The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1899-02-23

those unhappy fugitives,-now to break
down the last stronghold OF the infidel.
and now to punish the suspected Chris
han,-thou must know, If thy sire be a
true Moor Of Granada.
I'm mine early youth, and in one of the
later crusades that were proclaimed
against those misguided mountaineers
went TO win the name and the laurels OF
a cavalier. Would that had never won
them, or that they had come to me dead
on the battlefield! Know, then, Jacinto,
that my 18th Summer had not yet fled
from me when | first drew my sword i'm
conflict with men; but if i won me repu-
tation, at that green age, it was because
heaven was minded 10 show me that
shame and sorrow could come as early
in those days the royal and noble blood
Of Granada had not been drawn from every
vein; many OF the princely descendants of
the Abencerrages, the Aliatars. the Gan
ZIls, and the Zegris, sill dwelt among the
mountains; and, forgetting their heredi-
tary feuds, united together i'm common re-
sistance against the Spaniards. With
such men for enemies, respected alike for
their birth and their valor, the war was
not always a history of rapine and bar
banty; and sometimes there happened
such passages of courtesy and magnan-
unity between the Christian and Moorish
cavaliers, as recalled the memory of the
days OF chivalry and honor.
Among others, who made experience
OF the heroic greatness Of mind OF the in
fideI princes, was ! myself; for, in a bat
tie wherein the MooTs prevailed against
us, ] was left wounded and endorsed on
the field TO perish, or to remain prisoner
in their hands. In that melancholy con-
ditIon, while i commended my soul TO
God, as not thinking | could escape from
death, Moorish warrior of majestic ap-
pearance and soul still more lofty, ap-
nraa r. he'd nd ty halr.
ness, instead OF Staying me outright, as
truly expected.
Thou art noble, said he, for | have
seen thy deeds; and though, this day,
thou hast shed the blood of Zegri thou
shalt not perish like dog Mount nv
horse and fly, lest the approaching squad
rons destroy thee; and in memory of this
deed be thou sometimes merciful to the
people of Alharef'
Then knew / that this was AIharef ben
lsmail, the most noble Of the Zegris. a
youth famous, even among the Spaniards,
for his courage and humanity: and in
gratitude and love, for he was a Christian
proselyte, | pledged him my faith, and
swore with him the vows of true friend
ship. How | have kept mine oath, Al
harefp' he cried, lifting his eyes TO the
spangled heaven, thou knowest, for
some times thou art with my punisherp,
The knight paused an instant in sor-
/ rowtul emotion, while Jacinto, borne by
curiosity beyond the bounds of fear. bent
ms head TO listen; then making the sign
OF the cross, and repeating his brief PRAYER.
the cavalier resumed his narrative.
las my ingratitude was greater than
| that OF other men, SO is my sin: for an
other act OF benevolence shall weiob
against me forever.-Why did | not die
with my people when the smiles OF perfidy
conducted US TO the hills, and the sword
was drawn upon US sleeping7 That night
| there was but one escaped the cruel and
bloody stratagem; and ], again, owed nv
nie 10 the virtues OF a Moor Pity me
heaveni for thou didst send me an angel
and l repaid thy mercy with the thank,
fulness of a. fend!
know, then, Jacinto, that, in the VII
iage wherein was devised and accom-
plished the murder of nv unsusDectin.
companions, dwelt one that now liveth In
heaven. Miserere NEIL miserere melt for
she was nohie and fair, and wept at the
baseness of her kindredi She covered
the bleeding cavalier with her mantle.
concealed him from the fury that was un.