The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-04-19
Example from Spanish History

Example from Spanish History.
The Hon. Charles Gayarro of Louisiana
contributes all article on the subject o.
"Oaths, Amnesties and Rebellions" to De
BOWS Review, which has the following
reference to q we'll known incident il
Spanish history:
Some centuries ago two kings were
contending for the crown of CASTLE. We
forget their names for the present, but tc
facilitate the telling of my story shall call
one Alfonso and the other John. Alfonso
proclaimed, of course, that John was q
usurper and rebel, and John returned
the compliment. Well, John at last de-
feated his rival, horse and foot. and car
ried everything triumphantly before him.
with the exception of a single town, which
Alfonso had intrusted to stout old knight
called Aguilar, and which after long
siege. still remained impregnable. "You
have done enough for honor" said King
John one day to the knight, surrender
and you shall have the most liberal terms
"If you had read the history of your
country" answered Aguilar ''you would
have known that none Of my race ever
capitulated." I will starve you, proud
and obstinate fool" "Starve the eagle, if
you cam" "I will put you and the whole
garrison to the sword" "Try," was the
laconic reply; and The siege went on.
One morning, as the rising sun was be-
ginning to gild with its rays the highest
towers of the beleagucred city, a parley
sounded from the camp of the enemy
The old knight appeared on the wall, and
looked down on the King below. "Sur-
render" said John again. MY rival, AL
fonso, is dead, and the whole of CASTLE
recognizes my sway, as that of its legiti-
mate sovereign" "Sire, 1 believe you,
but I must see my dead master" go,
then, to Seville, where his body lies. You
have my royal word that 1 shall attempt
nothing against you on your way, nor
against the city in your absence" The
knight came out with banner flying, and
a small escort of griuivisaged warriors.
Behind him the gates closed; before him
the dense battalions of the enemy opened
their ranks, and as he passed along. slow
ly riding his noble war horse, shouts of
admiration burst wide and far from the
whole host who had SO often witnessed
his deeds of valor, and the echoes of the
loud and enthusiastic greeting accom-
panied him until the red plume which
waved over his helmet WAS out of sight.
He arrived at Seville, and went straight
to the Cathedral, where he found the
tomb of his former sovereign. He had it
opened, and after gazing awhile with
moist eyes at the pale face which met his
look, he thus addressed the dead mon
arch: "Sire, l had never to deliver to
anybody but yourself the keys of the
town which you have entrusted to my
care. Here they are. l have kept my
oath" And he deposited them on the
breast OF King Alfonso Then, bestriding
his good steed, he galloped back to his
post AS soon as he approached, again
the ranks of the enemy opened, and King
John confronted him. "Well," said the
King, care you satisfied, and do you now
give up the contest?" EYES, Sire" "Where
are the keys of the town." "on King
Alfonso's breast Go and get them. We
meet no more" "By Heaven! we shall
never part" exclaimed the King "get
the keys back yourself, and remain in
command Of the town in my name" The
followers of the King murnrured, and
complained of his rewarding a rebel
"Ho is no longer one," said King John:
"such rebels, when won, become the best
subjects"
Had we the honor said Mr.. Gayarro, of
approaching the President, we would take
the liberty of saying to him; Follow this
example, respected Sir. Trust without
fear those men who have fought to the
last for the cause which they loved, and
which claimed their fidelity. Trust those
robels who come to you with clean hands,
and after having deposited the keys of
their loyalty on the dead body of the
Southern Confederacy.
Coon N1aur-The charm of the sim
pie common place expression Good
night" has been made the subject of a