Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-11-11
MOSLEM HONOR:
A SIP ANISH IA L E.
BY WASHINGTON IRVING.

On the summit of craggy hill, aspur OF
the mountains of Ronda, stands the castle
of Alora, now mere ruin, bat IN old
times one of the strong border holds OF The
Christians, TO keep watch upon the IRON
tiers of the warike kingdom of Grenada,
and TO hold the Moors in check. 1t twas a
post always contided to welltried COM
mander, and at the time of which we treat,
was held by Rodrigo de Narvaez, vete-
ran, famed, both among Moors and Chris
tians, not only for his hardy feats OF arms,
but also for that magnanimous courtesy,
which should ever be entwined with The
s,erner qualities of the soldier.
The castle of Allora was a mere part OF
command; he was Alcaydc. or military
COVE. nor of Antiquera, but he passed most
of his time at this frontier post, because It's
situation on the borders gave more ire
ouent opportunity for those adventurous
exploits which we're the delight OF Spaalsh
chivalry. His garrison consisted OF fifty
cavaliers, all well mounted, and well ap.
pointed. With these he kept vigilant
watch upon Mosems-patroling the roads
and paths, and defiles of the mountains, so
that nothing could escape his eye, and now
and then signalling himself by some
dashing foray into the very Vera Of Gren'
ada.
On fair and beautiful night in summer,
when the freshness of the evening breeze
had tempered the heat of the day, the wor-
thy Alcayde sailed forth, with nine ofhis
cavaliers, to pa;rol the neighborhood, and
seek adventures. They rode quietly and
cautiously, lest they should be overheard
by moorish scout or traveller, and kept
along the ravines and hollow ways, lost
they should be betrayed by the glitterlng
of the moon upon their armor. Coming
TO where the road divided, the Alcayde d.
rected FIVE of his cavaliers 10 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 was
10 be the signal TO bring their comrades to
their aid.
The party Of FIVE had not proceeded far,
when, in passing through defilc, over
hung with trees, they heard the voice OF
man, singing. They Immediately con-
cealed themselves in grove, on the brow
of declivity up which the stranger would
have 10 ascend. The moonlight, which
left The grove in deep shadow, lit up the
whole person Of the wayfarer, as he adj
yanced and enabled them to distinguish
his dress and appearance with perfect nc.
curacy. He was Moorish cavalier, and
his noble demeanor, graceful carriage,
and splendid attire, showed him to be OF
lofty rank. He was superbly mounted,
on dapple-grey sized, ofpowerful frame
and generous spirit, and magnifcently ca
parisoned. His dress was marlota, or
tunic, and an Albernoz Of crimson damask,
frinqed with gold. His Tunislan turban,
of MANY folds, was Of silk and cotton strip
ed, and bordered with golden fringe. AT
his girdle hung scimetar of Damascus
steel, with loops and iassels OF silk and
gold. On his left arm he bore an ample
target, and his right hand grasped long,
donLle-poInted lance. Thus equipped, he
sat negIigently on his steed, as one who
dreamed OF no danger, gazing on the
moon, and singing, with sweet and man
ly voice, Moorish love dltty.
Just opposite the place where the span,
ish cavaliers were concealed, was small
fountain, in the rock, beside the road, to
which the horse turned to drink. The RI
der threw the reins on his neck, and con-
tinued his song.
The Spanish cavaliers conferred TO-
ether; they were all so pleased with the
.lllant and gentle appearance ofthe Moor,
that they resolved not to harm, but TO con-
quer him, whr b, in his negligent mood,
promised to be an easy task. Rushing,
therefore, from their concealment, they
thought to surround and seize him. Never
were men more mistaken. To gather Up
his-reins, wheel round bis sized, brace his