Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-03-03
From Washington Irving's Spanish Papers.
AN OLD LEGEND. .r

From Washington Irving's Spanish Papers.
AN OLD LEGEND. .re
In the cloisters of the ancient Bene-
dictine convent San Domingo at Silos
In CASTLE, are the Wondering yet mag
nifcant monuments of the once power
full and chivalrous family of Hinojosa.
Among THESE reclines the marble figure
of knight in complete armor, with the
hands pressed together as if in prayer
On one side of his tomb is sculptured
in relief band of christian cavaliers
male Moors; on the other side the same
cavaliers are represented kneeling be-
fore an altar. The tomb, like most of
the neighboring monuments, is almost
In ruins, and the sculpture is nearly in
telligible, excepting to the keen eye of
the antiquary. The story connected
with the sepulcEre, however. is still
preserved in the old Spanish chronicles
and is to the following purport. .-f
In old times, several hundred years
ago, there was noble cavalier named
Don Munio Sancho de Hihojosa, lord of
a border castle which had stood the
brunt of many a Moorish foray. He
had seventy horsemen as his household
troops, all of the ancient Castilian proof,
stark warriors, hard riders and men of
iron; with these he secured the. Moor
ish lands and made his name terrible
throughout the borders. His castle
wall was covered with banners and CHM
etars and Moslem helms, the trophies of
his prewess. Don Munio was, more
a nd
hounds of all kinds, steeds for the
chase, and hawks for the towering sport
Of falconry. When not engaged III war
fare his delight was to beat up the
neighboring forests; and scarcely ever
did he ride forth without hound and
horn, a boar spear in his hand, or q
hawk upon his fist and an attendant
train of huntmen.
His wife, Donna Maria Palacin. was
of gentle and tinid nature, little fitted
to be the spouse of so hardy and adven-
turous knight; and many tear did
the poor lady shed when he sailed forth
upon his daring enterprises, and many
a prayer did she offer up for his safety.
As this doughty cavalier was one day
hunting, he stationed himself in a
thicket on the borders of green glade
of the forest and dispersed his followers
to rouse the game and drive it toward
his stand. He had not been there long
when a cavalcade of Moors of both
sexes came pranking over the forest
lawn. They were unar1ned and mag
nifcently dressed in robes of tissue and
embroidery, rich shawls of India,
bracelets and anklets Of gold and Jewels
that sparkled in the sun.
At the head of this gay cavalcade
rode youthful cavalier superior to the
rest in dignity and loftiness of demean-
or, and in splendor of attire; beside him
was damsel whose veil, blown aside by
the breeze, displayed face of surpass-
ing beauty, and eyes cast down in
maidenly modesty, yet beaming with
tenderness and JOY.
Don Munio thanked his stars for
sending hun such prize; and exulted
at the thought of bearing home to his
wife the gathering spoil of these inf
dels. Putting his hunting horn to his
lips, he gave a blast that rang through
the forest. His huntsmen came running
from all quarters, and the astonished
MOors were surrounded and made cap
tives.
The beautiful Moor wrung her hands
In despair, and her female attendants
uttered the most piercing cries. The
young Moorish cavalier alone retained
self-possession. He inquired the name
of the Christian knight who commanded
the troop of horsemen. When told it
was Don Munio Sancho de Hinoiosa,
his countenance lightedup. Approach
ing the cavalier and kissing his hand,
"Don Munio Sancho,'' said he, 6
have heard of your fame as true and
valiant knight, terrible in arms, but
schooled-in the noble virtues of ehiv-
airy. Such do I trust to find you. In
me you behold Abadil, son Of Moorish
alcayde. [ am on my way to celebrate
my nuptials with this lady; chance has
thrown us in your power, but contide
IN your magnanimity. Take all ou1
treasures and jewels; demand what
ransom you thing proper for our per-
sons, but suffer US not to be insulted OF
dishonored." BASS -
When the good knight heard this APP
peal and beheld the beauty of the youthful
pair, his heart was touched with tender
ness and courtesy. "God forbid" said
he, "that, [ should disturb such happy
nuptials. My prisoners troth shall ye
be for fifteen days, and immurred with.
In my castle where i claim, as conquer
or, the right of celebrating your yorn
espousals." ssa 81 s. sS7a9 3e..t.Y