The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-07-07

THE NORMAN kNi0HT-AS ADNEAEl
At the time of which we write nearly the whole
Of the Spanish peninsula, south Of the Pyrenees,
was under the Moorish rule. Abderahman III. sat
spsn the throne of Cordova, and the season of his
reign j. known as the Golden Age Of the Moorish
empire. The Moors were an enlightened and in
anstrious race of people. and during their occupa
son of the country, agriculture, well rs the arts
and sciences, fourished in a remarkable degree.
n short, so far were they in advance of other Eu-
sepesn nations in general knowledge that great
numbers Of Christians, of all countries, went 10
study in the Arabian schools of Cordova. And,
furthermore, the Moors had brought with them
Rom the orient thousand ideas Of luxury AMI ele-
sance never entertained by the Goths so tha, even
their social and domestic arrangements were far
above those OF their predecessors in point of com
ssrt aud refinement. The proximity, however, of
&ese devoted followers of Islam 10 restless and
Sariike knights Of the Cross led 10 continual
n border strife, and 10 not a few romantic adven-
acres
day, in early summer, had been warm and
siear; and now, the sun was sinking towards the
western horizon the balmy breeze, which had been
laden with fragrant doors from thousand groves Of
grange and Of citrcn, died away, until the leaves OF
she aspen still, and the surface Of tho water
,eposed like q mirror. A few miles out from Cor
Rova, where the road lay close upon the northern
bank Of the Granddaughter, and beneath the shade
.sf grove Of olives, sat two men. The first was
Christian and noble knight, his gnrb plainly
indicated. His boots were russell, with light, gold
ed spurs attached; his hose of white silk, with
e,Inks Of amber satin; a doubet OF emeral velvet;
short cloak Of purple, ss-hed with white satin,
with collar of rich point lace, and light cap of
green velvet. from the side Of which swept a white
s-trich feather. He was about five and twenty
years Of age possessing powerful frame the full,
symmetricai muscular form Of which had been de-
yelopei by q thorough course Of knightly training
even irum childhood. His face was fair aud frank,
ghe features hold and marked, tie whole contour
presenting a remarkable type OF strong, masculine
eeanty.
Such Was Leon de Bournay, knight of Norman.
.sy and only son of the old Baron Robert dc Bour-
nay, whose deed Of arms were known throughout
AL Ciri-i~pdom. Sr Leon had come to Cordova 20
rpg1y. The time might not be far distant when he
.wcuid be called 10 rule over the broad barony of
-3Su-ray. and he wicked TO qualify himself for the
work. IN the science OF arms he was already
rFeicienr few men dared 10 oppose his lance or
aroajso og but he felt that The true prince should
BE able - instruct his people in those sciences
(which come nearer 10 the peace and comfort of
hotNc- ana htti,' ls' ida Sought
fhs help Of he renowned scholars OF Tie Moorish
, Whaols.
81 Icons companion was a short, stout, hearty.
&c plsj looking individual. with hyoad, massive
shs Ulacrs a thick neck and head which BETRAYED
con pd.r.lhc DuCnacity IN its popularity Of form,
thor Oh . rich vein az humor and good will. which
seem ed 20 well up from his deep bosom, served in
a gre at measure to count. radiance the roughcr
treit- o d his character. He was the knights most
faithful esquire and body servant, having been his
st,ends ut irom early boyhood. lie was some ten
year. oil Yer than h- master, anil biz garb was much
AMER he same pattern hat already described,
only fhs fabrics cosrscr and more substantial.
and the feathers which he Nore in his brown cap,
secured by silver button AID loop, was from al
aComs, conc, my master" said the esquire.
with restless movement, III i high time that we
were on CIr way back 10 ihc city for II my wits 30
no not fail me. tilrTe IS ? storm brewing
The knight turned his gaze upon tie point where
the was just sinking behind Vse crescent
crow ned minaTets OF the great mosque cf Cordoya,
and sAier while he replied
"poI't he alarmed. Gabriel. VIC sail have
Ssyliglt FOR good hour yet"
Ave, but Il Int the loss Of daylight I'm think
tag about quickly retorted the other. "Is tn
&1sm that ironbles me. We are q league and
Aalf nom is city, with nothing but our legs t. de-
pens upon: and II viii be dark before We can get
bone Don't you Sci how the sir has chansedH i
II feel ia: :he breeze has died away replied
cir Leon, without boxing up. \
And that isn1 al. my master. just look ~ |
towards those, meurteins. There's where inc |
The knight looked as his companion had directed.
A spur Of the Sierra Morel, locmed up darkly in /
ihe distance. and heavy masses u clouds were
already gathering above IL.
There may be storm Of some hind. he satd: l
"eut i.n,l worth while ~ ffet about Il. Wen !
start soon.n
Gabriel regarded his master for some time IN al
hence, aud bis countenance plainly showed that he
far from being satisfied. Finally. with an effort
slch as one makes who has resolved ~ do some Ia.
Eardous thing. he said:-
MY dear master know very well what all this
means. Don't be offended, for would otter no In
science. But know what IL signifies. You wish /
to see The lady Lulah. You know that she has rid.
orn out into the country with her attendants and
you will stop here just 10 sec her RETURN
well answered the knight. lie did not seem
20 b. offended and yet he did not appear 20 be
pleased. We'll. !" he sad looking into his follow.
ss face.
"But II is not well, - returned Gabriel "nl. as
bad a. II can possibly be-
~ don't see how, said Leon, carelessly.
"T'lI tell you how ;" responded the esquire In
The Trst place, am not right in my conjecture"
''Thcn just look Il. suppose you SIT here, aud
abe passes-you will not see her face"
''She may raise her VEIL" suggested the knight.
AL cried the esquire, with q shake Of the
head; ''n y just as thought. You are hiriy in
love with the Moorish maiden, And vet YOU have
seen her only twice.
"But," interposed Leon. ardentiy, III know that
sbe revealed her charming hcc 10 me on the second
occasion OF her own free will: and / know. too
that she looked upon me with tender emotion. By
my knghily honor, she is the most beautiful croa-
hBrc ever saw ~
"And what II she s," proposed Gabriel argu.
nrentatiyely "What can she ever be 70 youri
eli she loves me, she may be much"
" Bless my soul and body what do Won meant,
81 mean just what say. must know If she re. /
turns my love; and IL she does
"Wel-whauo
"why-then I'll next Try 10 gain her for my
svn.v
"Are you crazy, my masterlr
'Not quite, Gabriel"
And yet y0g ak Of gaining Irlab''
WELL
But sy, Il is n; well. i sh. p)t the proud.