Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-04-17
Example From Spanish History.

The Hon. Charles Gayarre of Louisiana.
contributes an article on the subject of .'Oaths,
Amnesties and Rebellions" to De Bows Re-
view, which has the following reference to a
well known incident in Spanish, history:
Some centuries ago two kings were contend
ing for the crown of CASTLE. We forget their
names for the present, but to facilitate the
telling of my story, shall call one Alfonso and
the other John. Alfonso proclaimed, of
course, that John was usurper and rebel,
and John returned the compliment. Well,
John at last defeateri his rival, horse aud font,
and carried everything triumphantly before
him, with the exception of single town,
which Alfonso had iutrusted to a stout old
knight called Aguilar, and which, after long
siege, still remained imPreguable. You
have done enough for honor" said King
John one day to the knight, surrender and
you shall have the most liberal TERMS" "Tf
you had read the history of your country"
answered Aguilar, "you would have known
that none of my race ever capltulated" Il
will starve you, proud and obstinate fool"-
'0tarve the eagle, if you can" .:I will put
you and the whole garrison to the sword. -
Try" was the laconc reply and the siege
went on.
One morning. as the rising sun was begin
OF the beIeaguered city, parIey sounded
from the campof the enemy. The old kpi.ht
appeared ON the wall, and looked down on the
King below. '.Surreuder," said John again.
My rival, Alfonso, is dead, and the whole
OF CASTLE recognizes my sway. as that Of its
legitimate sovereign 'Sre. believe you,
but must see my dead master" "Go. then,
to Seville, where his body lies You have
my royal word that shall attempt nothing
against you on your way. nor against the CITY
i'll your absence The knight came out with
banner hyin%, and small escort of grim
vlsaged warriors. Behind him the gates
closed before him TIE dense battaliuns Of the
enemy opened their ranks. and US he passed
along. slowly riding his noble war horse.
shouts OF admiration burst wide and far from
the whole host who had so often witnessed his
deeds OF va!ur. and the echoes of the loud and
enthusiastic. greeting accompanied him until
the red plume which waved over his helmet
was out of light.
lie arrived at Seville. and went starlight to
the Cathedral, where he found the tomb OF
his former sovereign. He had it opened, and
after gazi: e awhile with moist eyes at the pale
face which met his look. he thus addressed
The dead monarch: Sire, had never to de-
liver to amybody but yourself the KEYS of the
t'wm which yOu had entrusted to my care.
der: they are. | have kept my oath" Aud
he deposited them the breast of King AL
fonso. Then. bestriding his good steed, lie
gaIloped back to his post. AS soon as he ap
preached, again the ranks of :he enemy opea
ed, and King John confronted him ..Well,"
said the King, ''are you satisfied and do YOU
now give up the contest?'' "Yes Sire"
Where are the keys of the town? 2" '.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 mama The followers of
the King murmured, and complained of his
rewardiug rebel. ale is no longer one."
said King John: "such rebels, when won,
become the best subjects"
Had We the honor, said Mr.. Gavarre, Of
arproachin" 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 rebels who come to YOU
with clean hands. after having deposited
the keys of thei" loyalty on the dead body IF
the Southern Contcderacy