Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-09-20
render useless 'onc of the best swords in Is

lam =
Ii is thus the envious man brings humiia-
ton and reproach upon himself, in endeav-
orng to degrade "A meritoriOus rival. When
the tidings came of the Justice rendered by
the caliph TO the merits of the veteran, there
was general Joy throughout the army; and
Muza read, in the smiling countenances of
every one around him, "A severe ccnsurc on
his conduct. He concealed, however, his
deep humiliation, and affected to obey the
orders of his sovereign with great alacrly !;
he released Tarc from prison, toasted him at
his own table, and then publicly replaced
him at the head of his troops. The army
received its iavorte veteran with shouts of
JOY, and celebrated with rejocngs the recon
Citation of the commanders but the shouts
of the soldicry were abhorrent to the cars of
Mnza.
The discussions, which for time had dis
tracted the conqnering army. being appras-
ed, and the Arabian generals being appar-
emily once more reconciled, Muza, as COM
mander- in chief, proceeded to complete the
enterprises by suhlugaing the northern parts
of Spain. The same expeditions mode of
conquest that had been sagaciouslv adopted
by Tarc, was still pursued. The troops
were lightly armed, aud freed from every
superlluous incumbrance. Each horseman,
beside his arms, carried a small sack of pro-
visions, copper vessel in which to cook
them, and skin winch served him for sur
coat and for bed. The infantry carried moth
ing but their arms. TO each regiment or
sqadron was allowed limited number Of
,1ne and I /,
to carry their necessary baggage and sup
plies: nothing was permitted that could
needlessly diminish the number of fighting
men, delay their rapid movements, or con-
sumo their provisions. Strict orders were
again issued, prohibiting, on pain Of death,
all plundcr excepting the camp OF an enemy,
or cities given up to pldge.
The armies now took their several lines
of march. That under Taric departed to-
ward the northeast; beating up the country
toward the source of the Tagr,s, travcrsing
the chain of lberian or Arragonian noun
tains, and pouring down into the plans and
valleys waIered by the Ebro. 1t was won.
derlu to see. in SO brief space Of time, such
vast and difficult country penetrated and
subdned; and the invading army, like an
inundating flood, pouring its streams into the
most remote recesscs.
While Tarc was thus sweeping the coun-
try to the northeast, Muza departed In an OPP
positc direction, yet proposing to meet him,
and to Ioln their forces in the north. Bend
ing his course westwardly. he made circuit
behind the mountains, and then advancing
into the open country, displayed his banners
bptprn Sulnnunru u,irI, dc. ol ia
out resistance. From thence he continued
on toward Astorea, receiving the terrified
submission of tie land; then turning up the
valley Of Douro, he assembled the course OF
that famous river toward the east crossed
the Sierra de Moncayo, and, arriving on the
banks Of the Ebro, marched down along its
stream until he approached the strong city of
Sarag0Ssa, the citadel of all that part of
Span. In this place had taken refuge many
Of the most valiant Of the Gothic warriors I;
the remnants of armies, and fugit,ves from
conquered cities. 1t was one of the last raj
lying points Of the land.-When Muza ar
rived, Taric had already been for some time
before the place, laying close siege: the in.
liahiiants were pressed 10y famine, and had
suffered great losses in repeated comba,S-
but there vas "A spirit and obStinacy in their
resistance surprising any thing that had yet
been Witnessed by the invaders.
Muza now took command Of the seigc,
and ordered general assault upon the wall.
The MOslems planted their scaling ladders,
and mounted with their accustomed intrepid
lty, but were vigorously resisted nor could
all their efforts obtain them "A footing upon
| Ibn hu,tl.n,nu,c Will, ,b,,, 81,
sailing The wall, Count Julian ordered IA heap
of combusllbles TO be placed against one of
the gates, and set on fire. The inhabitants
attempted in vain from the barbican to ex-
ringush The flames. They burnt so iercely
that in a little while the gate fell from the
hinges. Count Julian ealloped into the city
mounted upon powerful charger, himself
and his steed covered by mail. lie was fol-
lowed by three hundred of his parisans, and
supported by Magucd, the regenado, with a
troop Of horse.
The inhabitants disputed every street and
public square they made barriers of dead
bodies, fighting behind these ramparts of
slaughtered countrymen. Every window
and roof was filed with combaants the very
women and children joined in the desperate
fight, throwing down stones and missiles OF
all kinds, and scalding water, upon the ene-
my.
The battle ragged until the hour of vespers,
when the principal inhabitants held parley
and capiulated for a surrender. Muza had
been incenSed at their obstinate resistance,
which had cost the lives of so many of his
soldiers; he knew also that in The city were
collected tho riches of many of the towns of
Spain. He demanded, therefore, beside the
usual terms, a heavy sum to be paid down
by the citizens, called the contribution of
blood as by this they redeemed themselves
from the edge Of the sword. The people
were obliged to comply. They collected all
the jewels Of their richest families, and all
the ornaments of their temples, and laid
them at the feet of Muza and placed in his
power many of their noblest youths as hosta-
ges. A strong garrison was then appointed !;
and thus The fierce city of Saragossa was
subdued to the yoke of the conqueror.
The Arab generals pursued their con.
/ n 70 gl,. ,Nf th1 d..