Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-06-23
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE
Legend of the Rose of the Alhalnbra.
June t2--eots

Legend of the Rose of the Alhalnbra.
9. Among those who attended in the train Of
the monarchs was favorite page Of the queen,
named Ruyz de Alarcon. To say that he was
favorite page of the queen was at once to speak
his euloeium; for every one in the suite OF the
stately Elizabeta was chosen for grace. and beau
~. and accomplishments. He was Just turned
of eighteen, light and little Of form, graceful as
4 Young Antinous. To the queen he was all de-
ference and respect: vet he was at heart rosu-
sh stripping, petted and spoiled by the ladies
about the court, and experienced IN the ways OF
women far beyond his years. This lettering
page was one morning rambling aboat the groves
Of the Generalife, which overlook the grounds OF
the Alhambra lie had taken with HIM tor
his amusement favorite gerfalcon OF the queen.
In me course of his rambles, seeing bird rising
from a thicket, he unhouded the hawk and let
him ny. The falcon lowered high IN the air,
made sweep at his quarry. but missing IT. soar
ed away. REGARDLESS of the calls Of the page. -
The latter followed the truant bird with h's eye
in its cspricious flight. until he saw II ai'sht up
on the battements OF a remote and lonely tower
in the outer wall of the hlhambra, butt on the
edge of ravine that separated the royal fortress
from the grounds of the General'e. II was IN
fact, the Tower of the Prince'ses. Inc page
descended into the ravinr and approached the
tower. bit il had no eotramGs Tram the 3 ai; It's
lofty height rendered any attempt TO scale 1t fruit
less Seeking one If the gates of the fortress, there
fure, he made a wide circuit to that side OF the
| tower facing within the walls. \ small garden.
enclosed BY trelhswo.E of reeds overhunS
with mvrtle. lay before the tower. Opening a
wicket, the page passed between beds OF ho"ers
and thi,ke of roses to the door. 1t was closed
and bottled. A crpvice in the door gave him a
peep into the interior. There was small Moor
| ish hall with tretted walls, light marble columns
| snd an alabaster fountain surrounded with How
prs. In the centre hung gilt cage containing
single bird; beneath H. on chair, lay tortoise
( shell cat, among reels Of silks and other articles
of female labor: and guitar, decorated with RIB
! bands. leaned against the fountain. RuyZ de
/ Alarcon was struck with these traces of female
taste and elegance in lonely, and apParently de-
serted, tower. they reminded him of the tales of
enchanted nails current in the Alhambra; & the
tortoise she'll cat nigh, be some spell bound prin-
cess. He Knocked gently at the door; beauti,
; full face peeped out from little window above,
but was instantly Withdrawn. lie waited, expect
ING that the door would be opened, but he waited
| in vain; no footstep was to be heard withlu-all
was silent Had his senses deceived him, was
this beautiful apparitiCn the fairy OF the tower:
| He Knocked again. aud more loudly. After a
| little while the beaming face once more peeped
forth: it was that Of blooming damsel Of fifteen
| The page immediately DOTTED his plumed bonnet,
and entrsated in the most courteous accents 70 be
permitted TO ascend the tower in pursuit Of his fall
con Il dare not open the door, senior, replied the
| little iamsei blushing; 'my aunt has forbidden
it. Il do beseech YOU fair maid; IT is the favor.
tie falcon of the queen: dare not return to the
palace without Are you, then, one of the ca
walters of the court?' Il am, fair rald: but [
shall lose the queens favor and my place, it
| lose this hawk Santa Maria. it is against
you cavaliers of the court my duut has charged
me especially 10 bar the door, Against wicked
cavaliers. doubtless: but | am none of these but
simple harmless page, who will be ruined and
undone il YOU deny me this small request The
| heart of the little damse was touched by the dis
| tress of the page. 1t was thousand pities he
should be ruined for the want of SD trifling a
! boon. Surely, too. he could not be one Of those
dangerous beings whom her aunt had described as
species of canniba. ever on the prowl to make
| prev of thoughtlpss damsels-he was gentle and
modest, and stood so entreatingly with cap in
! hand. aud looked so charming The sly page
saw that the garrison began to waver, and redou-
bled his entreaties in such moving terms, that it
was not in the nature of mortal maiden to DENY
him; so the blushing little warden Of the tower
descended and opened the door with trembling
hand, and il the page had been charmed by =
mere glimpse of her countenance from the win.
dow, he was ravished by the full length portrait
now revealed to him. Her Andalusan bodice
and trimbasouina set off the round but delicate
symmetry of her form, which was as yet scarce
verging into womanhood. Her glossy hair was