Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-11-11


mounted behind the Moor, on his powerful
steed; they left the castle walls before
daybrcak, nor did they pause, until they
arrived at the gate of the castle of A llora,
which was flung wide to receive them.
Alighting in the court, the Abencerrage
supported the steps of his trembling bride,
who remained closely yelled, into the pre-
sence Of Rodrigo de Narvarez. "Behold,
valiant Alcayde!" said he, SHE way in
which an Abencerrage keeps his word. |
promised to return 10 thee prisoner, but
| deliver two captives into thy power
Behold Xarisa, and judge whether | griev-
ed without reason, over the loss of such
treasure, Receive US as your own, for
confde my life and her honor to your
hands,"
The Alcayde was lost in admiration of
the lady. and the noble spirit Of the Moor
81 know not" said he, switch of you sur.
pass the other; but know that my castle
is graced and honored by your presence
Enter into it, and consider it your own,
VIII lie you deign to reside with me-"
For several days the lovers remained at
Alora, happy in each others love, and in
the friendship of the brave Alcayde. The
latter wrote a letter full of courtesy, to the
Moorish king of Granada, relating the
whole event, extollng the valor and good
faith of the Abencerrage, and craving for
him the royal countenance.
The king was moved dy me story, and
was pleased with an opportunity of showing
attention to the wishes Of gallant '.u
chivalrous enemy; for though he Ia often
suffered from the proves O, Don Rodrigo
de Narvaez, he admired the heroic charac.
ter he had gained throughout the land -
Calling the AIcayde of Coyn into his pre-.
sence, he gave him the letter 10 read.--
The Alcayde turned pale, and trenbled
with ruge, on the perusal. "Restrain thine
anger" said the king; "there is nothing
that the Alcayde of AlIora could ask that
would not grant it, if in my power. Go
thou to Allora; pardon thy children: take
them 10 thy home. receive this Aben-
cerrage into my favor, and It will be my
delight to heap benefits ION you ALL"
The kinding ire Of the Aicayde was
suddenly appeased. He fastened TO AlIo-
ra; and folded his children to his bosom,
who would have fallen at his feet. The
gallant Rodrigo de Narvaez gave liberty
10 his prisoners without ransom, merely
demanding promise of their friendship.
lie accompanied the youthful couple and
their father to Coyn, where their nuptials
were celebrated with great rejoicings.-
When the festivities were over, Don Rod
RICO de Narvaez returned to his fortress of
Allora.
After his departure, the Alcayde of Coyn
addressed his children: "To your hands"
said he, IL confide the disposition of my
wealth. One of the first things charge
YOU. is not TO forget the ransom you owe
the Alcayde Of Allora. His magnanimity
YOU can never repay, but you can prevent
It from wronging him of his just due. Give
him, moreover, your entire friendship, for
he merits it fully, though of different
faith"
The Abencerrage thanked him for his
generous proposition, which so truly &C.
corded with his own wishes. He took a
large sum ofgold, and enclosed it in rich
Golfer, and, OH his own part, sent six beau
tiiul rises, superbly caparisoned; with
six shields and lancea, mounted and en-
6o.sed with gold. The beautiful Xarisn,
at the same time, wrote letter to the AL
cayde, filled with expressions Of gratitude
and friendship, and sent him a box of fra.
grant cypress wood, containing linen Of
the finest quality, for his person. The val.
liant Alcayde disposed oil the presents in
characteristic manner. The horses and
The armor he shared among the cavaliers
who accompanied him on the night of the
skirmish. The box of cypress wood and
its contents he retained, for the sake ofthe
beautiful Xarise; and sent her, by the
hands of the messenger, the sum OF gold
paid as ransom, entreating her TO receive
it as wedding present. This courtesy
aud magnanimity raised the character Of
the Alcayde Rodrigo de Narvaez still high
err in the estimation ofthe Moors, who ex-
tolled him as perfect mirror of chivalric
virtue; and from that time forward, there
was a continual exchange of good Offices
between them.