christians about eight hundred But Pelage fearing to ingage too far in the Battel with Abenramin who had double the number of his men and who after having rally'd his Souldiers that had been taken unprovided might surround him he made a hasty retreat to the Town of Gixa where as soon as he was entred he caus'd the Traytor Manuzes to be hang'd and his Body burnt Then for fear the Moors might take that Town again after having turn'd out all its Inhabitants he set fire to 't and Retreated into the Mountains to defend their entrance against the Moors by whom he was under fear of being pursu'd And indeed Abenramin follow'd Pelage at the heels so as that he arriv'd at Gixa before the fire was quite extinguished Whereupon having cross'd it without making any stay that he might endeavour to overtake Pelage he found him posted at the same Place where General Abraham was defeated He found this Post too difficult to force that he durst not undertake it for fear of not succeeding and contenting himself with garnishing well that frontier he bent his march back to Toledo with all his Army being asham'd at his having perform'd so little in this Expedition He signify'd to Tariff all that had pass'd while he expected his orders which he desired he would send him and this General signify'd to him to separate his Troops and remain in his Government till farther order This caus'd Abenramin to dismiss his Army and seek to recreate himself after the fatigues of this War CHAP. XVIII The Vnhappy end of Count Julian of the Countess his Wife and of Florinda his Daughter COunt Julian having taken leave of the Moorish Generals as has been said in the former Chapter assembled all his Adherents as well Relations as those that had follow'd his Fortune and seeing the bad condition the Algesires and his other Lands were in he went to settle himself in a very pleasant place that is upon the back of the Mediterranean Sea call'd by the Spaniards Villa Vitiosa from whence he could give the orders necessary for the reparation of all his Houses and the administration of the vast Estate he had As soon as he was there arriv'd he sent to his Wife and Daughter to come to him They had ever made their abode at Tangier waiting the event of this War but seeing it terminated they fail'd not to repair immediately to him The Count and Countess were overjoy'd to see one another again after so long a separation only Florinda continu'd still melancholly whatever Caresses were made her by her Father and Mother and whatever care they both took for her Diversion She had ever before her Eyes the ruine of her Country the destruction of the Christians the Death Servitude or at least the Misery of so many Millions of men and when she call'd to mind that she was the occasion of so many evils she was not capable of any joy Above all what gave her most anxiety was to see her self dishonour'd and without hopes of ever seeing her self in the Rank and Establishment she might have expected according to her condition All this so Topsy-turvy'd her mind that at the long-run either through the instigation of the Devil or through a black vapour that offuscated her Brain she mounted to the top of a Tower where shutting the Door after her for fear of being hinder'd from Executing what she had resolv'd on she entreated a Governant to go seek her Father and Mother with whom she had a mind to speak And as soon as they were come she began to speak to them from the top of the Tower as a Person that had absolutely lost her senses telling them that so unfortunate a Maid as she did not deserve to live principally being the cause of so great a Desolation as that of all Spain and continuing such like Discourses My Father and Mother cry'd she to them Henceforward in memory of my misfortune let not this City any longer be call'd Villa Vitiosa but Malaca for now the worst Person that ever was is going to dye No sooner had she utter'd these last words but that without hearing or Father or Mother or any of those that were there and without yielding to the Remonstrances they made her she threw herself from off the top of that Tower and having batter'd her self in falling she only liv'd three days Her Mother swoon'd away at this Spectacle and Count Julian laid so to heart the misfortune of a Maiden for whom he had had so much kindness that his imagination remaining wounded thereby he thought it to be a Punishment of God And perhaps it was so and that this befell him for his sins For the Leaf of the Tree makes not any motion in the Air and the Ant takes not a step upon the Earth but by his order Thus this Imagination made him lose his senses and become mad to that degree that he himself Stabb'd a Ponyard into his own Breast In a little time also after his Death the Countess his Wife fell sick of a Cancer and after having undergone inconceivable pains she dy'd at last of a Natural but a very grievous Death As they left no Legitimate Children Almanzor took Possession of his Lordships and Re-united them to the Crown of Spain This Death prov'd a great scandal both among the Christians and Moors and that Town is call'd Malaca on occasion of the last words Florinda utter'd at her dying when she threw her self off from the top of the Tower The Spaniands say Malaga in lieu of Malaca and this word is made of the two she was heard to utter at her Death for she said Let this Town be no longer call'd by its ancient name but let it be call'd Malaca said she that is to say Wicked because in it this Day dyes the most Wicked Creature in the World The Arabs call this Florinda as also la Cava which signifies Wicked and certain it is that tho this Count had serv'd Almanzor with great Fidelity yet was he a
confer on him the Conduct of his Army and being then in his Government he sent him an express Courier to give him notice of this new War and that he had nominated him Generalissimo in all his Armies the terms of his Letter to him were as follow Aboulvalid's Letter to Muca Abenzairi Generalissimo in his Armies Praise be to our Soveraign God Amen THE most High and most Dread King of the Arabians Vicar of God and Defender of his Law Aboulvalid Abenacer Son of the Martial Caliph and Protector of the Faith Valid Almanzor to the Governour of our Kingdom of Africa the Prudent Virtuous and accomplish'd Gentleman Loyal and Faithful Servant of our Crown and Captain-General of our Armies by Sea and Land Muca Abenzair Greeting We write to you at present to let you know that the Great Caliph Mahomet Gilhair King of Thunis our honour'd Lord and Father-in-law being dead and the virtuous Abulcacim Aben Marchan our Servant who had been in our name to take possession of that Kingdom of Right and Justice to us belonging hardly beginning to make our people tast the sweetness of our Reign when Captain Hacan as you doubtless have been already inform'd entred by main force into the Palace Royal of Thunis and after having kill'd our Governour and all our faithful Servants had withdrawn himself from his Allegiance to us and by force caus'd himself to be own'd the absolute King of all the Country which he governs Tyrannically Wherefore for the recovery of that Kingdom it is necessary that you assemble the greatest number of Troops as shall be possible for you in the Kingdoms that are under your Government and that you set forth with them and our Army to repair to the Port of Capha in the midst of the month of Ragab in the approaching hundredth Year of the Hegira at which time we will go to joyn you with the Army which we cause to be rais'd in the Kingdom of Syria and Arabia till when we refer the resolving with you upon all matters enjoyning you to order all as you shall judge most expedient by your Prudence and Valour wherein we have an entire confidence From our Presence in the Palace of Corbal in Arabia Faelix the 2d of the Moon Mahairan in the Year 99. Muca having received the King his Masters Orders was overjoy'd at the employment with which he honour'd him and having made Leavies throughout all his Kingdom and heap'd up all sorts of Ammunition as well for the Fleet he had fitted out as for his Land Army he embark'd with twenty thousand very brisk men and made Sail towards the Levant while the King was embark'd with twenty five thousand Foot and eight hundred Horse he had assembled in Arabia and made Sail towards the West insomuch that the two Armies join'd happily in the Port of Capha This fill'd this Prince full of joy for he wou'd needs come in Person to this War well perceiving that when he should have reduc'd the Kingdom of Thunis he was absolute Master of all Africa from the Sea of the Levant to that of the Ponant Wherefore having Landed at Thunis he found not any opposition at his descent and had the means to marshal both his Armies in Battel-array Hacan being fully inform'd of these Warlike preparations was extremely intimidated Nevertheless as he had been long prepar'd to maintain his Usurpation he had assembled forty thousand Foot and eight thousand Horse with whom he went with great Resolution to meet Aboulvalid and couragiously stood his coming in a large Plain not far distant from the Sea and call'd Falh Almaligue where having drawn up his Army in Battalia it began by two bodies of Horse that Skirmish'd for some time before they ingag'd the rest in the Battel that lasted all that day from Three a Clock in the Afternoon till Night that separated the two Armies with the loss of eight hundred Foot and about three hundred Horse on the Kings side and five hundred Foot and four hundred Horse on that of Hacan without reckoning a number of Wounded among others one of Muca's Children call'd Ismael had two thrusts with a Pike in his Thigh for which Aboulvalid was much concern'd But the Father seeing the Grief his Master thence receiv'd told him with a very gay and resolute countenance that there was not matter for so much trouble as his Majesty express'd neither he nor his Son being come thither to gain Riches but to dye for his Service and that thus though his Son should not recover of his Wounds the matter would be small since he was only Born to dye On the contrary he should hold his Death as well employ'd because he had first so well aveng'd it and this was true for he had kill'd with his own hand a very great number of the Enemies and that day perform'd actions worthy of an Eternal memory On the morrow which was the 9th of the Moon of Taquel in the hundredth Year the Battel renew'd at break of day and lasted till Noon when Hacan's Men began to Buckle and were at length by dint of Sword defeated Hacan seeing the flight of his Forces sought his safety in galloping after them The King being entred into Thunis did not think he had gain'd an absolute Victory unless he had Hacan in his hands So as that he forthwith sent Foot and Horse out on all sides to seek him promising them great rewards if they brought him to him They sought him so well that the Dogs of a Flock of Sheep barking after him in a Cave where he was hid created a desire in them to go thither and occasion'd his being taken He was immediately brought before Aboulvalid to whom having given a great deal of ill language as a desperate man that saw there was no Remission for him the King that was otherwise very mild was so provok'd that he caus'd him to be impal'd alive and left him in that condition upon the Gate of the Town where he languish'd five whole days at the end of which he dy'd a very cruel Death All the Principal Leaders of this Rebellion were then Beheaded and one of the General Officers of the Army call'd Abraham Hacen was chosen to be Vice-roy of Thunis in the room of Hacan the Rebel Aboulvalid having settled his Authority in that Country and brought all things again into their Primitive order set forth again with his Army towards the Levant and being arriv'd at Carbal where he was receiv'd with great Acclamations the first thing he did was to reward all the Principal men that had serv'd him in that War and particularly Muca whom he made of his high Council and one of the Principal Ministers of his State After this without staying longer in his Palace than was necessary to repose himself he thought of taking a Pilgrimage to Mecque whither he went with a part of his Court. Being on his return through the Desarts there arose so furious a Wind
a Languishment that all the Remedies of the Physicians in no wise easing her Malady she dy'd fifteen days after him These two Deaths so sudden and so close upon one another occasion'd a mighty amazement in the Court that was for some time in such a surprize that their whole discourse was upon so extraordinary a thing But at length coming to think that there was none left of the Race of the Almanzors to whom the Crown appertain'd by Succession the Leading men of the Arabians and the Governours of the Provinces began to make their Cabals One of them call'd Ali Abilhacheck chancing to have more Friends than the rest caus'd himself himself to be Proclaim'd Caliph and after having caus'd an Oath of Allegiance to be taken to him and had his Coronation solemniz'd with great Pomp with the Solemnity and the Merriments that are wont to be practic'd in such like occasions he began with rewarding those that rais'd him to the place he held giving them Governments and Employs insomuch that there was no body but on whom he conferr'd some savour Besides this he apply'd himself in good earnest to make regulations upon all abuses that were introduc'd into the Government and to do Justice to all those that requir'd it of him without making them wait insomuch that he acquir'd in a short time not only a great Reputation but also the friendship of all the people they esteem'd themselves very happy in being govern'd by so good a King Thus ended the Line of the Aboulvalid Almanzors The End of the First Part. * In Arabick Alhaliq Alhadin * In Arabick Miusch that is without doubt Majah Invention by reason he has done it without any forging In Arabick Each meallalhimar Highland * Ni acha mila Inclination Hegira signifies Series from whence the Arabs begin to reckon their years The year 91 of the Hegira falls in with the year 712 of our Lord. * Har Malmucq Royal Scepter * Aldahir to shew another thing outwardly * Alcabir submitted subjected * Mausâ—â—s a Scaffold * Alhamemma the Common People the Commons * Amâ— the Care the thing The Tower of Stone in Sierra Merena Land or Mountain brown black * Ascald Design Resolution This Letter was found in King D. Rodrigo's Cabinet at Cordoua and as it was translated out of Spanish into Arabick by Abentariq was again put into the tongue out of which it was originally turn'd * Hiaan bad Design * Taube Penitence Change * Algadr Treason * The aera of Caesar from whence the Spaniards began to reckon their years is thirty eight years before our Lord. * Faqr Mind thought * Haddavia or rather Haddya Presents * Albatb Fortune felicity perhaps Debetz whiteness * Albufram loss destruction from the Root Saram renders it miserable * Alchiad * Haigua what has Life from thence comes the name of Eve * The Spaniards call her Eliatta * Alcapta Place of ill luck * Husian disguise dissemble Resque Gallantry * Mabzan House * Hucan Almuque Coutelas Royal. * This Epocha is thirty eight years or thereabouts before the Birth of our Lord. * Fahim Wise Vid. the Note in the Margin of the Title and the Preface * Alhana Peace Hana Repose Conveniency This Date jumps with the month of December in the year 712 of our Lord. * The Arabick Harb the Spanish Ardider Military Art Stratagems of War In the month of September in the year 713 of our Lord. * Now call'd Gibralter Hauf * Macmah * Hirisaf Inconveniences * Sarra Martial Men. The year 713 of our Lord in the month of December * In the year 714 of our Lord in the month of June In the month of August in the year 714. * It is still call'd Tariff * Tafacrum Caresses Applause * Almubatida to blame wrongfully or without reason * 'T is the River called Guidalette * It is now call'd the plain of Truth * Dimiin slaves of one Enemies * Halam * Atiar Prodigy * Badr Cornet * Vear from dinner till the Evening In the midst of October in the year 714. â—abra Grief * 〈…〉 Battel * Mudmia Bloody * Diz Hopes Taurib Exploits * Inhan Promise * Hyâ—man Faith * Facâ— Alcatanae Blood Royal. * Calch Religious * Muhâ—i convert * Muhin perswasion * Varia false testimony * â—iftaâ— Conquest * Almubhniin Accomplices * Haiz suspicion * Amr thing * Munhin Exhortation * Marmohauda without resistance * Facat insolences * Tapdit ill treatment * Betis Abenabur first Governour of Grenada †This is what the Spaniards call Surra ne vada The Snowy Mountain and the Arabs from the ancient Spanish word corrupted Solayt It is not known what this Ravine is or Par de Toâ— unless it be the bridge of Tabalate The Moors have since call'd this River Orgiba * Izticrat Examination * It is at present Adra. * Colch Truce * Amr Thing * It is now still call'd Las Alpuxarras * Ychadad Zogle Good Fortune try'd * Zid Amunitions * Ygata help in diligence * 〈◊〉 Servitude Alâ—aul Provision of all things * Dan Curnain the greater Sea * Faye abis in Spanish Campo seco * Mahalue living Soul * Quilathia Discourtesie * Hara Reparation * Nahic Perswasion Faâ—palia fegal in Spanish Cabo de contiendas Alfiqr Sadness * This Date jumps with the year 715 of our Lord. * Dirma Yoak * Alfirac Absence * Alfacar Destruction Alhueran Despair * Alfacar Destruction * Hiâ—â—ab Punishment * Idâ— the will of God * Karatan a Cancer * Cufa hacâ— Infamous People * Socr Recompence * Hatrit Description * Tachi alâ—mart Provision of all Irtifah Climate * Hala Desert * Hadaca Discretion * Tuhcim Divided * This is in the month of November in the Year 715 of our Lord. * Gaâ—an Extraordinary Grief * 〈◊〉 Farality * This is in the month of April in the Year 716 of our Lord. * This is in the month of July in the year 716 of our Lord. * The Office of Algouazil among the Moors was as that of President of Castile * Boreâ— Aâ—â—lâ—an a publick cry by sound of Trumpet This is the second time that the Jews came into Spain * 〈◊〉 obey'd by all * 〈…〉 well appointed Farica * Inzi Hachi Resolution * Fazar a Rout. * Hird Murmur Scandal * Fael Arabeh Spring * Harbal Ahidad Genius for War * The Arabs call them Mausenech * This time is call'd Hacar in Arabick * Hazir Ditches * Mutagua Quilalriaca Minister of State Luna amis Abihabdi Allabi that signifies the Father of the Servants of God and Ibninacer intimating the Son of Victory * Ziara Regale * Dahir Patents * Alumyid People * Beginning of the month of October in the year 716 of our Lord. * Alhadar lost no occasion * Alcahari Sandy Mountains * Ymala to win hearts * Aturmuhim Ill News * Taha obedience protection friendship * In the month of December in the year 717. * Facar flâ—â— put to rout * Magarem Subsidies * In January 718. * Maulab King and Lord. * Musta Mahami States * The Arabians name is Faliaz Ahra in November 718. * Hisu mourning tears * 〈◊〉 Country of Rocks * Tani get into credit * Subb a Comet * Acain * It is not known in what place that Port is nor how it 's call'd at present * The Kings Field * Daelam obscurity At the beginning of October in the Year 725. of our Lord. Curci Almulq Canopy Throne * Rida Benediction * Hazir Infamous Perjur'd * This date falls in the Year 725 of our Lord in the month of March. * Mutben ready to serve him * Sutar Rebellion * Goyhrim a Poyson'd Robe
she remain'd fix'd in the Resolution she had taken and alledging the best Reasons she could bethink herself of she took her leave of him and return'd in all haste to Cordoua with her Son and all the Company she had brought along Rodrigo being extremely vext that so sudden a departure had robb'd him of the means of executing his perverse Intentions and touch'd to the quick that in the Journey Don Sancho had taken to Toledo the Grandees of the Court the Governours of Places the Prelats and the People had treated him in his own Presence as their real King he knew not what course to take to render himself the sole Master of Spain He roll'd a thousand things in his mind but paus'd not upon one without finding a thousand Difficulties in 't and out of which he could with any likelihood promise himself a good issue At last he resolv'd upon what we shall see in the following Chapter CHAP. II. Rodrigo causes the Prince Don Sancho to be taken into Custody His Mother frees him out of Prison and goes with him into Africa ROdrigo after having miss'd of so fair an occasion to rid himself of his Nephew was too much dejected for to be able to resolve on any thing in himself But it was not sufficient to find out expedients there needed such People as were capable of making use of them Astolpho was the man of all the Court in whom he had the most Confidence wherefore upon him did he unburden himself of a Secret that lay so much the heavier upon him as that he meant to have kept it to himself and offer'd him at the same time all the Gold and Money that was in his Power and the Governments of the most considerable Places of his Kingdom if he could help him to bring about his design Astolpho wanting neither Industry nor Malice advis'd him to practice false Witnesses that might charge Don Sancho with some great Crime Representing to him That when he should cause him to be confin'd under the colour of Justice no body could find fault therewith and that during the Prince's Imprisonment it would be easie for him either to put him to death or to render himself in such manner Master of the Kingdom that it would be impossible to divest him of its Administration The King very much relishing this Contrivance was not long without causing D. Sancho's Process to be made who by the Informations was found charg'd with Crimes as black and notorious as needed to authorize the clapping him up into Prison Astolpho having receiv'd the Commission for this purpose departed from Toledo without the least suspicion being had of the occasion of his Journey and reaching Cordoua before it could in the least get Wind he entred the Prince's Chamber whom he found sleeping in perfect security from any such like Treason and passing with all expedition across the City that dreamt not in the least how matters went he carry'd him through the Mountains making the Desart that separate Castille from Andalousia into a little Town that may be seen from Cordoua from which it is not far distant and is call'd The Tower of Stone The Queen amaz'd at so unexpected a Blow was for some while without knowing what to resolve on but as she had more Courage than her Sex does usually afford and quickly suspected how the case stood she resolv'd at any rate to free her Son out of so great a Danger Insomuch that having caus'd five and twenty of the bravest men of her houshold to take Horse and Arms as well as five and thirty others whom she order'd to follow her on foot She herself went with this small Troop after those that carry'd away her Son whom she overtook in that Tower I have newly mention'd At first Astolpho meant to have stood upon his Defence but having vigorously attack'd him and kill'd all his Men she herself took him Prisoner and brought her Son back to Cordoua She at first design'd to have fortify'd herself in that Town and to have provided it with all things necessary but fearing Rodrigo might come to besiege her there she packed up all she had most precious and having assembled her most trusty Servants she withdrew to the most Western part of Spain into a place called the Algesires belonging to Count Julian the same that a little while after occasion'd the loss of Spain Not finding herself even there in sufficient security she thought the best course wou'd be to put the Sea between her and D. Rodrigo and go seek in a foreign Country for succours to conquer her own This Resolution being taken she caus'd Astolpho's Nose and Ears to be cut off as a Traytor to his King and pass'd the Streight after having sent him back to the King her Brother-in-Law with a Letter which Translated out of Spanish into Arabick is as follows The Letter of Queen Anagilda the Prince Don Sancho's Mother to the King D. Rodrigo The Vnhappy Anagilda to the Traytor D. Rodrigo Health to him that does not deserve it THy Natural Malignity and the desire thou hast at any rate to Reign must needs have plung'd thee into a strange Blindness for to render thee so unjust as to go about to practize false Witnesses against an Innocent so perfidious as to fail in thy Loyalty to thy Lord so unnatural as to rob thy Nephew of his Life All the Laws of Knighthood as well as those of humanity do not suffer the revenging one's self on those that have meant us the most mischiefs as soon as they can no longer do us any Nay and Generosity requires that we pardon them tho they have done us hurt but the least of these Vertues is too great for thee Thou wilt not so much as know what these same Duties are and dost not mind the praises that are gain'd by fine Actions since that instead of being for the Truth which is the friend of God thou makest it thy whole business to stifle it and to declare thy self against it vowing the ruine of him that never had the least thought to offend thee and who on the contrary has had so much confidence in thee that he put himself under thy Protection Thou wouldst do much better to make War upon thy Enemies and conquer some one of their Provinces than to attack a Woman and a Child wherein thou hast not any Honour to acquire and wherein thou canst not miss of ruining it in this World to lose after that thy Soul in the other Learn to harbour no longer such empty and such Criminal Designs and think of leading no longer such a disorderly Life as that thou leadest while that God who only requires the Conversion of the Sinner may still grant thee Mercy Dost thou think that thy Reign will last always Dost thou not know that only that of God hath no end That all the Kings of the Earth are but Dust that they must one day become
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