The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-08-07
SELECTED TALES.
From The Kniekerbocker Maga. ne.
THE ABENCERRAGE.
A SPANISH TALE.
A SPANISH TALL
By WASHINGTON IRVING.

SPANISH TALE.
By WASHINGTON IRVING.
On the summit of craggy hill. a spur Of the
mountains Of Ronda, stands the castle Of Alora,
now mere ruin, infested by bats and owls,
but in old times one Of the strong border holds
OF the Christians TO keep watch upon the FROM
tiers Of the warlike kingdom of Grenada and 10
hold the Moors in check. IL was post always
conhded TO some well tried commander; and
al the time OF which we treat, was held by Ro-
drigo de Naraez. a veteran, famed. both a.
mong Moors and Christians, not only for his
hardy ieais OF arms, but also for that magnan-
imous courtesy, which should ever be entwin-
ed with the sterner virtues OF the soldier.
The castle OF Allora was mere part Of his
command he was Alcsyde, or military gov
ernor Of AutiGuera, but he passed most Of his
time al this froutier post. because its situation
on the borders gave more frequent op?ortun-
ity for those adventurous exploits which were
the delight Of the Spanish chIvslry. His gar
rison consisted OF Fifty chosen cavaliers, all well
mounted, and well appointed with these he
kept vigilant watch upon the Moslems; pa
trolling the roads, and paths, and defiles of the
mountains, so that nothing could escape his
eye, ard now and then signalizns himself by
some dashing iorsy into the very Vega Of Gren-
| ada.
ob idh DlSnl III summer,
when the freshness Of the evening brreze had
tempered the heat Of the day, the worthy Al
cayde sailed forth, with nine Of his cavaliers,
J TO patrol the Deighborhood. and seek adven-
lures. They rode quietly aud cautiously, lest
they should be overheard by Moorish scout
or traveller; and kept along ravines and hol-
low ways, lest they should be betrayed By the
gltterlng of the full moon upon their srmor.-
Coming TO where the road divided, the Alcayde
directed five Of his cst1liers TO take one OF the
branches while he. with the remaining four,
would take the other. Should either party be
, in danger the blast Of horn vas 10 be the sig
nal 10 bring their conrads TO their aid.
! The party of five had not proceeded far, when
D in passing through a deflc, overhung with
e trees. they heard the voice Of man singing.
d They Immediately concealed themselves in a
: grove, on the brow OF a deolivity, up which
the stranger would have 10 ascend. The
moonlight. which left the grove in deep shad
d ow, lit up the whole person of the way iarer a,
n he advanced and enabled them to distinguish
Is his dress aud appearance. with perfect accura
y cy. He-~as a Moorish cavalier. and his nob
= d-meanor, graceful carriage, and splendid AT
" tire. showed him 10 be Of lofty rank. He wa'
" superbly mounted, on a dapple grey steed, o
+ powerful frame. and generous spirit, aud mum
IS fcently csparisoned. HIS dress was a marlota
: or tunc, and an Abernoz of crimson damask
!. fringed with gold. His Tunsian turban, o
many folds. was Of silk and cotton striped. an,
u bordered with golden fringe. At his glrdl
J. hung celimetar of Demascus steel, viii
II loops and tasses Of silk aud gold. On his lei
e arm he bore an ample target, and his rifh
= hand grasped a long and double pointed lance
!. Thus equipped lie sat negligently on his sl,cd
as one who dreamed OF no danger. gazing OF
/ the moon, and singing. with sweet and man
J. ly voice, Moorish love ditty.
n Just opposite the place where the Spanisl
'. cavaliers were concealed was a small fountain
n in the rock, beside the road, TO which the bors
'r turned 20 drink the rider threw the reins o
e his usck, and continued his song.
= The Spanish cavaliers conferred together
+ they were all so pleased with the gallant an
4 gentle appearance OF the Moor. that they re
ir solved not TO harm. but to capture him, which
10 his negligent mood. promised to be an cas-
task pushing, therefore from their conceal
~ ment, they thought TO surround aud seize him
Never were men more mistaken. To gathe
- up his reins. wheel round his steed brace hi
buckler, and couch his lance, WAS the work G
and instant. and there he sat. fixed like cas-
tie in his saddle beside the fountain.
The Christian cavaliers checked their steed
and reoonnoitred him warIIy. 10th TO come to a
encounter, which must end in his destruc ctior
The Msor now held parley: If you b
true knights" said he. 4" and seek for honora
n. bic fame come on. slngly, and ! am ready I
rs meet each in succession; but II you be mcr
RI lurkets of the road, intent on spoil, come all ;
o. once, and do your worst ~
va The cavaliers communed for moment ?
ut part when one, advancing singly, exclaimed
in !" Although no law Of chivalry obliges US |
he risk the loss Of prize, when clearly IN ou
SIS power, yet we willingly grant, as a eourtes,
ry what might refuse asa right Faliai
d. Moor! defend thyself!"
on So saying hc wheeled. took proper ds'anc
h couched his lance, and putting spurs TO h
Sc horse. made at the stranger. The latter I'M
Dr.. him ia mad career transported him with b
Ip, lance, and threw him headlong from his saddl
en- A second and third succeeded. bat we're ui
at borsed with equal facility, and thrown TO u
earth. severely wounded. The remaining ~
seeing their comrades thus roughly treated. 10
r. got all compact Of courtesy, and charged b0
at once upon the Moor He psrred the thru
Of one, but was wounded by the other IN u
thigh. and in the shock and confusion, dropp'
hrs lance. thus disormed and closely press
he pretended TO fy and was hotiy pdrsue
IN Having drawn the two cavaliers some distant
nv, from the spot. he suddenly wheeled short
Is bout. With one Of those dexteroUs movsInen
- for which the Moorish horsemen were reno~
Us. ed. passed swiftly between theni, swung hims'
let down from his saddle. so as to catch up I
are lance. then, lightly replacing himself, turn
no TO renew the combat.
up Seeing him thus fresh for the encounter,
es il JUS, issued from his tent. one Of the esvslie
in on, his lips to hrs horn. and blew a blast th
- 5000 brought the Alcsyde and his four col
he psnion. 10 the spot
by The valiant Nsraez. seeing three Of his ca
rs; sli,. extended on the earth. sod ivo oth'
!. botIy engaged With the Moor. WAS struck vi
am admiration. and coveted contest with so ?
Dut eounpIished = warrior Interfering IN III. 6gl
- he called upon his followers to desIsi. and q
dressing the Moor, with courteous words. 10
ted him 10 more equal combs'. The lat
T. a., Sl.l.noc Eor sof