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SHORT STORIES
FOUNDED OW
EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Spain.
PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE AND EDUCATION,
APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING
CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.
LONDON:
PRINTED POR THE
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE;
SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY,
GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS;
4, ROYAL EXCHANGE; 16, HANOVER STREET, HANOVER SQUARE};
AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1852.
LONDON :
R. CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HILL.
CONTENTS.
I. Isaperna oF Castite
II. Tas Peisowers mm Maprip
IL. Tae Monastery or Sr. Justus .
IV. Kove Para anp tHe Firemisn Count .
. 173
. 201
V. Tae Moonisy Exies
VI. Tae Guernoia Corer. .
1
. 46
. 79
112
No. I.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE.
—~_—
THERE is a city in the south of Spain, which, in
the glowing language of the East, has been com-
pared to “‘an enamelled vase, sparkling with dia-
monds and emeralds.†It is the beautiful city of
Granada. Seated on a hill at the foot of the
Sierra Nevada mountains, with the celebrated vega,
or plain, spread out before it in rich loveliness to
a circumference of thirty-seven leagues, Granada
was long the capital city, as it was the pride and
delight, of its Moorish possessors. The houses,
rising one above another on the slope of the hill,
and the gardens, refreshed by fountains, and bloom-
ing with the orange, citron, and pomegranate pre-
sented a most pleasing appearance of mingled city
and grove. On the summit of one of the hills was
B :
2 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
erected the royal fortress or palace of the Alham-
bra, capable of containing forty thousand men
within its towers. This magnificent building, the
ruins of which, to this day, fill the mind of the
traveller with astonishment and delight, was the
residence of the Moorish kings. Its graceful por-
ticos and gilded domes; its lofty halls and re-
freshing fountains; its marble pillars; its walls
and. ceilings all beautifully coloured in gay and
variegated patterns—rendered the Alhambra a fit
palace for a mighty monarch. Surrounding the city
was a high wall, nine miles in circuit, with twelve
gates; and well fortified with more than a thou-
sand towers. But the glory of the beautiful city
of Granada was its vega. Well watered and richly
cultivated, clothed with orchards and vineyards,
and fields of waving grain, the air pure, and the
sky serene—the Moors termed it ‘the paradise of
Spain.†The silver windings of the river Xenil,
diverted into a thousand rills and streams and
sparkling fountains, refreshed it. The orange, the
citron, the fig, the pomegranate, the vine, and the
mulberry grew in luxuriance. Flowers sprang up
in rich profusion, and in the groves was heard the
perpetual song of the nightingale. It was no
JSABELLA OF CASTILE, 3
wonder that the Moors thought it “a vast garden
of delight,†as it lay stretched out before their
city, and that they felt proud of its wonderful
prosperity and loveliness. And while other towns
in Spain were panting with the sultry heat of sum-
mer, the most salubrious mountain breezes played
through the marble halls of Granada; and whilst
in other places the land thirsted for water, here
were running streams and sparkling fountains in
abundance. Well might the Moors look with
fond admiration on their beautiful city, and its
fertile vega!
At the time I speak of, which was in the year
1491, a large and valiant army surrounded the walls
of Granada. Ferdinand and Isabella, King and
Queen of Spain, determined to take possession of
the Moorish capital; and the Moors resolved to
defend their beloved city to the last extremity.
One hundred thousand brave men, under their
king Abdallah, assembled, sword in hand, within
its walls and fortresses. Already had the siege
lasted some months; and many bold actions and gal-
lant exploits had been performed on both sides.
The Christian camp presented a striking scene.
4 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Not only had King Ferdinand come in person to
the siege of Granada, but Queen Isabella, Prince
John, the Infantas, and a train of knights and
ladies, had accompanied him. But it was a well-
ordered court; and the presence of their excellent
and beloved queen infused ardour into the hearts
of the besiegers. Knight and lady, sovereign and
soldier, all were intent on one object—the capture
of Granada.
In a tent which commanded a view of the royal
city and its dark olive groves, there sat a Spanish
lady—the Marchioness of Moya, Queen Isabella’s
earliest and most beloved friend. By her side
stood her son Pedro, his dark eyes flashing with de-
light, as he gazed on the lovely scene before him.
“It is, indeed, a beautiful city !†again exclaimed
the boy; ‘(no wonder the Moors defend it so
vigorously! 1t is well worth being fought for.
O mother! I wish I were old enough to win it
for our king !â€
“ Ah, my boy! the time will come all too soon
when you will wield a sword,†replied the Mar-
chioness, sadly smiling ; ‘ but do you know, Pedro,
why I summoned you from Toledo 2â€
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 5
**T do not, mother,†answered Pedro; then with
a bright smile, he added, “all I know is, that I
was well pleased to obey the summons. I had
heard so much of the wars in Granada, and I wished
earnestly to behold the far-famed city. It sur-
passes my expectations! Were I a Moor, I would
defend it with my life! But did you not send
for me that I might learn the art of war, dear
mother ?â€
“‘ That, of course, will be part of your educa-
tion, my son; but I hope you will engage in more
useful studies also.â€
‘More useful, dearest mother!†exclaimed
Pedro, ‘‘ how can that be 2 What can be more
useful than to learn to be a great soldier ?â€
‘Tt is well to be a brave and skilful knight,â€
replied the Marchioness; “but something more
than that is necessary, if you would become a good
and great man. The mind must be informed, and
the heart cultivated. When this war is over—
which we trust will be ere long—you should be
prepared for the blessings of peace. The queen
is of opinion that the young nobility have too much
neglected all studies but the study of war. She
manifests deep anxiety that Prince John, her only
6 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
son, who is about your own age, should receive
such an education as will form his character, and
fit him for his exalted station. Earnestly desirous
that her children should be well instructed, her
next care is for the sons of the nobility; and she
purposes having a school opened for their instruc-
tion, under the direction of the learned Peter
Martyr.â€
“Am I to attend it?†asked Pedro. .
‘*No, my son. Queen Isabella is desirous that
ten sons of the nobility should be educated with
Prince John, that thus he may have the advantages
of a public and private education combined. They
will live in the palace: five of them are to be older
than the prince, and five about his own age, and
the queen has graciously chosen you as one of the
latter.†.
“She is good: I know Prince John is both
clever and amiable; but who are to be my other
companions, dear mother ?â€
“Your friend, and the queen’s near kinsman,
the young Duke of Guimaraens; the king’s
nephew, and others.â€
“Oh, I am glad of that !†replied Pedro. “ I like
Guimaraens, because he is so merry and good-
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 7
natured. I am afraid I am rather ignorant, my
dear mother; for though I have heard enough of
the wars in Granada, yet I do not understand how
the Moors came to get possession of this beautiful
province. Can you tell me %â€
“The Moors came over from Africa more than
seven hundred years ago, conquered King Roderic,
the last of the Goths, and took possession of the
whole country, with the exception of a small
portion of the rugged north, which they did not
think worth having. They built Cordova, and
made it their capital city. And as the Koran
commands them to wash very often, Cordova has
no fewer than nine thousand baths.â€
‘*'Yes, I know that the Koran is their sacred
book, and that they are governed by its laws.
And did they not build a fine mosque at Cordova
also 2â€
‘“‘ A very magnificent one. The roof, which is
of curiously carved scented wood, is supported by
more than a thousand pillars of variegated marble ;
and the aisles are illuminated by more than four
thousand lamps. The palaces, streets, gardens,
and public edifices of Cordova, extend to the length
of twenty-four miles on the banks of the Gua-
8 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
dalquiver. The Moors combine great luxury and
magnificence in their houses. They are a very
clever people, too, and have taught us much that
we did not know before.â€
“But they are infidels, mother, and I hate
them !â€
“Oh, Pedro! you should hate no one. Be
thankful that you are a Christian, but hate not the
followers of Mahomet. Our Master has told us to
love our enemies; and while we grieve over the
infidelity of the Mahometan, we should show forth
the graces of Christianity.â€
* Did not the Christians of Spain try to get rid
of the Moors ?â€
“‘Yes; after a time they made war upon the
Moors, and endeavoured to drive them out of
the country. This, however, they were not able
todo. Many a brave Christian knight fell in the
struggle—fighting for his land.
* The stars look’d down on the battle plain,
Where night winds were deeply sighing ;
And with shatter’d lance, near his war-steed slain,
Lay a youthful chieftain dying.
He had folded round his gallant breast
The banner once o’er him streaming,
For a noble shroud, as he sunk to rest,
On the couch that knows no dreaming.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 9
Sadly he lay on his broken shield,
By the rushing Guadalquiver ;
While dark with the blood of his last red field
Swept on the majestic river.
There were hands which came to bind his wound,
There were eyes o'er the warrior weeping ;
But he raised his head from the dewy ground,
Where the land’s high hearts were sleeping.
And, ‘ Away,’ he cried, ‘ your aid is vain,
My soul may not brook recalling ;
I have seen the stately flower of Spain,
Like the autumn vine leaves falling.
‘T have seen the Moorish banners wave
O’er the halls where my youth was cherish’d;
I have drawn a sword that could not save !
I have stood where my king hath perish’d !
* Leave me to die with the free and brave,
On the banks of mine own bright river;
Ye can give me naught but a warrior's grave,
By the chainless Guadalquiver.’â€
‘‘ By degrees, Spain was divided into two parts ;
the north belonged to the Christians, and the rich
and fertile south to the Moors. There were four
Christian kingdoms—Leon, Castile, Navarre, and
Arragon.â€
“ And now there is but one, because King Fer-
dinand of Arragon married Queen Isabella of
Castile. So if we conquer the Moors, we shall
have one king and queen of all Spain. That will
be glorious! But, mamma, you have not told me
10 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
anything of that famous knight, the Cid, Don
Rodrigo ?â€
“ That celebrated hero lived about four hundred
years ago,†replied the Marchioness, “and fought
no less than seventy-two battles with the Moors.
He has passed away ; but the name of the renowned
Cid, Don Rodrigo, will long be remembered in
Spain.â€
“Then this kingdom of Granada is all that the
Moors possess now?†asked Pedro.
“Tt is; and that will soon be taken from them.
When Ferdinand and Isabella came to the throne,
they sent to the Moorish King of Granada for the
annual tribute that it had been the custom to pay.
‘Tell your sovereigns,’ was the haughty reply of
the Moor, ‘ that the Kings of Granada who used to
pay tribute in money to the Castilian crown, are
dead. Our mint at present coins nothing but
blades of scimitars, and heads of lances.’ Accord-
ingly, our sovereigns made war upon Granada, and
have taken many important towns.â€
“‘ Mamma, what was the town that the Marquis
of Cadiz took?â€
“ Aihama—so important a place as to be termed
‘the key of Granada.’â€
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. Il
“T think Don Rodrigo Ponce de Leon almost
equals the Cid,†observed Pedro ; “he is so valiant
a knight! Mamma, I hope I shall grow up to be
as brave and generous as Don Rodrigo Ponce de
Leon, Marquis of Cadiz.â€
“You like to give him his full title, however,
Pedro,†said the Marchioness, smiling. ‘“ He is
quite your hero, I suppose.â€
“He is such a gallant knight, and so loyal!â€
replied the boy. ‘‘ King Ferdinand must be very
proud of him.â€
“* He is in great favour with the king and queen,
and deserves to be so. The taking of Alhama has
added to his high renown. It was a daring and
chivalrous deed !â€
‘“ Was there not an attempt to assassinate the
king and queen when they were besieging Malaga?â€
said Pedro.
‘Yes; a Moor being taken prisoner was brought
before the Marquis of Cadiz, when he told him he
had some important disclosures to make to the
king. He was taken to the royal tent; but the
king being asleep—for it was in the heat of the -
day—the queen would not have him disturbed.
The Moor was accordingly desired to wait in an
12 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
adjoining tent, in which sat a lady of rank, in con-
versation with a Spanish noble. From their high
bearing and rich attire, the Moor concluded they
were the sovereigns. His dark eyes glanced at
them from beneath his turban for a moment, and
then suddenly drawing a dagger from the folds of
his mantle, he darted on Don Alvaro, and gave
him a deep wound in the head; then turning like
lightning on the lady, he struck at her also.
Fortunately, the heavy embroidery of her robes
caused the sharp blade to glance aside, and she
sustained no injury. Summoned by her screams, the
attendants rushed in, before the Moor could repeat
the blow. He fell pierced with a hundred wounds.â€
“* How thankful the king and queen must have
been for their escape!†said Pedro; “ but who
was the lady, my dear mother ?â€
** One, my son, who would willingly risk her
life for her royal and indulgent mistress.â€
“It was yourself, mamma! I see it was your-
self!†exclaimed the boy. ‘“ Oh! how thankful
am I for your escape! Queen Isabella must love
you more than ever now. I am told she calls you
by the endearing title of ‘ daughter marchioness ;’
is it so?â€
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 13
“It is, Pedro; my gracious mistress has ever
treated me with affection and regard. She well
deserves the love of all her subjects, for her many
amiable and excellent qualities; but she has my
deepest and truest affection.â€
‘“* Was Malaga taken, mamma?â€
“ Yes, after a long siege. The king and queen
made a triumphal procession into the city, and the
banners of Christian Spain waved from those
towers where the crescent had been displayed for
an uninterrupted period of eight hundred years ;
but alas! we witnessed sad scenes, such as drew
tears from all eyes. Christian captives were res-
cued from the dungeons of Malaga, some of whom
had lingered there ten or fifteen years. Many
were youths of noble birth, whose parents were
not aware of their melancholy fate. Queen Isa-
bella wept at the sight, and endeavoured in every
way to relieve their sufferings. She hasa kind and
compassionate heart. A great and wise queen; she
is at the same time a good and gentle woman.â€
‘“‘ Pray tell me something more of her, my dear
mother,†said Pedro. “I like to hear of a wise
queen; for I used to think only men were fit
to govern kingdoms.â€
14 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The Marchioness smiled. ‘I will give you an
instance of our queen’s presence of mind,†she
said, “‘ and you shall judge if she be'not fit to
govern. Your father, the marquis, had been
appointed alcayde, or governor, of Segovia, when
the inhabitants, taking offence at some of his mea-
sures, and led on by people who were jealous of
him, took advantage of his absence, to rise up
against his authority, and even gained possession
of the outworks of the citadel. Queen Isabella,
on receiving tidings of this insurrection, imme-
diately mounted her horse, and accompanied by
some of the court, proceeded in all haste to
Segovia. I was in attendance on my royal mis-
tress. At a short distance from the city, a depu-
tation of the inhabitants met us, requesting the
queen to leave behind her the Count of Benavente
and myself, as being the friend and the wife of
the governor, they could not answer for the conse-
quences if we entered the city. Isabella haughtily
replied, ‘ Sirs, I am the Queen of Castile,—one
little used to receive conditions from rebellious
subjects. The city of Segovia is mine, by right of
inheritance ; and I look for its dutiful obedience.
Move on, my lords.’ We soon entered the city,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 15
and the citadel. But the populace rose up in
greater numbers than before; and violent, and
dissatisfied, cried with loud shouts, ‘ Death to the
alcayde ! attack the castle!’â€
‘* Was the queen alarmed ?â€
“She did not show any fear, whatever she
might have felt. Some of the royal party were,
however, much terrified at the tumult, and en-
treated the queen to have the gates of the citadel
thoroughly secured, as the only mode of defence
against the infuriated mob. ‘ Remain quietly
here, and fear not,’ was her calm reply ; while she
herself descended into the courtyard, and ordered
the gates to be thrown wide open for the admission
of the people. I was not far from her, and could
not sufficiently admire her queen-like dignity and
self-possession, as the populace poured in. In firm
yet gentle tones, she demanded the cause of the
insurrection. ‘ Tell me what your grievances are,’
she said, ‘ and I will do all in my power to redress
them, for I am sure that what is for your interest
must be also for mine, and for that of the whole city.’
The insurgents, abashed by the unexpected pre-
sence of their sovereign, as well as by her cool
and dignified demeanour, replied, ‘ All we desire
16 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
is, the removal of the Marquis of Moya from his
government of the city.’ ‘ He is deposed already,’
answered the queen, ‘ and you have my authority
to turn out such of his officers as are still in the
castle, which I shall entrust to one of my own ser-
vants on whom I can rely.’ The people, pacified by
these assurances, shouted ‘ Long live the Queen!’
and eagerly hastened to obey her mandates.â€
‘“‘ But was that just, to depose my father for the
idle clamours of a mob?†asked Pedro, rather in-
dignantly.
“ Wait till you hear the end of my story, my
son,†replied the Marchioness. “ Queen Isabella,
having thus quieted the people, proceeded with
her retinue to the royal residence in the city,
attended by the fickle multitude, whom she again
addressed in these words :—*‘ Return to your voca-
tions, my people; this is no time for calm inquiry.
If you will send three or four of your number here
on the morrow, to report the extent of your griev-
ances, I will examine into the affair, and render
justice to all parties.’ The mob again shouted,
‘ Long live Queen Isabella!’ and dispersed in good
humour. Aftera careful and candid examination,
Isabella having ascertained the charges brought
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 17
against the marquis to be groundless, and raised
through the jealousy of his enemies, reinstated him
in the ful] possession of all his dignities, and no fur-
ther disturbance took place. Thus by her presence
of mind, an affair, which at the outset threatened
disastrous consequences, was settled without blood-
shed, or compromise of the royal dignity.â€
‘© Oh, mamma! that was conduct worthy of a
Queen of Castile!†exclaimed Pedro, ‘ Long live
Queen Isabella !’â€
“ See, Pedro! there is your hero, Don Rodrigo
Ponce de Leon, Marquis of Cadiz, and conqueror
of Alhama,†said the marchioness, with a smile,—
‘“‘ there—riding on a spirited bay horse, near a
scarlet tent—he is going towards the city to view
the defences.â€
Pedro gazed intently at the soldier-like figure
in the distance, of whose great exploits he had
heard go much, till his mother called him to go and
pay his duty to the queen.
As the great army lay encamped before Granada,
numerous combats took place between the Spanish —
and Moorish cavaliers. They met on the level
plain.as on a tilting ground, and displayed their
o
18 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
prowess in the presence of the assembled beauty
and chivalry of their respective nations. On one
occasion a Christian knight, having with a handful
of men put to flight a much superior body of
Moorish cavaliers, the King of Granada testified
his admiration of his valour by sending him on the
following day a magnificent present, together with
his own sword superbly mounted.
Queen Isabella was the soul of the war in
Granada. She superintended the military pre-
parations, and personally inspected every part of
the encampment. The day after his arrival Pedro
saw this beautiful queen with a demeanour at once
gentle and dignified, as she rode out to review her
troops. Superbly mounted, and dressed in com-
plete armour, she gave her directions as one who
knew the art of war, and administered words of
commendation or sympathy suited to the condition
of the soldier. She was much beloved by her
army; and to deserve her approbation was the aim
of every warrior there.
A day or two afterwards an alarming accident
occurred. The queen was lodged in a grand
pavilion belonging to the Marquis of Cadiz. One
night, through the carelessness of an attendant, a
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, 19
lamp was placed in such a situation, that, owing to
a gust of wind, it set fire to the loose drapery of
the pavilion, which was instantly in a blaze. The
flames communicated with fearful rapidity to the
neighbouring tents, and the whole camp was me-
naced with destruction. The queen and her chil-
dren were in great danger, and escaped with
difficulty, though fortunately without injury. The
trumpets sounded, and there was a general alarm.
Some thought it was a night attack of the enemy;
and King Ferdinand, snatching up his arms, put
himself at the head of his troops. He, however,
soon ascertained the nature of the disaster, and
contented himself with posting the Marquis of
Cadiz, with a strong body of horse, to repel any
sally the Moors might be inclined to make in the
confusion. The fire was at length happily extin-
guished, but not without the loss of much valuable
property in jewels, plate, brocade, and other costly
decorations in the tents of the nobility.
To guard against a similar disaster, the Spanish
sovereigns determined to build a strong town on
the place of the present encampment. The soldiers
all set to work immediately, and in less than three
months thig stupendous task was accomplished !
20 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘When completed, the whole army was desirous
that the new city should bear the name of their
illustrious queen; but Isabella modestly declined
this tribute, and bestowed on the place the title of
‘* Santa Fé,†in token of her own and her people’s
trust in Divine Providence.
Now, when the Moors beheld a strong town
rise up before their capital city, they felt that
there was no hope for them; for they saw what a
determined enemy they had to deal with. ‘“ Alas!
our fate is sealed!†cried King Abdallah ; “ they
have set foot on our land, never to leave it more!
Beautiful Granada, thy doom is fixed! the light of
the Alhambra is set for ever!â€
Mortified and miserable, the unfortunate monarch,
convinced that it was useless to resist any longer,
entered into a treaty with Ferdinand for the sur-
render of the city; and, after a siege of eight
, months, Granada submitted to her conquerors.
On the 2nd of January, 1492, the whole Christian
camp exhibited a scene of extraordinary animation
and joy. Ferdinand and Isabella were about to
_ take possession of the city they had besieged eo
long. Pedro, mounted on a beautiful little pony,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, aI
accompanying Prince John, viewed the stirring
scene with boyish wonder and delight. The sove-
reigns and their court were in gay and magnificent
attire;—King Ferdinand, surrounded by his nobles,
with their stately retinues, glittering in gorgeous
coats’ of mail, and proudly displaying the armorial
bearings of their ancient houses; and Queen Isa-
bella further in the rear, attended by the beauty and
chivalry of Spain. The Grand Cardinal Mendoza
had been sent forward at the head of a large de-
tachment to occupy the Alhambra, preparatory to
the entrance of the sovereigns. As Ferdinand
waited till. this was done, on the. banks of the
Xenil, the Moorish king approached with a train
of fifty cavaliers. He was about to dismount and
salute the victorious. monarch’s hand, by way of
homage, when Ferdinand hastily prevented him,
and embraced him with every mark of sympathy
and regard. Abdallah then delivered up the keys
of the Alhambra to his conqueror, saying, “‘ They
are thine, O king, since Allah so decrees it; use
thy success with clemency and moderation.†Fer-
dinand would have endeavoured to console the un-
fortunate prince, but he moved on with dejected
looks to the spot occupied by Isabella; and, after
22 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
similar acts of obeisance, rode slowly on with his
little band of followers. He had gone from his be-
loved and beautiful home never more to return to it!
In the meantime the sovereigns waited with im-
patience for the signal that the Cardinal had
occupied the city. And soon the large silver cross,
borne by Ferdinand throughout the war, was seen
sparkling in the sunbeams; while the royal stand~
ards waved triumphantly from the red towers of
the stately Alhambra. At this glorious and long
desired spectacle, the whole army, penetrated with
deep emotion, fell on their knees in grateful thanks-
giving to God, while the solemn chant of the Te
Deum burst forth from every lip. They rejoiced
at this triumph of the Cross over the Crescent,—
of the Christian over the Infidel.
But they were mistaken in their views. Chris~
tianity is a religion of love. Its doctrines are not
to be taught by the sword and violence; its con-
quests are not made by war and bloodshed. Our
Divine Master pronounced “ the meek†and “ the
peacemakers †“ blessed;†and the true Christian
who indeed desires to see the banner of the Cross
unfurled throughout the world, will endeavour to
imitate Christ in all things.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 23
At the time of which I am writing, people had
not the light of the glorious gospel to guide them,
as we have; it was hidden under a cloud; and
Christians in those days thought they did right in
taking up arms against the infidels. Queen Isa-
bella thought so; and when the city of Granada
was taken, she considered that she had accomplished
a great and good deed, which would further the
cause of Christianity.
To return to our story. When their joy was a
little abated, the grandees all came forward, and,
kneeling down before the queen, saluted her hand
in token of homage to her as sovereign of Granada,
The procession then advanced towards the city,
the king and queen in the midst, arrayed with royal
splendour, and followed by a long train of gallant
knights and noble ladies. The trumpets sounded,
the banners waved, and, amidst the rejoicings of
their people, Ferdinand and Isabella took posses~
sion of the royal palace of the Alhambra.
In the meantime the Moorish king, pursuing
his way, reached a rocky eminence which com-
manded a view of Granada. He checked his horse
to take a farewell look of the city he so loved.
24 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Never had it appeared so beautiful in his eyes.
Eack tower and minaret glistened in the sun, while
the proud Alhambra rose conspicuous above all.
The enamelled vega lay spread out below, and the
silver windings of the Xenil were clearly seen.
As the eyes of the exiled prince wandered for the
last time over this scene of his departed greatness,
a peal of artillery, faintly heard, told him that the
city was taken possession of, and the throne of the
Moslem kings lost for ever. The unhappy Abdallah
burst into tears. His mother indignantly reproached
him for his weakness. ‘ You do well,†she said,
* to weep like a woman for what you could not
defend like a man!†“ Alas! alas!†replied the
unfortunate monarch, “ when were woes ever equal
to mine!†The scene of this event is still pointed
out to the traveller, and the rocky height from
which King Abdallah took a sad farewell of his
princely halls, is commemorated by the title of
‘* The last sigh of the Moor.â€
“ There waa crying in Granada, when the aun was going down,
Some calling on the Trinity,—some callmg on Mahonn ;
Here pass’d away the Koran—there, in the Cross was borne,
And here was heard the Christian bell—and there the Moorish
‘horn.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 25
" ‘Te Deum Laudsmus ! was up the Acala sung 5
Down from th’ Aihambra's minarets were all the creacenta flung ;
The arms thereon of Arragon they with Castile display;
One king comes in in triumph—one weeping goes away.
. Thus cried the weeper, while his hands his beard did tear,
‘ Farewell | farewell ! Granada! thou city without !.
Woe! woo ! thou pride of Heathendom ! seven hut years
. and more
Have gone since first the faithful thy royal sceptre bore !
* No reverence can he claim the king that such a land hath lost—
On charger never can he ride, nor lead th’ embattled hoét ;
But in some dark and dismal place, where none his fuob may see,
There, weeping and lamenting, alone that king should be!’
Thos spake Grariada’s king, as he was riding to the sez
Atont nak cross Gibraltar’s Straits, away to Barbary.†,
‘After the taking of Granada, Prince John and
his young companions applied more diligently te
their studies, and rapidly improved under their
able masters. They were taught that war was not
the business of life, and though hitherto their heads
had been full of knightly prowess and military
adventure, yet now that the conquest of Granada
was complete, they began to take pleasure in
various branches of useful knowledge. The abilities
of the prince were great; and his character was
most amiable, Pedro became much attached to
26 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
him, while he enjoyed also many a merry laugh
with his young friend, the Duke of Guimaraens.
He was sitting one day with the Marchioness
in one of the stately halls of the Alhambra, in the
middle of which played a sparkling fountain, when
he exclaimed, “ Well, I cannot help pitying the
Moors a little for losing such a beautiful palace as
this! But Queen Isabella well deserves it. If it
had not been for her patience and perseverance, I
suppose we should never have taken Granada.â€
‘* Perseverance is a grand thing, Pedro,†replied
his mother. ‘I have been talking this morning
with one who possesses it in a great degree, and
who is likely, in my opinion, to do things far sur-
passing the taking of Granada.â€
‘* Have you, dearest mother ?—who is it?â€
** One who will immortalize his name, if I am
not mistaken. Did you notice a tall majestic-
looking man with the court yesterday ?â€
‘I did,†said Pedro; “he had a thoughtful brow,
and the queen paid him some attention.â€
That man has a great project in his head, my
son. He is a sailor, and of no mean ability. He
thinks that beyond the great Atlantic Ocean there
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, 27
must be land, and that that land must be the
eastern shore of Asia. Bold and enterprising in
no common degree, he wishes to cross the stormy
ocean, and ascertain whether his conjecture be
right.â€
a That would be a wonderful discovery, indeed!â€
exclaimed Pedro. ‘ How I should like to go
with him, mamma! Do you think he will really
venture ?â€
“He is most anxious to do so; but he has
many difficulties to surmount. For years he has
been waiting to have his wishes granted. He
applied to the King of Portugal for ships and
means to undertake the expedition, but the king
declined assisting him. Our own king he has also
solicited for help, but in vain; and he is now again
at court, entreating the sovereigns to consider
favourably of his proposition.â€
“ But, my dear mother, the land that he might
discover would belong to King Ferdinand, and
that would repay him for fitting out an expe-
dition.â€
“The king thinks the scheme wild and imprac-
ticable, and therefore looks coldly upon it. The
queen is more favourably inclined, as she thinks
28 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Columbus a man of genius and talents; but his
proposals have not been agreed to, and I regret to
say that he is about to leave Granada, again dis-
appointed.â€
‘Oh! why did not you speak for him to the
queen, mamma? She is very fond of you.â€
“T have pleaded his cause warmly, my boy;
and two or three others have dane the same. Our
noble and generous queen listens attentively to all
our arguments, but there are those at court who
ridicule the scheme, and. turn. the king’s mind
against a man so much more clever than them-
selves.â€
‘* What did-you say was his name, mamma ?â€
“ Christopher Columbus. He is a native of
Genoa.â€
‘* And do you think, as he has again been disap-
pointed, that he will give up his project ?â€
‘*No; I think he has too much perseverance.
He was dining the other day with some who were
ridiculing his scheme, and telling him that it was
an impossibility. ‘Can any of you make that egg
stand upright? or is that also an impossibility ?’
said he, One after another tried to make the egg
stand-in vain, ‘It cannot be done,’ they said,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 29
Columbus took the egg, and setting it with some
force on the table, so as to break the shell a little,
made it stand. He then quietly observed, ‘ Nothing
is an impossibility, if we are determined to ac-
complish it.’ And I think that he will eventually
accomplish his great undertaking.â€
Some months passed away, during which the
Marchioness of Moya, and one or two more, who
were friendly to the Genoese navigator, and thought
favourably of his plan, often pleaded with Queen
Isabella for him, The subject was discussed in
every point of view; and the wise and benevolent
_ Tsabella began to see that the scheme was not so
| impracticable and absurd as it had at first appeared,
Columbus was recalled to Granada.
“Ts it true, dearest mother, that Columbus has
gained the king’s. consent at last?†exclaimed
Pedro, as he hastily entered his mother’s apart-
ment. “Is he really going to cross the stormy
Atlantic ?â€
Yes, Pedro; his, perseverance has prevailed at
last! Weary of delay, he was just about to carry
his proposals to the court of France, when -the
30 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
king and queen sent for him. And even now,
since he returned, the plan was nearly given up.
For Columbus stipulates that he shall be appointed
admiral over the lands he may discover. This is
considered great presumption on his part, and he
once more turned his back on the Spanish court.
But we represented to the queen that, should he
discover countries for Spain, he would be well
worthy of the title ; and should he be unsuccessful,
there would be no title to give. This argument had
some weight, and at length the royal consent was
given, to the inexpressible joy of Columbus.â€
JT am very glad,†said Pedro. ‘You have
always said, mamma, that perseverance overcomes
at last.â€
“It does, Pedro. With scarcely a heart to
cheer, or a hand to help him,—his scheme ridi-
culed and opposed—and meeting with every species
of mortification and difficulty, Columbus has pa~
tiently persevered, and has at length triumphed over
every obstacle. I cannot snfficiently admire his
wonderful energy of mind and unyielding spirit.â€
“I suppose the expedition will cost a little
money ?†said Pedro,
“Certainly ; but the king’s consent being given,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 3]
my royal mistress has obeyed the natural impulses
of her own noble and generous heart. ‘I will
assume the undertaking,’ she said, ‘for my own
crown of Castile; and I am ready to pawn my
jewels to pay the expenses of it, if the funds in
the treasury shall not be found sufficient.’ Three
vessels are ordered to be fitted out for the service,
and ere long Columbus hopes to be at sea.â€
‘‘ But it will be a perilous voyage, mamma! I
have heard that many think that when once fairly
out on that great ocean, the sailors will find no
bound to it, and, being unable to discover land, or
to retrace their way home, will wander about the
waters till they perish!â€
The Marchioness smiled, “Such, I’am aware, is
the opinion which some hold,†she replied, * but
I think ita foolish one. Columbus is convinced
that he shall find land on the opposite side of the
Atlantic ; and he has considered the subject calmly
for years. I have no doubt myself that he will be
successful, should he escape shipwreck; but there
are very few who think asI do. It surprises me
much that so very little interest is felt in the ex-
pedition. King Ferdinand himself seems to think
it will end in nothing but disaster.â€
32 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘‘ Well, dear mamma, if Columbus meet with
success, I think you will have been one cause of
it; you have pleaded for him 80 well with the
queen. She ever listens to you.â€
‘“‘She did not consent, though, to the project,
till she herself saw that there was some likelihood
of its being a successful one. Queen Isabella is
not led by any one; she uses her own clear
judgment and sound sense.’
‘© You are much attached to her, dear mamma?â€
‘J have reason to be so, my son. She is a wise
and great queen, a dutiful and loving daughter, a
tender mother, a most affectionate wife, and a true
and faithful friend.’ It is no wonder that she is
so beloved. By her condescending and captivating
deportment, by her dignity, gentleness, and kind-
ness of heart, by her care for the welfare of all
classes of her subjects, she has gained an as-
cendency over her people, which no King of
Castile could ever boast.â€
On a lovely morning in the month of August,
1492, the little port of Palos, in Andalusia, was a
scene of universal bustle. People were hurrying
hither and thither, their countenances wearing -
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 33
different expressions of doubt, curiosity, anxiety,
and fear. Columbus and his crews, consisting
altogether of one hundred and twenty men, were
about to sail. There was no joy visible on the
occasion. The spectators gazed with a kind of
superstitious awe at the three vessels in the harbour,
whilst the sailors seemed half unwilling to venture
on the expedition.
“No good will come of that,†said one old man
to another, as he stood on the cliff, and viewed
the preparations for departure; “it’s tempting
Providence to go on such a wild scheme. Those
poor fellows will never see home again.â€
“* And there is my son on board! foolish boy! he
would go. They will wander over the stormy
waters, seeing nothing but sea and sky, till they
are drowned or starved to death. It is very as-
tonishing that men will venture their lives on such
a mad project.â€
“ And yet the Genoese captain is full of hope
that he shall find land.â€
“Find land! he must be out of his mind, neigh-
bour. He will never see land again; that’s my belief.â€
The anchors were weighed, the sails set, and
D
34 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
the intrepid navigator, on whose scheme so much
ridicule had been cast, boldly launched forth on
that wide waste of waters where no sail had ever
been spread before.
The vessels were gazed at till out of sight, and
then those who had relatives and friends on board
sorrowfully returned to their homes, convinced
that they should never behold them again.
A few days after the departure of Christopher
Columbus, the Marquis of Cadiz died at his palace
in Seville. The king, the queen, and the whole
court, went into mourning for him, for he was
‘©a much loved cavalier,†esteemed, like the Cid
of old, both by friend and foe. ;
“* He struck the first stroke in the war by the
surprise of Alhama,†said the Marchioness of
Moya, in answer to the inquiries of her son.
‘* A valiant knight was Roderigo Ponce de Leon!
No Moor dared to abide in that quarter of the
field where his banner was displayed. His body,
after lying in state in his palace, with the trusty
sword by his side with which he had fought all his
battles, was borne in solitary procession by night
through the streets of Seville, and then laid in the
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 35
tomb of his ancestors. Ten Moorish banners wave
over his grave—they will ere long moulder into
dust; but the fame of the Marquis of Cadiz will
survive as long as valour, courtesy, and unble-
mished honour are esteemed in Spain.â€
‘ Ah, mamma, that is true indeed !â€
‘‘ And yet, Pedro,†continued the Marchioness,
‘* there is one, whose name, if he prove successful,
will be remembered when that of the Marquis of
Cadiz is forgotten.â€
“You mean Columbus, mamma. But you surely
would not call him—whatever the result of his
expedition may be—a greater man than the gallant
Marquis of Cadiz 2â€
‘“* We will await his return before we call him
anything, my son. Should he prove successful, it
will be the triumph of a great mind over almost
insurmountable difficulties —a greater triumph
than any the brave Marquis ever achieved.â€
On Friday morning, the 15th of March, 1493,
the inhabitants of Palos were running in crowds to
the cliffs. A small vessel was seen entering the
harbour, and it was ramoured—though few could
believe it—that it was the vessel of Columbus.
36 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
But as it came steadily on, impelled by a light
breeze, the bright sun shining on the white sails,
doubt was changed into certainty, suspense into
conviction.
“It is! it is the Nina!†was the joyful cry.
«© Welcome home, brave Columbus!â€
The residents at Palos had long thought the
vessels lost, for, besides considering the expedition
most wild and hazardous, it had been one of the
most stormy and disastrous winters ever known.
And now the relatives and friends of those on
board hastened to the beach to be quite sure of
their safe return. When they saw them waving
their hands in congratulation, and at length, as the
vessel approached nearer, heard their shouts of
triumph, joy and astonishment were depicted in
every countenance. “ We have found a new world!â€
exclaimed the sailors; ‘“‘ we have gold and silver
in abundance! look here! see here!†and they
showed pieces of the precious metals, till the spec-
tators were lost in wonder and delight.
They landed—-and as the successful Columbus
set foot on shore, all crowded round to welcome
him. “ Long life to the Admiral! Long live
Columbus!†were shouts heard from every lip. -
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 37
There was a proud smile on the admiral’s face ;
for he remembered with what scorn his plan had
been treated by these very people a few months
before. But he had been successful; and he in-
formed them that, after a perilous voyage of some
thousand miles, he had discovered land; that he
had left a colony on one of the islands; and that
of the two other ships, one had been wrecked, and
one deserted him. The whole population then
accompanied the admiral and his crew to the prin-
cipal church in the place, where solemn thanks-
givings were offered up for their safe return.
Every bell in the town rang a joyous peal in
honour of the glorious event; and every respect
and attention that could be paid to the fortunate
discoverers, was gladly offered.
Sailors, in general, have a superstitious dread of
Friday; yet Columbus sailed on a Friday, dis-
covered land on a Friday, and re-entered the port
of Palos on a Friday.
But the successful navigator was desirous to pay
his respects to the sovereigns, to whose dominions
he had added a new world. Ina short time he
commenced his journey to Barcelona. Accompa-
38 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
nied by several native islanders, who were decorated
with collars, necklaces, and bracelets of gold; and
taking with him herbs, quadrupeds, and birds of
gay plumage, all unknown in Europe; also gold
dust and lumps of gold, with rare and valuable
curiosities, Columbus’s journey through Spain
resembled a triumphant procession. As he passed
through the cities, multitudes thronged to gaze on
the extraordinary spectacle, and the more extra-
ordinary man who had discovered a New World.
In Seville, every window, balcony, and house-
top was crowded with spectators; and receiving on
all sides joyful congratulations, Columbus at length
reached Barcelona, where the court was then
staying.
The blue waters of the Mediterranean sparkled
in the sunshine as Columbus approached this
handsome city. When the news spread through
the town that the admiral had arrived, the nobility
and cavaliers in attendance on the court, together
with the principal inhabitants, went to the gates
to receive him, and to escort him to the royal
presence. Conducted thus in honour through the
streets of the city, he arrived at the palace.
Ferdinand and Isabella were seated. with Prince
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 39
John, under a superb canopy of state, awaiting
the approach of the enterprising navigator.
Amongst the splendidly attired courtiers who
surrounded the throne, were the Marchioness of
Moya, and her son, Pedro. The glistening eye of
the former told how great was her exultation in
the admiral’s success; while Pedro gazed with
deep admiration on the man who, in spite of every
difficulty and danger, had persevered, till he
triumphed !
It was a royal-looking pair that Columbus
advanced to greet. King Ferdinand was hand-
some and well-formed, and the queen universally
allowed to be eminently beautiful, Her fair com-
plexion, blue eyes, and auburn hair, were still
more pleasing from the singular sweetness and
intelligence of expression in her features.
Both bent their eager gaze on the daring and
successful mariner as he approached the throne ;
and then rising, they extended their hands
for him to salute, and caused him to be seated
before them. This was a most distinguishing
mark of favour and condescension in the haughty
and ceremonious court of Castile. It was the
40 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
proudest moment in the life of Christopher Co-
lumbus,—for it was a homage to his powerful
intellect!
‘Welcome to Spain, my Lord Admiral,†said
Ferdinand, “ it gives us pleasure to receive you,
not only safe, but successful.â€
The admiral expressed his thanks for his sove-
reigns’ gracious reception of him, while at the
same moment his keen glance discovered in the
courtly throng many who had ridiculed his scheme
and opposed his plans in every way. He then felt
the triumph of knowledge over ignorance — of
energy aud perseverance over apathy and indif-
ference—and he was satisfied.
‘* We would hear of your adventures in these
unknown seas,†said Queen Isabella, in a gentle
voice; “ methinks you must have much to relate.
You have been many weeks, as I understand, out
of the sight of land! Truly it is marvellous! God
alone protected you, sir.â€
** Most true, gracious queen; He guided me
across the stormy ocean, and He has through many
perils brought me back in safety. To his Name
be all the praise !â€
Isabella bowed her head in grateful devotion to
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, 4l
the Almighty, and then desired Columbus to
proceed with his recital.
‘*T have discovered land, my gracious sovereigns,â€
said he, “which I have reason to believe is the
eastern shore of Asia, or the islands of the
Western Indies. They are many and fruitful.
One of large size I have named Hispaniola, in
honour of your kingdom, and have left a small
colony on it. These golden islands are rich and
fertile beyond expression. With a delicious cli-
mate, a most productive soil, hidden stores of
precious metal, trees and plants of large size and
great beauty, birds of splendid plumage, and fruits
in abundance, I consider them well worthy your
royal attention. The natives are a simple, in-
offensive, and grateful people, well fitted to re-
ceive the truths of Christianity. They gave me
to understand that there was a large country to the
south yet more rich in gold and silver than any
I had visited. But I waited not to make further.
discoveries; I hastened home to inform you, my
gracious sovereigns, of the new and rich territories
you have acquired, and to solicit help to pursue
my researches.â€
“That you shall certainly have, my Lord Ad-
42 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
miral,†said King Ferdinand; while Isabella ex-
claimed, “ Oh, it will be a deed worthy of Spain,
to convert those poor people to the Christian faith !
Continue your account, sir; you have interested
us greatly.â€
As Columbus proceeded in the history of his
voyage and subsequent discoveries, which he gave
in an eloquent and glowing style, the king, the
queen, the prince, and the whole audience, listened
to every word he uttered with the deepest interest
and attention. When he ceased speaking, all
prostrated themselves on their knees in grateful
thanksgivings to God, while the solemn strains
of the 7s Deum were poured forth by the choir
of the royal chapel, as in commemoration of some
glorious victory. The sovereigns then hastened to
bestow some marks of approbation on Columbus ;
one of which was the permission to quarter the
royal arms from henceforth with his own. And
it ‘was soon agreed that a second expedition was
to be fitted out, consisting of seventeen vessels,
and fifteen hundred men.
The success of Columbus was a subject of great
satisfaction and joy to the Marchioness of Moya
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 43
and her son Pedro, and they warmly congratulated
him on it. Pedro learnt a lesson of perseverance
under difficulties which he never forgot as long as
he lived.
But ere long, trouble came upon them. Prince
John, or, as he was styled, the Prince of Asturias,
such being the title of the eldest son of the king
of Spain, as he grew up to manhood, gave extra-
ordinary promise of mental and moral excellence.
Alike the joy of his parents and the pride of
Spain, he was beloved in no common degree, and
great were the hopes formed from his character.
But God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. It
pleased Him, in infinite wisdom, to cut short the
days of this promising young prince. He died
when he was only nineteen, after a short illness.
King Ferdinand was summoned to Salamanca by
an express, which informed him of the dangerous
illness of his son. ‘‘ Weep not for me, my father,â€
said the dying prince, “I am quite prepared to
part with a world which in its best estate is but
vanity and vexation. All I desire is, that you,
Sire, and my beloved mother, may be as resigned
to the Divine will as I am.â€
44 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
It was a bitter trial to part with such a son,—
an only son; and great was the anguish of the
bereaved parents. But Queen Isabella received
the tidings in a spirit of meek and humble re-
signation, saying, as she took a last look at her
loved child, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.â€
Thus was laid low the hope of Spain. Never
was there a death which occasioned such deep and
general lamentation throughout the land. And not
long afterwards, Ferdinand and Isabella were called
upon to part with their eldest and much-loved
daughter, the Queen of Portugal, whose character
was a most amiable one. Of the two remaining
daughters, Catherine * married Arthur, Prince of
Wales, eldest son of King Henry VII. of England,
and Joanna became the wife of the Archduke
Philip of Austria. The latter princess exhibited
at times so much weakness of intellect, as to be a
cause of great grief and anxiety to her parents.
From the age in which she lived, and from the
religion she professed, Queen Isabella's govern-
ment was not without great blemishes. Bigotry
* She was afterwards married to, and divorced by, Henry VIII.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 45
has thrown a shade over the beautiful character
of this illustrious queen. Zeal for the Roman
Catholic religion led her to establish the infamous
Inquisition, and to exile the Jews from Spain,—
a most cruel and unjust proceeding, and one which
the humane disposition of Isabella would never
have permitted had it not been for the counsels of
her confessor, who possessed a disastrous ascen-
dency over her mind. Had she asked counsel
from the Bible, and not from man, it would have
been better for her, and for her country.
Ferdinand and Isabella lie side by side in the
cathedral church of Granada.
No. IL.
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID.
—~—-
At a window in the Alcazar, or royal palace of
Madrid, there stood one evening, a long time ago,
a young and handsome cavalier. His dress and
deportment betokened noble rank; but his coun-
tenance was sad and sorrowful, and as he gazed
into the gloomy courtyard below, a sigh and an ex-
pression of impatience passed his lips. “ Always the
same!†he muttered; “no hope, no tidings! how long
is this to last? when, O, when shall I be free?â€
He paced the apartment with hasty steps, and
en again looked from the window. “O,†he
said, “that I were but once more out of this
gloomy place, and breathing the pure air of my
beloved country! Charles should bitterly repent
his ungenerous conduct. Weeks of tedious im-
ptisonment have passed, and I am no nearer
\
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 47
freedom than before! But a horseman approaches
on that distant road! He comes in haste! he
must bring tidings! What may they be ?—he
surely comes to speak to me of liberty !*
With eager gaze the noble prisoner watched the
horseman’s approach, and his dark eyes gleamed
with delight as he saw him dismount in the court-
yard, and perceived by his dress that he was a
messenger from the French court. In two minutes
more he was kneeling at the feet of the royal captive.
“Why, Antoine! good Antoine! welcome to
Madrid!†exclaimed the prisoner, in accents of
joy. “ You bring me tidings?â€
“My royal master! that I should see you
thus!†was all Antoine could say, as tears rolled
down his cheeks.
** Aye, good servant; you little thought to live
to see the day when your king would be a captive
in the land of Spain. But it cannot last, Antoine ;
it cannot last. Charles would not so dishonour him-
self as to keep me here longer. Rise, Antoine, and
tell me of my family. Are my children well 2â€
“All are well, your Majesty. I bring you
despatches from the Regent Louisa, with many
greetings.â€
48 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The king hastily tore open the despatches, and
read them with deep interest. He remained in a
thoughtful attitude for some time, and then ex-
claimed, “ Alas for France! without a king, with-
out an army, without generals, without money,
and encompassed by a victorious and active enemy,
my country is on the brink of destruction !â€
“ The abilities of the Regent are very great,
Sire,†respectfully observed Antoine. ‘“ The
measures she has taken in this time of trouble
would do honour to the wisest politician.â€
‘‘ How did she bear the disastrous tidings of our
defeat at Pavia?†asked the king.
‘‘Great as the blow was, (and we all know the
depth of her maternal fondness for your Majesty,)
she roused herself after the first shock, in a manner
worthy the mother of King Francis the First. She
read aloud to her council the few and touching
words in which your Majesty announced to her the
result of the battle of Pavia, ‘ Madam, all is lost,
except our honour; and then with energy ex-
claimed, that Bourbon and his master should not
long rejoice over that day’s victory.â€
‘* Ah, the traitor Bourbon !†said King Francis;
‘we -have little cause to love him indeed! And,
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID, 49
Antoine, what was said in Paris concerning this
fatal battle of Pavia?â€
** What could be said, Sire, when we heard of
the heroic courage and gallantry which your
Majesty displayed there—of the numerous wounds
you received, of your horse being killed under you,
—what could be said, but that France was indeed
proud of her king, and her love for him increased
ten-fold?â€
“ But did France hear also of her bravest officers
rallying round their ‘sovereign, and dying in his
defence? Did she hear of her proud nobles
choosing rather to die sword in hand than to live
with dishonour? Such a sight might shame the
traitor Bourbon. Ten thousand brave men fell on
that battle-field, Antoine; and two weeks after
not a Frenchman was left in Italy!†_
There was a pause. Antoine grieved to see the
master to whom he was most devotedly attached
so cast down with sorrow,—he, whose spirits had
always been so cheerful, whose heart had always
been so light! He feared that the confinement
was injuring his health, and, with an air of concern,
inquired “if he ever rode out 2â€
Yes,†said the king, “ if riding it may be
E
50 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
called. I have a mule, on which J take the air
occasionally, surrounded by armed guards. We
go a few miles from this gloomy city, and then
return. Oh, that I were once mounted on my
good horse Bayard! and once had the start of
them! methinks Don Alargon would not long be
troubled with his prisoner.â€
* Surely your Majesty will soon be free ?†said
Antoine.
*T do not understand the Emperor,†replied
Francis. ‘* After that fatal battle, I was desirous
that he should be at once informed of my mis-
fortunes, hoping much from his generosity and
sympathy. ‘To hasten the delivery of the de-
spatches to him, I gave the messengers a passport
through France,—for he was here,—and waited
impatiently for their return.â€
“‘ And how did the Emperor receive the tidings
of his victory, Sire ?â€
‘‘ He uttered not one word expressive of exulta-
tion, or intemperate joy; but immediately retired
into the chapel, and offered up thanksgivings to
Heaven. On returning to the presence-chamber,
which was filled with the grandees and foreign
ambassadors, assembled to congratulate him, I am
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 51
told that he accepted their compliments with
modesty, lamented my misfortunes, and forbade
any public rejoicings on account of the victory, as
unbecoming in a war carried on amongst Christians,
But after this, what terms do you think he dared
to propose tome? That I should give up Bur-
gundy to him, and that my rebellious subject, the
traitor Bourbon, should be made King of Provence
and Dauphiné! These were conditions for a king
of France to submit to! No; far rather would
T remain a prisoner for the rest of my life than
gain my freedom on such dishonourable terms!â€
“Could the Emperor be in earnest when he
proposed such conditions to your Majesty ?†asked
Antoine, much surprised.
* He doubtless was influenced by his ministers,â€
replied the king; “I think Charles is of too
generous and noble a nature to act thus of his own
will. J desired, therefore, a personal interview
with him, and offered to visit him here. The
galleys necessary to convey me to Spain were fure
nished by myself. They bore me near the French
coast, Antoine, and I had a prospect of my own
dominions. But I was a captive king!â€
A tear for a moment dimmed the unhappy
52 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
monarch’s eye, as he thought of the land which he
loved so well;—after a pause, he added, “ We.
landed at Barcelona, and came hither. Still the
Emperor, who is at Toledo, has not yet visited me.
I do not understand his delay; nor do I under-
stand the rigorous treatment to which I am
subjected. It is not conduct worthy of Charles.
Not for the wealth of France would I have acted
thus to a rival monarch !â€
Such was, indeed, the case; Charles the Fifth
had now been several weeks in Toledo without
visiting his royal captive, though Francis solicited
an interview with the most pressing and submissive
importunity. This indignity, and the rigorous
restraints under which he was placed, made a deep
impression on the high-spirited prince. The
chivalrous Francis of France pined in his lonely
prison. A short time since,
“ Light was his footstep in the danee,
And firm hie stirrup in the lists;â€
but now his step was heavy, and his air was lan-
guid. He cared for no amusements; his natural
gaiety of temper forsook him; he became melan-
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID, 53
choly and depressed, and at last fell dangerously ill.
The faithful Antoine nursed him with watchful
tenderness and care, much distressed at witnessing
his restless tossings on his sick-bed, and his con-
stant anxiety to see Charles. In the height of
his fever the unfortunate captive continually
complained of the unexpected and unprincely
rigour with which he had been treated. “I am
about to die, good Antoine,†he would say, “ and
Charles will have the satisfaction of hearing of my
death, since he has not deigned to see my face.
Why does he not come? Antoine, I must see him.
Surely, he will visit me now; but no-—~there is no
hope—I shall die his prisoner ! â€
-These lamentations grieved Antoine greatly;
and the physicians at last informed the emperor
that they saw no hope of the French king's recovery,
unless he were gratified with regard to that point
on which he seemed to be so strongly bent.
‘* He must not die,†said Charles to his ministers,
on hearing this; ‘‘ we gain nothing by his death.
T will visit him at once.â€
* But your Majesty surely will not visit the
French monarch unless you intend to give him his
freedom,†observed the Chancellor; ‘ what will be
54 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
said if you give the royal prisoner that mark of
sympathy and attention from motives of avarice or
ambition, when humanity and generosity have
pleaded so long in vain?â€
“ T little care what may be said,†replied Charles
sternly; “I go to visit my prisoner; and my
prisoner he will remain till he agree to my terms.
To horse, gentlemen ! â€
When King Francis heard that the Emperor was
coming to see him, and already on the road, his
eye lighted up with pleasure, and a smile of delight
passed over his expressive features. ‘‘ Now, then,
there is a gleam of hope,†he murmured; “he
surely now will restore me to liberty, and not on
those hateful conditions—conditions I scorn and
detest! Oh! to be free again! to feel the fresh
breezes of France once more! to be far from this
dismal place, and the watchful, grim Alargon! to
be once more a king!â€
He was interrupted in these pleasant reflections
by the entrance of the Emperor, who, going at once
to his bed-side, accosted him in terms full of affec-
tion and respect.
‘¢ Why, brother of France,†he said, taking his
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 55
hand, “ we grieve to see you thus! Are the phy-
sicians skilful? Is there anything you need that
Spain can bestow? Speak, brother; for this
sickness grieves us.â€
‘“* My sickness is, I believe, more of the mind
than of the body,†replied Francis ine faint voice;
“your Majesty has been long in coming to see
your captive.â€
* The Cortes at Toledo demanded my attention,
brother,†said Charles, kindly; “ as soon as tidings
reached me of your illness, I set forth. Your
spirits are depressed by fever. Come, you must
throw off this despondency, and be the gay and
merry-hearted. Francis again; the blithest king in
Christendom.†.
“ That cannot be till I regain my liberty,†re-
plied Francis with a sigh.
‘* And your liberty you shall have very shortly,
brother. Only get rid of this sickness, and our
terms can be easily arranged.†Francis looked up
with an expression of hope. A smile was on
his handsome, good-humoured countenance as
he gazed eagerly at Charles, and grasped his
hand.
** You are not deceiving me?†he asked.
56 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“ Surely not,†said the Emperor. ‘“‘ As soon as
you are able, we will arrange the treaty.â€
“« And I shall be a king again !†said the captive
monarch. “ Thanks, brother; I knew it would be
so ;—I knew Charles had a generous heart, when
away from evil counsellors.â€
* You have had reason to complain, I fear,â€
replied the Emperor. ‘ Alarcon, though a brave
and trustworthy soldier, is rather stern and un-
courteous. But, for the short time you may yet
remain in my dominions, brother, you shall receive
the treatment due to a brave king,—and what king
in Europe can equal Francis of France in valour?â€
The interview between the monarchs did not
last long. Francis was too weak to bear much
conversation, and after such expressions of sym-
pathy and generosity as would have reflected the
greatest honour on him had they been sincere,
Charles took leave of his prisoner. Francis grasped
at what the emperor had said with the eagerness
natural to one in his situation, and, cheered with
this gleam of hope, began to revive from that
moment, rapidly recovering his wonted health.
But disappointment came again. Charles having
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 57
returned to Toledo, all correspondence was carried
on with Francis by his ministers; and the royal
captive was kept in as strict custody as ever. And
now he suffered a new indignity, which his high
spirit could scarcely brook.
Bourbon arrived about this time in Spain; and
Charles, who had so long refused to visit the king
of France, received his rebellious subject with the
most studied respect. He met him outside the
gates of Toledo, embraced him with the greatest
affection, and, placing him on his left hand, con-
ducted him to his apartment. These marks of
honour to him were so many insults to the unfor-
tunate Francis, and affected him keenly. It was,
however, some consolation to him to know that
the sentiments of the Spaniards differed widely
from those of their king.
They detested Bourbon’s crime; for they are a
generous people, and have a high sense of honour.
Notwithstanding his great talents and important
services, they shunned all intercourse with him.
They would have nothing to say to a soldier who
had deserted his master to enter into the service of
his master’s rival.
“It is my desire,†said Charles to the Marquis
58 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
de Villena, “ that you permit De Bourbon to re-
side in your palace during the stay of the court at
Toledo.â€
“TI cannot refuse to gratify my sovereign in
this request,†the Marquis politely replied;
“* but,†he added, with the true dignity of a Cas-
tilian noble, “ your Majesty must not be surprised
if, the very moment that Bourbon departs, I burn
to the ground a house which, having been polluted
by the presence of a traitor, becomes a habitation
unfit for a man of honour.â€
In the meantime, days, weeks, and months
rolled by, and King Francis was still a prisoner.
He was not, however, forgotten by his friends.
His mother, who so fondly loved him—his people,
who mourned his absence,—and Henry VIII. of
England, who could not but feel some sympathy
for him in his misfortunes, as well as fear at the
growing power of Charles, used their utmost ex-
ertions to procure his liberation. His sister
Margaret came to visit him in his wearisome cap-
tivity, to beguile his lonely hours, and to employ
all her address with Charles in his behalf. But it
was in vain. The emperor was not to be moved.
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 59
“ Very well,†said Francis, on hearing the
result of these endeavours, “I will resign my
crown to the Dauphin, and end my days in prison!â€
And he immediately wrote to Charles, desiring him
to name the place of his confinement, and to assign
him a proper number of attendants during the
remainder of his days.
The Emperor then began to fear that he might
carry his rigour one step too far, and so defeat his
own measures. He felt that he should not gain
much if King Francis resigned his throne! He
therefore again offered him his liberty on nearly
the same terms as before; and Francis, weary of
captivity, accepted them. It was agreed, that,
till the French king had fulfilled the conditions
required of him, his two eldest sons should be
sent to Madrid as hostages. But Francis had not
the slightest intention of fulfilling these condi-
tions.
« No,†he said to his friends, ‘ I will sign the
treaty, or I shall never leave this hateful prison ;
but, remember, it is against my will. It is forced
from me by the emperor's unprincely severity, and
therefore it is null and void.â€
Was this right of Francis? Oh no! even the
60 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
harsh treatment he had met with was no excuse
for artifice and deceit.
Two little boys were at play one morning in a
beautiful garden in the sunny land of France.
They were handsome, intelligent children, the
eldest about nine, and the youngest about seven
years of age. Happy, and full of spirits, they
were amusing themselves first with one sport, and
then with another, when the younger of the two,
_ Henri, proposed that they should try their skill in
archery, Francois readily assented, and the bows
and arrows were brought forward, The game went
on with some spirit, till Henri had lost all his
arrows. ‘ Oh, Frangois!†he exclaimed, “ that
is my last arrow! It went out beyond the Spanish
chestnut-tree ; and I must go and find it,â€
Away he ran, but when he returned to tell
Frangois with a merry laugh of the curious nook
in which he had found the lost arrow, he was sur-
prised to find his brother standing in a thoughtful
attitude, with something like a tear in his dark eye.
“ I was just thinking,†said Francois, in reply
to.Henri’s inquiring look, “‘ that, whilst we are at
play so happily together here, dear papa is far
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 61
away, and a prisoner! The word ‘ Spanish’ made
me think of him. Oh, Henri! what would I not
give to see him again!â€
‘‘ If we were men, brother,†replied Henri with
spirit, ‘‘ that cruel emperor should not long detain
our brave father! He is afraid of him, that is it,
Francois, and so he keeps him in prison. If I were
papa, I would try to escape, and then invade
Charles’ dominions with an immense army.â€
* He is too well guarded to escape,†said Fran-
gois sadly. ‘ Dear papa! how I wish we could
do something for him! If they would only let us
go and stay with him, it would be some comfort ;
he must be so lonely and dull!â€
«© Ah! I am afraid he does not often laugh now,
brother; do you remember the merry game we
had with him the day before he left us? We little
thought then that it would be so long before we
saw him again.â€
At this moment a beautiful and stately lady
approached. It was Louisa of Savoy, the king’s
mother. She sat down on a garden chair, and
called the two little boys to her side.
‘*My children,†she said, in a kind tone, ‘I
know you regret the king’s absence and imprison-
62 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
ment ; what would you give to see him again at
liberty ?â€
«I would give all my playthings, and my pony,
and all my money too!†exclaimed little Henri,
with eagerness.
“¢ And what will the Dauphin give?†said the
regent with a smile.
‘All I have in the world!†replied Francois,
looking earnestly at the regent, as if he waited to
hear more.
Louisa of Savoy gazed for a moment at the
earnest, thoughtful countenance of her grandson,
and then said, in a low tone, “ Would you give
your liberty, Francois?â€
**T understand,†said Frangois, with sparkling
eyes; “I understand. I am to take my father’s
place. Is it not so? Oh! how gladly shall I do it!â€
The regent looked fondly and proudly on the
boy. He was a child of great promise, and many
bright hopes for the future were formed from his
character—hopes never to be realized! Henri,
more volatile than his brother, was a merry, good-
tempered, generous little fellow, much like his
father, and a universal favourite.
“Let me give something too,†said he, pressing
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID, 63
close to the regent; “I should be so very, very
glad to have dear papa at home again.â€
“You shall, Henri,†replied Louisa; “ you shall
both have the pleasure of assisting the king, your
father. The case is this. The emperor will give
the royal Francis his freedom, on condition that
his two eldest sons be sent as hostages to Madrid,
there to remain till all the conditions of the treaty
are fulfilled. But King Francis will not be free
until you reach the emperor’s dominions.â€
“May we set off to-day?†asked the Dauphin.
* There should be no delay; how my royal father
must pine for freedom !â€
“ And we shall see dear papa again!†cried
Henri, joyfully. ‘ That will be happiness, indeed !
When shall we go, madame ?â€
‘‘ There shall be no needless delay,†replied the
regent ; ‘‘ but a few matters must be arranged first.
France longs for the return of her king, as you do,
with fond impatience; but O, how much more
impatient is the heart of a mother!â€
A short time afterwards the Dauphin, and his
brother the Duke of Orleans, set out, under the
care of the French general Lautrec, for the
64 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Spanish dominions. Henri, full of joy at the
prospect of seeing his dear papa, and delighted
with the novelty of the journey, was in high
spirits, whilst his more thoughtful brother dwelt
on the happy results of the king’s return to France,
and felt unmixed gratification and delight that,
young as he was, he could be the means of restoring
his royal father to liberty. The poor boys little
thought of the prison to which they were hastening;
and, when it did cross their minds, they imagined
that their captivity would be a very short one.
And now King Francis with a joyful heart bade
farewell to Madrid, a place which his imprisonment
had rendered hateful to him, and, escorted by a
body of horse, under the command of the vigilant
Alargon, began the long-wished-for journey towards
his own dominions. The Emperor, though appa-
rently friendly, had strong suspicions that he would
not keep his word with him, and gave strict orders
that he was not to be given up till the hostages were
received. He also exacted many promises from
Francis concerning the treaty, whilst the latter
was ready to promise anything: and everything, so.
that he might set foot in France again.
HE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 65
It was on a fine morning in March, 1526, that
the captive monarch rode up to the Bidassoa, the
river which divides France from Spain, and saw on
the opposite side Lautrec and the two young
princes. His heart bounded at the sight, and
hastily entering the boat, he was conveyed to an
empty bark moored in the middle of the stream,
the princes at the same time putting off from the
opposite bank. The respective attendants drew up
on either side of the river, and the father and sons
met in the bark. The interview was but a short
one. Francis tenderly embraced his children, and
with many affectionate and encouraging words
took leave of them again. “ You will not remain
long in Spain, my dear children,†he said, as he em-
braced them once more ; “ now that I am free, you
shall be free likewise. The Emperor will treat you
well. Farewell, my darlings! and God bless you!â€
The tears were streaming down the cheeks of
the poor children as they were delivered over
prisoners to the Spanish general, and the little
dauphin had just time to say to the king, “It is
not that we mind being prisoners, dear papa; but
it is very sad to part from you again—†when they
were borne away.
Â¥
66 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
And sad it was to Francis too, and a bitter
pang shot through his heart as he saw his two boys
on their way to that gloomy prison from which he
had so gladly escaped !
But he trusted that they would not be there
long; and when, in Lautrec’s boat, he reached the
French shore, and knew that he was indeed free,
joy was the only feeling of his heart. Mounting
a horse the instant he landed, he galloped off at
full speed to St. Jean de Luz, several times waving
his plumed cap triumphantly over his head, and
exultingly exclaiming, “I am again a king!â€
He was met at Bayonne by his mother and sister
—(and a joyful meeting it was!}—one year and
twenty-two days after the fatal Battle of Pavia,
In the meantime the two princes were taken to
Madrid, and placed in the dismal castle. The
emperor then called upon King Francis to fulfil
the conditions of the treaty he had signed. But
Francis, regardless of his word, excused himself,
saying, “‘that promises made in prison were not
binding.†Charles was most indignant. Sorry
now that he had treated Francis in so ungenerous a
manner, but firm and inflexible in all his measures,
‘THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 67
he determined to detain the princes in captivity
till the king had given up all claim to Italy,
And you will be sorry to hear that the poor little
boys suffered for this also. They were put into a
dark room, and allowed to have nothing with which
they could amuse themselves. Henri exclaimed
against this treatment; but Frangois reminded
him how much their papa had endured.
‘It is not generous of the emperor to revenge
himself on us, however,†said Henri; ‘I wonder
how he would like to be shut up in this dark place !
He must be a very cruel man.â€
JT do not think he is, brother,†replied the
Dauphin; “he is very angry that papa will not
fulfil the conditions of the treaty; though I hope
he never will, for it is a most dishonourable one
for France. Still, 1 am sorry our royal father
promised he would do so; I like to keep my
promises.â€
“Oh,†said Henri, “I think papa did quite
right, when the emperor behaved so ungenerously.
I am sure I should do just the same. I would
make any promise to get out of this prison; but
I do not know that I should keep it when I was
free,â€
68 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘* But that would be wrong, Henri. Do you
not remember the saying of a former king of
France,—‘ If honour were banished from all the
world beside, it should find an asylum in the breast
of princes?’ However, our being liberated does
not depend on our promises, fortunately.â€
“I should like Charles to learn that saying,â€
said Henri, laughing; “it might do him some
good. And, Frangois, I should like to see him
very much; should not you? He seems to me
like an invisible tyrant; we feel his power, but
never catch a glimpse of him.â€
‘He is gone to Seville,†replied the Dauphin,
“to celebrate his marriage with Isabella of Por-
tugal. I heard the guards talking of it this morning.
They say she is a princess of uncommon beauty
and accomplishments.â€
‘‘ And do the Spaniards like the match ?â€
‘Extremely; and the Portuguese are so delighted
at this connexion with the first monarch in Chris-
tendom, that they have presented Isabella with a
dowry of 900,000 crowns!â€
“Well, I hope that will satisfy Charles. But
I thear the governor's step on the stairs; it is
some comfort to see even him. I am glad we
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 69
have not that stern old Don Ferdinand Alargon to
guard us.â€
The grave Spanish Don entered, and informed
the princes, that, in consequence of the emperor's
marriage being celebrated on that day, and its
being a cause of great rejoicing throughout Spain,
he was at liberty to offer them some hours’ re-
creation in the gardens of the castle. The boys
joyfully accepted this indulgence, and ran to
breathe the fresh air once more, with a delight
which none but prisoners can feel.
This marriage was celebrated with much splen-
dour and gaiety at Seville. ‘The emperor ever
lived in perfect harmony with Isabella, and treated
her on all occasions with much distinction and
regard.
After some time Charles desired that the poor
little prisoners should be guarded with less rigour.
They were allowed to ride out occasionally, and
were permitted to have a few books. . Henri’s
spirits never failed him; he was always gay and
good-humoured, and became quite a favourite with
the grave governor and the guards. He would sit
40 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
in an evening near the window of his dull prison,
and sing one merry song after another till the sen-
tinels would look up in astonishment at hearing
such blithe sounds proceed from a little caged
bird. He was very dear to Frangois, and by his
gaiety and lively remarks greatly cheered him.
Dull and gloomy, indeed, would that prison have
been without the presence of the bright and happy
Henri!
And Henri felt for Francois the tenderest love
and respect. He knew that he was guided by
high principles; that his word could be depended
upon; that he was not led away, as he too often
was himself, to do what he knew was wrong, because
he liked it; that he had a noble, courageous, self-
denying character. Henri knew all this, and his
love for Francois daily increased.
Very pleasant it was to witness the affection of
the captive brothers; and well it was that they
were loving and kind to each other, for the weeks
and months passed away, and they saw no hope of
freedom.
“‘T long to be at liberty and to go to France
again,†said little Henri, one day; “I wonder
when we shall be free! Perhaps the emperor will
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 71
keep us here till we are two old men, and have
long beards!†and the boy laughed merrily at his
own fancy.
‘© Be comforted, dear Henri,†said his brother;
‘‘ig it not well that dear papa is at liberty? you
know he is doing all he can to obtain our freedom.
I am sure I would rather remain here for twenty
years than that he should fulfil the emperor's un-
just demands.â€
** Ah! I know dear papa does not forget us,â€
replied Henri; ‘‘ but he has to deal with a very
inflexible man. Well, we must have patience,
Francois, and try to be as happy as we can.â€
The King of France did not, indeed, forget his
imprisoned children. His one great desire was to
obtain their freedom. He used many efforts; but
there were terms in that treaty to which he could
not submit.
Charles V. had now acquired such a thorough
knowledge of the Spanish character, that he go-
verned Spain well and wisely. His subjects had
not much liked him in the beginning of his reign,
but now the case was different. He spoke their
language at times, and assumed such popular
manners, as to gratify and please them greatly.
72 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
On one occasion he was about to make his public
entry into the city of Barcelona. The inhabitants,
having some doubts whether to receive him as the
Emperor, or as Count of Barcelona, Charles de-
cided instantly in favour of the latter, saying,
“T am prouder of that title than of the im-
perial crown!†Soothed with this flattering
expression of his regard, the citizens welcomed
him with loud acclamations of joy, and the states
of the province swore allegiance to his son Philip,
as heir of the county of Barcelona.
The princes of France had been in captivity
for more than a twelvemonth, when one day the
governor led them to the top of the castle, to wit-
ness a grand procession passing through the streets
of Madrid. It consisted chiefly of a number of
monks bearing crucifixes, who, as they marched,
with slow and solemn steps, chanted a hymn.
Little Henri was the first to ask what it meant.
‘‘ They are going to offer up prayers for the
pope’s liberty,†said the Governor.
“ The pope’s liberty!†exclaimed the Dauphin,
“ whose prisoner is he, sir?â€
‘‘ He is the emperor’s prisoner,†replied the
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 73
Governor gravely; ‘“‘ and it is by the emperor’s
commands that prayers are being offered up
throughout Spain for the recovery of his freedom.â€
‘© Why does not the emperor give him his free-
dom, then?†asked Henri.
‘“* That, sir, is a question I cannot. answer,†said
the grave Spaniard. ‘‘ Now, gentlemen, we will
descend; and you may, if you please, amuse your-
selves in the gardens for an hour.â€
‘* What a strange thing for the emperor to do!â€
said Henri to Frangois, when they were alone ;
“to keep a man prisoner and then offer up prayers
that he may be free! And. this for the pope
too !â€
“Tt is hypocrisy in Charles to act thus,†said
Frangois; “I should think that he felt ashamed
of taking his holiness prisoner, and that he does
this to appear well in the eyes of his Spanish sub-
jects, who must feel indignant at it. Did you
mark the displeased looks of the governor ?â€
“I did. How fond Charles is of making pri-
soners, Francois! I wonder whom he will take
next. I will try and find out all about it from the
guards. It is well I can speak Spanish.â€
Henri was as good as his word, and, having
74 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
gained all the news he could on the subject, re-
turned to his brother.
“In the first place, Frangois,†he said, “ I must
tell you the Constable de Bourbon is dead. He
was besieging Rome, and was killed. The em-
peror’s soldiers took the city, and treated the poor
inhabitants with the most shocking cruelty. Pope
Clement shut himself up in the Castle of St. Angelo,
and was reduced to such distress by famine, as to
be obliged to eat asses’ flesh! He was worse off
than we are, brother.â€
“ Go on, Henri,†said the Dauphin, ‘“ what
next ?â€
“ O, he was obliged to submit to the victorious
Charles, and give up all to him. His riches filled
the pockets of the imperial soldiers. And who do
you think guards him? No less a person than
Don Ferdinand Alargon !â€
“Does he? Then he will have something to
be proud of; for he has had the custody of two
of the most illustrious men who have been made
prisoners in Europe during several ages. And
I suppose Charles is not a little pleased at all
this?â€
“ To be sure he is; but he pretends to be very
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 75
sorry. Will you believe it—he has put his court
into mourning; declares that Rome was assaulted
without any order from him; and says that he
knew nothing of Bourbon’s intention !â€
‘* Well, perhaps he did not, as he is in Spain,â€
replied the Dauphin. ‘“ But it is hypocrisy to
pray for the pope’s liberty, when, by an order to
his generals, he could immediately grant it. I
cannot endure hypocrisy.â€
‘The Spaniards are very indignant at the
crimes of their countrymen,†said Henri. “Oh,
Frangois, they were so very, very cruel to the
people of Rome. It makes me shudder to think
of it. I hope, if ever I am a king, that I shall, at
least, be a merciful one.â€
‘‘ That I am sure you will be, dear Henri,†said
the Dauphin; “and I hope I shall not be too
fond of conquest; I see it leads to a great deal of
misery.â€
Three long years had passed away, and the.
princely boys were still captives in the gloomy
castle of Madrid. But King Francis had become
most anxious and impatient to procure their
liberty ; and finding that nothing less would satisfy
76 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Charles, he at length sacrificed every thing which
had at first prompted him to take up arms against
the emperor, agreeing at the same time to pay a
ransom for his -sons of twelve hundred thousand
crowns. Thus Charles became sole master of Italy.
It was some months before such a large sum of
money could be procured ; but the king used every
exertion to obtain it, and at length succeeded. It
was packed in forty-eight chests, and sent to the
Bidassoa.
You may imagine the joy of the little prisoners
when they heard that they were about to return
to their home.
They could talk of nothing else. To be out of
that dismal castle—to run again with free and
bounding steps through their own green meadows
and leafy woods—to have their books and amuse-
ments as before—to join in merry play once more
with their sisters and brother,—and, above all, to
be with their dear papa, whom they loved so well,
—these were the pleasures which the now happy
boys continually dwelt upon.
‘* Oh!†said Henri, “ I am so full of joy! I can
quite forgive the emperor all his severity towards
us now, though I shall never wish to visit his city
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 77
of Madrid again. Do you know, Francois, that
his sister, the Princess Eleanor, is going with us
to France ?â€
“* Yes; she is to marry our royal father. That
was one of the conditions of the treaty.â€
** Well,†said Henri, “ I only hope she will not
be quite so stern as her imperial brother. Oh
Frangois! in three days we shall be free !â€
The happy day came at last. The princes were
conveyed to the well-remembered Bidassoa, and
there given in exchange for the forty-eight chests of
money, with precisely the same formalities as those
for which they had been exchanged for their father
three years before. Once safely landed in France,
the joyful brothers pursued their journey with
rapidity. As they approached the Abbey of
Veries, in Gascony, at which place they were to
meet the king, their hearts beat high with expecta-
tion and delight—the quick glance of little Henri
soon discerned the royal Francis eagerly advancing
towards them, and the next minute the children
were clasped in the arms of their father!
The marriage of King Francis with the Princess
Eleanor was celebrated at the Abbey of Veries.
78 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The Dauphin did not live many years after his
liberation; not only his father, but all France,
deeply mourned his loss. Henri succeeded King
Francis on the throne.
But we must return to the emperor. Some time
after the release of the captive princes, Charles,
being desirous of passing through France, in his
way to the Low Countries, applied to Francis for
his consent, and offered to give him up the long
contested possessions in Italy in return for this
favour. Francis gladly accepted the offer. Charles
passed safely through France, and was treated
during his journey with all the courtesy and
respect due to a royal visitor. But when he
was afterwards called on to fulfil his promises, he
refused! In consequence, the rival monarchs went
to war again.
We should be careful how we make promises,
and still more careful not to break them when
made.
P, 82.
No. III.
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS.
—>—
Ir is now many years since—as many as three
hundred—that a little boy, named Antonio de
Lopez, left his home at an early hour to enjoy the
fresh breezes of a fine May morning. It was
early on the previous evening that Antonio had
returned to this dear home, after an absence of
some months, and very much pleased he was to
wander again through the lovely valley in which
it was situated—the valley of St. Justus, in Estre-
madura, universally acknowledged to be one of
the healthiest and most delightful in all Spain.
The boy’s dark eyes glistened with joy as he
looked round on the well-known scene. He ran to
the clear sparkling brook, where he had so often
sailed his little boat—he stood again under the
80 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
fine old trees which had shaded him from infancy
—and once more with a bounding step he climbed
the lofty hill side. ‘‘ How I love my home!†he
exclaimed, as, after ascending to some height, he
sat down in a favourite spot; “our peaceful valley
looks beautiful as ever,—more beautiful, I think ;
but, perhaps, that is because I have been so many
months in a town. How fresh and sweet the air is!
And there stands the old monastery, still and quiet
as it always used to be. It must be but a dull
life that those old monks of St. Justus lead, after
all: not the life that I should like—shut up there,
month after month, and year after year, knowing
nothing of what passes in the busy world. Now
I dare say, that Father Ambrose and his brethren
have been going on in the same dull round ever
since I left home,—one day just like another ;—
sitting in those gloomy cells for hours, and then
taking a solitary walk in the garden before they
meet in the refectory. O, I am glad my dear
father does not wish me to be a monk! Such a
life would not suitme! But I must go and see
kind Father Ambrose. He will be sure to question
me concerning the progress I have made in my
studies. I hope I shall be able to answer him !â€
THE MONASTERY OF JUSTUS. 81
and descending the hill, Antonio, in the joyous-
ness of his heart, burst forth into a song, mak-
ing the quiet valley re-echo with his sweet clear
voice,
As he approached the monastery, Antonio, to his
surprise, perceived a change in its appearance.
An addition had been made to the building, con-
sisting of six rooms, all on the ground floor, and
in simple style. On one side they opened into a
pretty flower-garden, and on the other commu-
nicated with the chapel of the monastery.
Antonio wondered at the change, and then turned
to look at the little garden, newly laid out. ‘‘ There
are some beautiful flowers in it already,†he said,
“IT am so fond of flowers!†and opening the
wicket-gate, he stepped in on the green lawn. He
knew he might do this without fear of a rebuke,
for he was somewhat of a favourite with the old
monks of St. Justus. His gentle manners and
amiable disposition had so won their hearts, that
he was not only allowed to roam as he would
through the gardens and groves of the monastery,
but also to have free access to most parts of the
building itself. They could place confidence in
him—they knew that he loved truth, and that his
G
82 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
word could be depended upon. Nothing like
deceit was ever seen in Antonio de Lopez.
‘Here are plenty of weeds, however,†said
Antonio, “I will pull some up, and so assist good
Father Ambrose a little.†Manfully he set to
work, and soon filled a barrow with the weeds.
While thus engaged, his cheeks glowing with
exercise, he was startled by a voice close beside
him, exclaiming, ‘“‘ Well, young sir! and what
brings you into a garden that is none of yours?
How is it you touch things that do not belong to
you?†Antonio hastily turned, and looked at the
speaker.
He was a man of commanding figure, apparently
between fifty and sixty years of age. His look
was stern and determined; and his dark eyes cast
a penetrating glance on Antonio, as he again in-
quired “ what he did there ?â€
“‘T have been pulling up some weeds, to help
Father Ambrose a little,†replied the boy. ‘“ He
permits me to come into the gardens whenever
I like to do so.â€
‘“‘ But this garden belongs to me, and not to
Father Ambrose,†replied the stranger.
_ Does it, sir? I did not know that. I hope
THE MONASTERY OF JUSTUS. 83
you will pardon my intrusion,†said Antonio,
blushing.
‘“‘' You did not know that this garden belonged
to me! Are you speaking the truth, boy? And
you live in the valley?â€
“TI do, sir, but I only returned home last night;
and, as to speaking the truth,†said Antonio, rather
vexed that his word should be doubted, “ I would
not tell a lie to please the Emperor himself.â€
The stern look left the stranger’s brow, and
.a kind smile passed over his face. ‘ That is well,
my boy; prize truth always, it is a precious
jewel. What is your name ?â€
‘“* Antonio de Lopez, sir.â€
“ The son of Ferdinand de Lopez, who resides
yonder ?â€
“ Yes, sir; I am his only child.â€
“‘ And what does your father intend you for,
Antonio, a monk, or a judge?â€
‘Oh, not a monk,†replied the boy, smiling.
‘* I hope I shall be a soldier. But papa has not
decided yet.â€
* A soldier! Oh, you must be something better
than a soldier. Believe me, to spend your life in
fighting will bring you no peace at the last.â€
84 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
*¢ But to fight for my king and my country
would be a glorious duty!†said Antonio with
flashing eyes. ‘‘ Have you been in the wars your-
self, sir?â€
‘“‘ T have, for many years.â€
‘“‘ Then you have fought in the great battles we
have had with the French? Oh, sir, what a great
conqueror our king is! Pray tell me, is it quite
true, that he has given up all his dignity, and
power, and vast possessions, and intends to live a
private life ?â€
‘© It is true. Charles the Fifth is, like myself,
tired of war and glory. For my own part, I have
made a good exchange, and never have enjoyed
such happiness as since my retirement in this
peaceful vale. I trust the emperor will not repent
of his choice either. But I must attend to my
plants. Now, my boy, wheel off this barrow, and
bring me the rake from the end of the garden.â€
Antonio and his new friend worked pleasantly
on together, alike interested in their occupation.
Occasionally they conversed on the different natures
of the plants around them; and the little boy,
who was very fond of flowers, was able to give
his companion some information concerning them,
THE MONASTERY OF JUSTUS. 85
which he did in a very modest, intelligent
manner.
Antonio’s thoughts, however, turned to other
subjects ; and, after a fit of musing, he suddenly
exclaimed, “ I cannot understand it! How Charles
the Fifth, Emperor of Germany, King of Spain
and the Indies, could give up all his great power,
his immense influence, his vast possessions, his
dignity, and his glory, to live a private life, is quite
beyond my comprehension ! â€
‘* What is that beyond your comprehension,
Antonio?†inquired the officer who passed him at
the moment, but heard only the last words.
“T was thinking of the emperor, sir. I had
heard a report that he had retired from all his
greatness ; but I did not think it could be true.
IT am quite sure J should never have done such
a thing. Do you not think, sir, he must repent the
step he has taken, by this time ?â€
“No, my boy; I am certain he does not. But
what is there so very remarkable in it? He has
led a life of constant activity and excitement, and is
now glad to have repose—glad to be released from
all the cares of his high station. From the age of
seventeen his life has been a public one, devoted
86 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
to the government of his dominions; is it not
reasonable that he should wish to enjoy a little
rest for the short time that may yet remain to
him? Does not the governor of so many millions
of people, need time in which he may ask himself
the important question, ‘ How have I governed
myself?’ For my part, I am too well pleased with
my own retirement from the busy scenes of life,
to wonder at all about the matter.â€
‘‘ Ah, but you find amusement in your garden,
sir; now very likely the Emperor Charles. does
not care for flowers. I am afraid he will find his
new way of living a very dull one. How he will
miss all the grandeur to which he has been ac-
customed! He, who has had mighty kings courting
his alliance, powerful nobles kneeling at his feet,
great armies waiting his commands, and the at-
tention of all Europe fixed upon his novements!
It will surely be a great change for him !â€
* Tt will,†said the officer, with a smile; “ but
if he be happier for the change, what then ?â€
Antonio shook his head, and was about to reply,
when the bell of the monastery sounded through
the vale. ‘That warns me that it is time to go
home, sir,†said he; “1 am sorry to leave you, but
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS. 87
papa will expect me. I thank you very much for
all your kindness.â€
‘“‘Stop a moment, Antonio,†said his friend, as
he laid his hand upon his head, and looked into
his ingenuous countenance; “you love your father;
do you not, my dear boy ?â€
‘‘T do, indeed, sir, from my heart.â€
‘‘Then do not disappoint his love for you ;
do not grieve him by ingratitude. Mind you do
not. Be a good son; and God will bless you,
Antonio. Farewell.â€
There was a sad expression on the officer's
face as he said this, which Antonio could not
understand. He, however, gracefully kissed the
hand. which was held out to him, and took his
leave, not without a hope that he might one day
be again admitted into the garden, and have a
little more conversation with his new acquaint-
ance.
As Antonio sat chatting with his father at
breakfast that morning, inquiring after his friends,
and answering questions concerning his studies, he
said, ‘‘ Papa, are you acquainted with the gentle-
man who lives at the monastery? at least, I
88 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
suppose he lives there. He has a nice garden,
and beautiful flowers! have you seen them 2â€
“Yes, my son, I have,†replied De Lopez;
“but when did you see them? I hope you have
not been in the garden ?â€
“I went in, papa, thinking it belonged to
Father Ambrose; but as I was weeding, a gentle-
man, whom [ had never seen before, came and
asked me what I did in his garden, and then I
apologised for my mistake.â€
“How unfortunate!†said De Lopez; “ my
dear Antonio, I thought you were aware that-—
Was he not angry at your intrusion ?â€
‘* A very little, at first; but I told him how it
was, and then he was very kind, and allowed me
to help him with his plants. We talked together
also, and the time passed so pleasantly, that I
quite forgot to go and visit Father Ambrose, as I
intended.â€
“ And you do not indeed know with whom you
have been talking this morning ?†asked De Lopez,
in surprise.
‘No, papa; who is he 2â€
“The Emperor Charles the Fifth of Germany,
and King of Spain.â€
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 89
“* Papa!â€
‘My dear boy, are you not aware that Charles
the Fifth has resigned his throne to his son Philip,
and intends to live a private life? Surely you
knew this !â€
‘‘T had heard so, papa; but is this very gentle-
man the great Charles himself?†asked Antonio, in
much astonishment.
‘I do not wonder at your surprise, my son;
yet soit is. The emperor selected this place of
retirement, having been previously much struck
with the beauty of our vale; and six rooms have
been added to the monastery for his accommoda-
tion.â€
“But, papa, I did not see any grandeur about
the rooms, or the emperor either.â€
“No, he has done with grandeur, Antonio.
His apartments are furnished in a very simple
style, and he lives in a plain, unostentatious manner,
having but a few servants, and one horse, on which
he rides out occasionally, followed by a single
attendant.â€
‘Qh! if I had guessed I was talking to Charles
the Fifth, I should not have said what I did! but
he was very kind to me, and at parting told me to
90 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
be a good son. I wonder why he looked so sad
at the moment he said it.â€
‘“‘ He was doubtless thinking of the ingratitude
of his own son Philip, to whom he has resigned
all his vast possessions, desiring only an annual
pension of 100,000 crowns. Forgetting how much
he owed to his father’s bounty, Philip actually
neglected the payment of the first portion of this
sum; and Charles was obliged to remain some
weeks at Burgos before he received part of that
small pension, which was all that he had reserved
to himself from so many kingdoms. As without
this he could not dismiss his old domestics with
such rewards as their services merited, or his
generosity destined for them, he was deeply af-
flicted by the ingratitude of his son, and could not
help expressing both surprise and dissatisfaction.â€
‘It was very ungrateful conduct indeed, papa.
Is not King Philip husband to Queen Mary of
England ?â€
“He is. Mary wished Charles to visit her on
his way to this country after his resignation, and
pressed him to land in some part of her dominions;
but he declined. ‘ It cannot surely,’ he said, ‘ be
agreeable to a queen to receive a visit from a
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS. 91
father-in-law who is now nothing more than a
private gentleman.â€
“ But I suppose Charles was very glad when he
was elected Emperor of Germany, though he has
given it up so quietly.â€
“There is no doubt of that, my boy. After
the death of Maximilian, there were great disputes
as to who should be the new emperor. The two
principal candidates for the vacant throne were
Charles and Francis I. of France.â€
‘‘ And who were the people to settle the
matter ?â€
‘‘ Seven great princes of Germany, called Elec-
tors. Not desiring either Francis or Charles as
their head, they with one voice offered the imperial
crown to Frederic, Duke of Saxony, a prince of
eminent virtue and ability. With singular mag-
nanimity he declined it. ‘The sceptre must be
committed to some more powerful hand than
mine,’ he said, ‘or than of any other German
prince. It must be offered to one of the rival
monarchs, who, either of them, can bring into the
field forces sufficient for our defence against our
enemies. But as the king of Spain is of German
extraction, his claim is, in my opinion, preferable ;
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SHORT STORIES
FOUNDED OW
EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Spain.
PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE AND EDUCATION,
APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING
CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.
LONDON:
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GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS;
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AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.
1852.
LONDON :
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CONTENTS.
I. Isaperna oF Castite
II. Tas Peisowers mm Maprip
IL. Tae Monastery or Sr. Justus .
IV. Kove Para anp tHe Firemisn Count .
. 173
. 201
V. Tae Moonisy Exies
VI. Tae Guernoia Corer. .
1
. 46
. 79
112
No. I.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE.
—~_—
THERE is a city in the south of Spain, which, in
the glowing language of the East, has been com-
pared to “‘an enamelled vase, sparkling with dia-
monds and emeralds.†It is the beautiful city of
Granada. Seated on a hill at the foot of the
Sierra Nevada mountains, with the celebrated vega,
or plain, spread out before it in rich loveliness to
a circumference of thirty-seven leagues, Granada
was long the capital city, as it was the pride and
delight, of its Moorish possessors. The houses,
rising one above another on the slope of the hill,
and the gardens, refreshed by fountains, and bloom-
ing with the orange, citron, and pomegranate pre-
sented a most pleasing appearance of mingled city
and grove. On the summit of one of the hills was
B :
2 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
erected the royal fortress or palace of the Alham-
bra, capable of containing forty thousand men
within its towers. This magnificent building, the
ruins of which, to this day, fill the mind of the
traveller with astonishment and delight, was the
residence of the Moorish kings. Its graceful por-
ticos and gilded domes; its lofty halls and re-
freshing fountains; its marble pillars; its walls
and. ceilings all beautifully coloured in gay and
variegated patterns—rendered the Alhambra a fit
palace for a mighty monarch. Surrounding the city
was a high wall, nine miles in circuit, with twelve
gates; and well fortified with more than a thou-
sand towers. But the glory of the beautiful city
of Granada was its vega. Well watered and richly
cultivated, clothed with orchards and vineyards,
and fields of waving grain, the air pure, and the
sky serene—the Moors termed it ‘the paradise of
Spain.†The silver windings of the river Xenil,
diverted into a thousand rills and streams and
sparkling fountains, refreshed it. The orange, the
citron, the fig, the pomegranate, the vine, and the
mulberry grew in luxuriance. Flowers sprang up
in rich profusion, and in the groves was heard the
perpetual song of the nightingale. It was no
JSABELLA OF CASTILE, 3
wonder that the Moors thought it “a vast garden
of delight,†as it lay stretched out before their
city, and that they felt proud of its wonderful
prosperity and loveliness. And while other towns
in Spain were panting with the sultry heat of sum-
mer, the most salubrious mountain breezes played
through the marble halls of Granada; and whilst
in other places the land thirsted for water, here
were running streams and sparkling fountains in
abundance. Well might the Moors look with
fond admiration on their beautiful city, and its
fertile vega!
At the time I speak of, which was in the year
1491, a large and valiant army surrounded the walls
of Granada. Ferdinand and Isabella, King and
Queen of Spain, determined to take possession of
the Moorish capital; and the Moors resolved to
defend their beloved city to the last extremity.
One hundred thousand brave men, under their
king Abdallah, assembled, sword in hand, within
its walls and fortresses. Already had the siege
lasted some months; and many bold actions and gal-
lant exploits had been performed on both sides.
The Christian camp presented a striking scene.
4 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Not only had King Ferdinand come in person to
the siege of Granada, but Queen Isabella, Prince
John, the Infantas, and a train of knights and
ladies, had accompanied him. But it was a well-
ordered court; and the presence of their excellent
and beloved queen infused ardour into the hearts
of the besiegers. Knight and lady, sovereign and
soldier, all were intent on one object—the capture
of Granada.
In a tent which commanded a view of the royal
city and its dark olive groves, there sat a Spanish
lady—the Marchioness of Moya, Queen Isabella’s
earliest and most beloved friend. By her side
stood her son Pedro, his dark eyes flashing with de-
light, as he gazed on the lovely scene before him.
“It is, indeed, a beautiful city !†again exclaimed
the boy; ‘(no wonder the Moors defend it so
vigorously! 1t is well worth being fought for.
O mother! I wish I were old enough to win it
for our king !â€
“ Ah, my boy! the time will come all too soon
when you will wield a sword,†replied the Mar-
chioness, sadly smiling ; ‘ but do you know, Pedro,
why I summoned you from Toledo 2â€
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 5
**T do not, mother,†answered Pedro; then with
a bright smile, he added, “all I know is, that I
was well pleased to obey the summons. I had
heard so much of the wars in Granada, and I wished
earnestly to behold the far-famed city. It sur-
passes my expectations! Were I a Moor, I would
defend it with my life! But did you not send
for me that I might learn the art of war, dear
mother ?â€
“‘ That, of course, will be part of your educa-
tion, my son; but I hope you will engage in more
useful studies also.â€
‘More useful, dearest mother!†exclaimed
Pedro, ‘‘ how can that be 2 What can be more
useful than to learn to be a great soldier ?â€
‘Tt is well to be a brave and skilful knight,â€
replied the Marchioness; “but something more
than that is necessary, if you would become a good
and great man. The mind must be informed, and
the heart cultivated. When this war is over—
which we trust will be ere long—you should be
prepared for the blessings of peace. The queen
is of opinion that the young nobility have too much
neglected all studies but the study of war. She
manifests deep anxiety that Prince John, her only
6 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
son, who is about your own age, should receive
such an education as will form his character, and
fit him for his exalted station. Earnestly desirous
that her children should be well instructed, her
next care is for the sons of the nobility; and she
purposes having a school opened for their instruc-
tion, under the direction of the learned Peter
Martyr.â€
“Am I to attend it?†asked Pedro. .
‘*No, my son. Queen Isabella is desirous that
ten sons of the nobility should be educated with
Prince John, that thus he may have the advantages
of a public and private education combined. They
will live in the palace: five of them are to be older
than the prince, and five about his own age, and
the queen has graciously chosen you as one of the
latter.†.
“She is good: I know Prince John is both
clever and amiable; but who are to be my other
companions, dear mother ?â€
“Your friend, and the queen’s near kinsman,
the young Duke of Guimaraens; the king’s
nephew, and others.â€
“Oh, I am glad of that !†replied Pedro. “ I like
Guimaraens, because he is so merry and good-
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 7
natured. I am afraid I am rather ignorant, my
dear mother; for though I have heard enough of
the wars in Granada, yet I do not understand how
the Moors came to get possession of this beautiful
province. Can you tell me %â€
“The Moors came over from Africa more than
seven hundred years ago, conquered King Roderic,
the last of the Goths, and took possession of the
whole country, with the exception of a small
portion of the rugged north, which they did not
think worth having. They built Cordova, and
made it their capital city. And as the Koran
commands them to wash very often, Cordova has
no fewer than nine thousand baths.â€
‘*'Yes, I know that the Koran is their sacred
book, and that they are governed by its laws.
And did they not build a fine mosque at Cordova
also 2â€
‘“‘ A very magnificent one. The roof, which is
of curiously carved scented wood, is supported by
more than a thousand pillars of variegated marble ;
and the aisles are illuminated by more than four
thousand lamps. The palaces, streets, gardens,
and public edifices of Cordova, extend to the length
of twenty-four miles on the banks of the Gua-
8 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
dalquiver. The Moors combine great luxury and
magnificence in their houses. They are a very
clever people, too, and have taught us much that
we did not know before.â€
“But they are infidels, mother, and I hate
them !â€
“Oh, Pedro! you should hate no one. Be
thankful that you are a Christian, but hate not the
followers of Mahomet. Our Master has told us to
love our enemies; and while we grieve over the
infidelity of the Mahometan, we should show forth
the graces of Christianity.â€
* Did not the Christians of Spain try to get rid
of the Moors ?â€
“‘Yes; after a time they made war upon the
Moors, and endeavoured to drive them out of
the country. This, however, they were not able
todo. Many a brave Christian knight fell in the
struggle—fighting for his land.
* The stars look’d down on the battle plain,
Where night winds were deeply sighing ;
And with shatter’d lance, near his war-steed slain,
Lay a youthful chieftain dying.
He had folded round his gallant breast
The banner once o’er him streaming,
For a noble shroud, as he sunk to rest,
On the couch that knows no dreaming.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 9
Sadly he lay on his broken shield,
By the rushing Guadalquiver ;
While dark with the blood of his last red field
Swept on the majestic river.
There were hands which came to bind his wound,
There were eyes o'er the warrior weeping ;
But he raised his head from the dewy ground,
Where the land’s high hearts were sleeping.
And, ‘ Away,’ he cried, ‘ your aid is vain,
My soul may not brook recalling ;
I have seen the stately flower of Spain,
Like the autumn vine leaves falling.
‘T have seen the Moorish banners wave
O’er the halls where my youth was cherish’d;
I have drawn a sword that could not save !
I have stood where my king hath perish’d !
* Leave me to die with the free and brave,
On the banks of mine own bright river;
Ye can give me naught but a warrior's grave,
By the chainless Guadalquiver.’â€
‘‘ By degrees, Spain was divided into two parts ;
the north belonged to the Christians, and the rich
and fertile south to the Moors. There were four
Christian kingdoms—Leon, Castile, Navarre, and
Arragon.â€
“ And now there is but one, because King Fer-
dinand of Arragon married Queen Isabella of
Castile. So if we conquer the Moors, we shall
have one king and queen of all Spain. That will
be glorious! But, mamma, you have not told me
10 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
anything of that famous knight, the Cid, Don
Rodrigo ?â€
“ That celebrated hero lived about four hundred
years ago,†replied the Marchioness, “and fought
no less than seventy-two battles with the Moors.
He has passed away ; but the name of the renowned
Cid, Don Rodrigo, will long be remembered in
Spain.â€
“Then this kingdom of Granada is all that the
Moors possess now?†asked Pedro.
“Tt is; and that will soon be taken from them.
When Ferdinand and Isabella came to the throne,
they sent to the Moorish King of Granada for the
annual tribute that it had been the custom to pay.
‘Tell your sovereigns,’ was the haughty reply of
the Moor, ‘ that the Kings of Granada who used to
pay tribute in money to the Castilian crown, are
dead. Our mint at present coins nothing but
blades of scimitars, and heads of lances.’ Accord-
ingly, our sovereigns made war upon Granada, and
have taken many important towns.â€
“‘ Mamma, what was the town that the Marquis
of Cadiz took?â€
“ Aihama—so important a place as to be termed
‘the key of Granada.’â€
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. Il
“T think Don Rodrigo Ponce de Leon almost
equals the Cid,†observed Pedro ; “he is so valiant
a knight! Mamma, I hope I shall grow up to be
as brave and generous as Don Rodrigo Ponce de
Leon, Marquis of Cadiz.â€
“You like to give him his full title, however,
Pedro,†said the Marchioness, smiling. ‘“ He is
quite your hero, I suppose.â€
“He is such a gallant knight, and so loyal!â€
replied the boy. ‘‘ King Ferdinand must be very
proud of him.â€
“* He is in great favour with the king and queen,
and deserves to be so. The taking of Alhama has
added to his high renown. It was a daring and
chivalrous deed !â€
‘“ Was there not an attempt to assassinate the
king and queen when they were besieging Malaga?â€
said Pedro.
‘Yes; a Moor being taken prisoner was brought
before the Marquis of Cadiz, when he told him he
had some important disclosures to make to the
king. He was taken to the royal tent; but the
king being asleep—for it was in the heat of the -
day—the queen would not have him disturbed.
The Moor was accordingly desired to wait in an
12 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
adjoining tent, in which sat a lady of rank, in con-
versation with a Spanish noble. From their high
bearing and rich attire, the Moor concluded they
were the sovereigns. His dark eyes glanced at
them from beneath his turban for a moment, and
then suddenly drawing a dagger from the folds of
his mantle, he darted on Don Alvaro, and gave
him a deep wound in the head; then turning like
lightning on the lady, he struck at her also.
Fortunately, the heavy embroidery of her robes
caused the sharp blade to glance aside, and she
sustained no injury. Summoned by her screams, the
attendants rushed in, before the Moor could repeat
the blow. He fell pierced with a hundred wounds.â€
“* How thankful the king and queen must have
been for their escape!†said Pedro; “ but who
was the lady, my dear mother ?â€
** One, my son, who would willingly risk her
life for her royal and indulgent mistress.â€
“It was yourself, mamma! I see it was your-
self!†exclaimed the boy. ‘“ Oh! how thankful
am I for your escape! Queen Isabella must love
you more than ever now. I am told she calls you
by the endearing title of ‘ daughter marchioness ;’
is it so?â€
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 13
“It is, Pedro; my gracious mistress has ever
treated me with affection and regard. She well
deserves the love of all her subjects, for her many
amiable and excellent qualities; but she has my
deepest and truest affection.â€
‘“* Was Malaga taken, mamma?â€
“ Yes, after a long siege. The king and queen
made a triumphal procession into the city, and the
banners of Christian Spain waved from those
towers where the crescent had been displayed for
an uninterrupted period of eight hundred years ;
but alas! we witnessed sad scenes, such as drew
tears from all eyes. Christian captives were res-
cued from the dungeons of Malaga, some of whom
had lingered there ten or fifteen years. Many
were youths of noble birth, whose parents were
not aware of their melancholy fate. Queen Isa-
bella wept at the sight, and endeavoured in every
way to relieve their sufferings. She hasa kind and
compassionate heart. A great and wise queen; she
is at the same time a good and gentle woman.â€
‘“‘ Pray tell me something more of her, my dear
mother,†said Pedro. “I like to hear of a wise
queen; for I used to think only men were fit
to govern kingdoms.â€
14 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The Marchioness smiled. ‘I will give you an
instance of our queen’s presence of mind,†she
said, “‘ and you shall judge if she be'not fit to
govern. Your father, the marquis, had been
appointed alcayde, or governor, of Segovia, when
the inhabitants, taking offence at some of his mea-
sures, and led on by people who were jealous of
him, took advantage of his absence, to rise up
against his authority, and even gained possession
of the outworks of the citadel. Queen Isabella,
on receiving tidings of this insurrection, imme-
diately mounted her horse, and accompanied by
some of the court, proceeded in all haste to
Segovia. I was in attendance on my royal mis-
tress. At a short distance from the city, a depu-
tation of the inhabitants met us, requesting the
queen to leave behind her the Count of Benavente
and myself, as being the friend and the wife of
the governor, they could not answer for the conse-
quences if we entered the city. Isabella haughtily
replied, ‘ Sirs, I am the Queen of Castile,—one
little used to receive conditions from rebellious
subjects. The city of Segovia is mine, by right of
inheritance ; and I look for its dutiful obedience.
Move on, my lords.’ We soon entered the city,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 15
and the citadel. But the populace rose up in
greater numbers than before; and violent, and
dissatisfied, cried with loud shouts, ‘ Death to the
alcayde ! attack the castle!’â€
‘* Was the queen alarmed ?â€
“She did not show any fear, whatever she
might have felt. Some of the royal party were,
however, much terrified at the tumult, and en-
treated the queen to have the gates of the citadel
thoroughly secured, as the only mode of defence
against the infuriated mob. ‘ Remain quietly
here, and fear not,’ was her calm reply ; while she
herself descended into the courtyard, and ordered
the gates to be thrown wide open for the admission
of the people. I was not far from her, and could
not sufficiently admire her queen-like dignity and
self-possession, as the populace poured in. In firm
yet gentle tones, she demanded the cause of the
insurrection. ‘ Tell me what your grievances are,’
she said, ‘ and I will do all in my power to redress
them, for I am sure that what is for your interest
must be also for mine, and for that of the whole city.’
The insurgents, abashed by the unexpected pre-
sence of their sovereign, as well as by her cool
and dignified demeanour, replied, ‘ All we desire
16 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
is, the removal of the Marquis of Moya from his
government of the city.’ ‘ He is deposed already,’
answered the queen, ‘ and you have my authority
to turn out such of his officers as are still in the
castle, which I shall entrust to one of my own ser-
vants on whom I can rely.’ The people, pacified by
these assurances, shouted ‘ Long live the Queen!’
and eagerly hastened to obey her mandates.â€
‘“‘ But was that just, to depose my father for the
idle clamours of a mob?†asked Pedro, rather in-
dignantly.
“ Wait till you hear the end of my story, my
son,†replied the Marchioness. “ Queen Isabella,
having thus quieted the people, proceeded with
her retinue to the royal residence in the city,
attended by the fickle multitude, whom she again
addressed in these words :—*‘ Return to your voca-
tions, my people; this is no time for calm inquiry.
If you will send three or four of your number here
on the morrow, to report the extent of your griev-
ances, I will examine into the affair, and render
justice to all parties.’ The mob again shouted,
‘ Long live Queen Isabella!’ and dispersed in good
humour. Aftera careful and candid examination,
Isabella having ascertained the charges brought
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 17
against the marquis to be groundless, and raised
through the jealousy of his enemies, reinstated him
in the ful] possession of all his dignities, and no fur-
ther disturbance took place. Thus by her presence
of mind, an affair, which at the outset threatened
disastrous consequences, was settled without blood-
shed, or compromise of the royal dignity.â€
‘© Oh, mamma! that was conduct worthy of a
Queen of Castile!†exclaimed Pedro, ‘ Long live
Queen Isabella !’â€
“ See, Pedro! there is your hero, Don Rodrigo
Ponce de Leon, Marquis of Cadiz, and conqueror
of Alhama,†said the marchioness, with a smile,—
‘“‘ there—riding on a spirited bay horse, near a
scarlet tent—he is going towards the city to view
the defences.â€
Pedro gazed intently at the soldier-like figure
in the distance, of whose great exploits he had
heard go much, till his mother called him to go and
pay his duty to the queen.
As the great army lay encamped before Granada,
numerous combats took place between the Spanish —
and Moorish cavaliers. They met on the level
plain.as on a tilting ground, and displayed their
o
18 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
prowess in the presence of the assembled beauty
and chivalry of their respective nations. On one
occasion a Christian knight, having with a handful
of men put to flight a much superior body of
Moorish cavaliers, the King of Granada testified
his admiration of his valour by sending him on the
following day a magnificent present, together with
his own sword superbly mounted.
Queen Isabella was the soul of the war in
Granada. She superintended the military pre-
parations, and personally inspected every part of
the encampment. The day after his arrival Pedro
saw this beautiful queen with a demeanour at once
gentle and dignified, as she rode out to review her
troops. Superbly mounted, and dressed in com-
plete armour, she gave her directions as one who
knew the art of war, and administered words of
commendation or sympathy suited to the condition
of the soldier. She was much beloved by her
army; and to deserve her approbation was the aim
of every warrior there.
A day or two afterwards an alarming accident
occurred. The queen was lodged in a grand
pavilion belonging to the Marquis of Cadiz. One
night, through the carelessness of an attendant, a
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, 19
lamp was placed in such a situation, that, owing to
a gust of wind, it set fire to the loose drapery of
the pavilion, which was instantly in a blaze. The
flames communicated with fearful rapidity to the
neighbouring tents, and the whole camp was me-
naced with destruction. The queen and her chil-
dren were in great danger, and escaped with
difficulty, though fortunately without injury. The
trumpets sounded, and there was a general alarm.
Some thought it was a night attack of the enemy;
and King Ferdinand, snatching up his arms, put
himself at the head of his troops. He, however,
soon ascertained the nature of the disaster, and
contented himself with posting the Marquis of
Cadiz, with a strong body of horse, to repel any
sally the Moors might be inclined to make in the
confusion. The fire was at length happily extin-
guished, but not without the loss of much valuable
property in jewels, plate, brocade, and other costly
decorations in the tents of the nobility.
To guard against a similar disaster, the Spanish
sovereigns determined to build a strong town on
the place of the present encampment. The soldiers
all set to work immediately, and in less than three
months thig stupendous task was accomplished !
20 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘When completed, the whole army was desirous
that the new city should bear the name of their
illustrious queen; but Isabella modestly declined
this tribute, and bestowed on the place the title of
‘* Santa Fé,†in token of her own and her people’s
trust in Divine Providence.
Now, when the Moors beheld a strong town
rise up before their capital city, they felt that
there was no hope for them; for they saw what a
determined enemy they had to deal with. ‘“ Alas!
our fate is sealed!†cried King Abdallah ; “ they
have set foot on our land, never to leave it more!
Beautiful Granada, thy doom is fixed! the light of
the Alhambra is set for ever!â€
Mortified and miserable, the unfortunate monarch,
convinced that it was useless to resist any longer,
entered into a treaty with Ferdinand for the sur-
render of the city; and, after a siege of eight
, months, Granada submitted to her conquerors.
On the 2nd of January, 1492, the whole Christian
camp exhibited a scene of extraordinary animation
and joy. Ferdinand and Isabella were about to
_ take possession of the city they had besieged eo
long. Pedro, mounted on a beautiful little pony,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, aI
accompanying Prince John, viewed the stirring
scene with boyish wonder and delight. The sove-
reigns and their court were in gay and magnificent
attire;—King Ferdinand, surrounded by his nobles,
with their stately retinues, glittering in gorgeous
coats’ of mail, and proudly displaying the armorial
bearings of their ancient houses; and Queen Isa-
bella further in the rear, attended by the beauty and
chivalry of Spain. The Grand Cardinal Mendoza
had been sent forward at the head of a large de-
tachment to occupy the Alhambra, preparatory to
the entrance of the sovereigns. As Ferdinand
waited till. this was done, on the. banks of the
Xenil, the Moorish king approached with a train
of fifty cavaliers. He was about to dismount and
salute the victorious. monarch’s hand, by way of
homage, when Ferdinand hastily prevented him,
and embraced him with every mark of sympathy
and regard. Abdallah then delivered up the keys
of the Alhambra to his conqueror, saying, “‘ They
are thine, O king, since Allah so decrees it; use
thy success with clemency and moderation.†Fer-
dinand would have endeavoured to console the un-
fortunate prince, but he moved on with dejected
looks to the spot occupied by Isabella; and, after
22 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
similar acts of obeisance, rode slowly on with his
little band of followers. He had gone from his be-
loved and beautiful home never more to return to it!
In the meantime the sovereigns waited with im-
patience for the signal that the Cardinal had
occupied the city. And soon the large silver cross,
borne by Ferdinand throughout the war, was seen
sparkling in the sunbeams; while the royal stand~
ards waved triumphantly from the red towers of
the stately Alhambra. At this glorious and long
desired spectacle, the whole army, penetrated with
deep emotion, fell on their knees in grateful thanks-
giving to God, while the solemn chant of the Te
Deum burst forth from every lip. They rejoiced
at this triumph of the Cross over the Crescent,—
of the Christian over the Infidel.
But they were mistaken in their views. Chris~
tianity is a religion of love. Its doctrines are not
to be taught by the sword and violence; its con-
quests are not made by war and bloodshed. Our
Divine Master pronounced “ the meek†and “ the
peacemakers †“ blessed;†and the true Christian
who indeed desires to see the banner of the Cross
unfurled throughout the world, will endeavour to
imitate Christ in all things.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 23
At the time of which I am writing, people had
not the light of the glorious gospel to guide them,
as we have; it was hidden under a cloud; and
Christians in those days thought they did right in
taking up arms against the infidels. Queen Isa-
bella thought so; and when the city of Granada
was taken, she considered that she had accomplished
a great and good deed, which would further the
cause of Christianity.
To return to our story. When their joy was a
little abated, the grandees all came forward, and,
kneeling down before the queen, saluted her hand
in token of homage to her as sovereign of Granada,
The procession then advanced towards the city,
the king and queen in the midst, arrayed with royal
splendour, and followed by a long train of gallant
knights and noble ladies. The trumpets sounded,
the banners waved, and, amidst the rejoicings of
their people, Ferdinand and Isabella took posses~
sion of the royal palace of the Alhambra.
In the meantime the Moorish king, pursuing
his way, reached a rocky eminence which com-
manded a view of Granada. He checked his horse
to take a farewell look of the city he so loved.
24 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Never had it appeared so beautiful in his eyes.
Eack tower and minaret glistened in the sun, while
the proud Alhambra rose conspicuous above all.
The enamelled vega lay spread out below, and the
silver windings of the Xenil were clearly seen.
As the eyes of the exiled prince wandered for the
last time over this scene of his departed greatness,
a peal of artillery, faintly heard, told him that the
city was taken possession of, and the throne of the
Moslem kings lost for ever. The unhappy Abdallah
burst into tears. His mother indignantly reproached
him for his weakness. ‘ You do well,†she said,
* to weep like a woman for what you could not
defend like a man!†“ Alas! alas!†replied the
unfortunate monarch, “ when were woes ever equal
to mine!†The scene of this event is still pointed
out to the traveller, and the rocky height from
which King Abdallah took a sad farewell of his
princely halls, is commemorated by the title of
‘* The last sigh of the Moor.â€
“ There waa crying in Granada, when the aun was going down,
Some calling on the Trinity,—some callmg on Mahonn ;
Here pass’d away the Koran—there, in the Cross was borne,
And here was heard the Christian bell—and there the Moorish
‘horn.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 25
" ‘Te Deum Laudsmus ! was up the Acala sung 5
Down from th’ Aihambra's minarets were all the creacenta flung ;
The arms thereon of Arragon they with Castile display;
One king comes in in triumph—one weeping goes away.
. Thus cried the weeper, while his hands his beard did tear,
‘ Farewell | farewell ! Granada! thou city without !.
Woe! woo ! thou pride of Heathendom ! seven hut years
. and more
Have gone since first the faithful thy royal sceptre bore !
* No reverence can he claim the king that such a land hath lost—
On charger never can he ride, nor lead th’ embattled hoét ;
But in some dark and dismal place, where none his fuob may see,
There, weeping and lamenting, alone that king should be!’
Thos spake Grariada’s king, as he was riding to the sez
Atont nak cross Gibraltar’s Straits, away to Barbary.†,
‘After the taking of Granada, Prince John and
his young companions applied more diligently te
their studies, and rapidly improved under their
able masters. They were taught that war was not
the business of life, and though hitherto their heads
had been full of knightly prowess and military
adventure, yet now that the conquest of Granada
was complete, they began to take pleasure in
various branches of useful knowledge. The abilities
of the prince were great; and his character was
most amiable, Pedro became much attached to
26 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
him, while he enjoyed also many a merry laugh
with his young friend, the Duke of Guimaraens.
He was sitting one day with the Marchioness
in one of the stately halls of the Alhambra, in the
middle of which played a sparkling fountain, when
he exclaimed, “ Well, I cannot help pitying the
Moors a little for losing such a beautiful palace as
this! But Queen Isabella well deserves it. If it
had not been for her patience and perseverance, I
suppose we should never have taken Granada.â€
‘* Perseverance is a grand thing, Pedro,†replied
his mother. ‘I have been talking this morning
with one who possesses it in a great degree, and
who is likely, in my opinion, to do things far sur-
passing the taking of Granada.â€
‘* Have you, dearest mother ?—who is it?â€
** One who will immortalize his name, if I am
not mistaken. Did you notice a tall majestic-
looking man with the court yesterday ?â€
‘I did,†said Pedro; “he had a thoughtful brow,
and the queen paid him some attention.â€
That man has a great project in his head, my
son. He is a sailor, and of no mean ability. He
thinks that beyond the great Atlantic Ocean there
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, 27
must be land, and that that land must be the
eastern shore of Asia. Bold and enterprising in
no common degree, he wishes to cross the stormy
ocean, and ascertain whether his conjecture be
right.â€
a That would be a wonderful discovery, indeed!â€
exclaimed Pedro. ‘ How I should like to go
with him, mamma! Do you think he will really
venture ?â€
“He is most anxious to do so; but he has
many difficulties to surmount. For years he has
been waiting to have his wishes granted. He
applied to the King of Portugal for ships and
means to undertake the expedition, but the king
declined assisting him. Our own king he has also
solicited for help, but in vain; and he is now again
at court, entreating the sovereigns to consider
favourably of his proposition.â€
“ But, my dear mother, the land that he might
discover would belong to King Ferdinand, and
that would repay him for fitting out an expe-
dition.â€
“The king thinks the scheme wild and imprac-
ticable, and therefore looks coldly upon it. The
queen is more favourably inclined, as she thinks
28 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Columbus a man of genius and talents; but his
proposals have not been agreed to, and I regret to
say that he is about to leave Granada, again dis-
appointed.â€
‘Oh! why did not you speak for him to the
queen, mamma? She is very fond of you.â€
“T have pleaded his cause warmly, my boy;
and two or three others have dane the same. Our
noble and generous queen listens attentively to all
our arguments, but there are those at court who
ridicule the scheme, and. turn. the king’s mind
against a man so much more clever than them-
selves.â€
‘* What did-you say was his name, mamma ?â€
“ Christopher Columbus. He is a native of
Genoa.â€
‘* And do you think, as he has again been disap-
pointed, that he will give up his project ?â€
‘*No; I think he has too much perseverance.
He was dining the other day with some who were
ridiculing his scheme, and telling him that it was
an impossibility. ‘Can any of you make that egg
stand upright? or is that also an impossibility ?’
said he, One after another tried to make the egg
stand-in vain, ‘It cannot be done,’ they said,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 29
Columbus took the egg, and setting it with some
force on the table, so as to break the shell a little,
made it stand. He then quietly observed, ‘ Nothing
is an impossibility, if we are determined to ac-
complish it.’ And I think that he will eventually
accomplish his great undertaking.â€
Some months passed away, during which the
Marchioness of Moya, and one or two more, who
were friendly to the Genoese navigator, and thought
favourably of his plan, often pleaded with Queen
Isabella for him, The subject was discussed in
every point of view; and the wise and benevolent
_ Tsabella began to see that the scheme was not so
| impracticable and absurd as it had at first appeared,
Columbus was recalled to Granada.
“Ts it true, dearest mother, that Columbus has
gained the king’s. consent at last?†exclaimed
Pedro, as he hastily entered his mother’s apart-
ment. “Is he really going to cross the stormy
Atlantic ?â€
Yes, Pedro; his, perseverance has prevailed at
last! Weary of delay, he was just about to carry
his proposals to the court of France, when -the
30 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
king and queen sent for him. And even now,
since he returned, the plan was nearly given up.
For Columbus stipulates that he shall be appointed
admiral over the lands he may discover. This is
considered great presumption on his part, and he
once more turned his back on the Spanish court.
But we represented to the queen that, should he
discover countries for Spain, he would be well
worthy of the title ; and should he be unsuccessful,
there would be no title to give. This argument had
some weight, and at length the royal consent was
given, to the inexpressible joy of Columbus.â€
JT am very glad,†said Pedro. ‘You have
always said, mamma, that perseverance overcomes
at last.â€
“It does, Pedro. With scarcely a heart to
cheer, or a hand to help him,—his scheme ridi-
culed and opposed—and meeting with every species
of mortification and difficulty, Columbus has pa~
tiently persevered, and has at length triumphed over
every obstacle. I cannot snfficiently admire his
wonderful energy of mind and unyielding spirit.â€
“I suppose the expedition will cost a little
money ?†said Pedro,
“Certainly ; but the king’s consent being given,
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 3]
my royal mistress has obeyed the natural impulses
of her own noble and generous heart. ‘I will
assume the undertaking,’ she said, ‘for my own
crown of Castile; and I am ready to pawn my
jewels to pay the expenses of it, if the funds in
the treasury shall not be found sufficient.’ Three
vessels are ordered to be fitted out for the service,
and ere long Columbus hopes to be at sea.â€
‘‘ But it will be a perilous voyage, mamma! I
have heard that many think that when once fairly
out on that great ocean, the sailors will find no
bound to it, and, being unable to discover land, or
to retrace their way home, will wander about the
waters till they perish!â€
The Marchioness smiled, “Such, I’am aware, is
the opinion which some hold,†she replied, * but
I think ita foolish one. Columbus is convinced
that he shall find land on the opposite side of the
Atlantic ; and he has considered the subject calmly
for years. I have no doubt myself that he will be
successful, should he escape shipwreck; but there
are very few who think asI do. It surprises me
much that so very little interest is felt in the ex-
pedition. King Ferdinand himself seems to think
it will end in nothing but disaster.â€
32 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘‘ Well, dear mamma, if Columbus meet with
success, I think you will have been one cause of
it; you have pleaded for him 80 well with the
queen. She ever listens to you.â€
‘“‘She did not consent, though, to the project,
till she herself saw that there was some likelihood
of its being a successful one. Queen Isabella is
not led by any one; she uses her own clear
judgment and sound sense.’
‘© You are much attached to her, dear mamma?â€
‘J have reason to be so, my son. She is a wise
and great queen, a dutiful and loving daughter, a
tender mother, a most affectionate wife, and a true
and faithful friend.’ It is no wonder that she is
so beloved. By her condescending and captivating
deportment, by her dignity, gentleness, and kind-
ness of heart, by her care for the welfare of all
classes of her subjects, she has gained an as-
cendency over her people, which no King of
Castile could ever boast.â€
On a lovely morning in the month of August,
1492, the little port of Palos, in Andalusia, was a
scene of universal bustle. People were hurrying
hither and thither, their countenances wearing -
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 33
different expressions of doubt, curiosity, anxiety,
and fear. Columbus and his crews, consisting
altogether of one hundred and twenty men, were
about to sail. There was no joy visible on the
occasion. The spectators gazed with a kind of
superstitious awe at the three vessels in the harbour,
whilst the sailors seemed half unwilling to venture
on the expedition.
“No good will come of that,†said one old man
to another, as he stood on the cliff, and viewed
the preparations for departure; “it’s tempting
Providence to go on such a wild scheme. Those
poor fellows will never see home again.â€
“* And there is my son on board! foolish boy! he
would go. They will wander over the stormy
waters, seeing nothing but sea and sky, till they
are drowned or starved to death. It is very as-
tonishing that men will venture their lives on such
a mad project.â€
“ And yet the Genoese captain is full of hope
that he shall find land.â€
“Find land! he must be out of his mind, neigh-
bour. He will never see land again; that’s my belief.â€
The anchors were weighed, the sails set, and
D
34 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
the intrepid navigator, on whose scheme so much
ridicule had been cast, boldly launched forth on
that wide waste of waters where no sail had ever
been spread before.
The vessels were gazed at till out of sight, and
then those who had relatives and friends on board
sorrowfully returned to their homes, convinced
that they should never behold them again.
A few days after the departure of Christopher
Columbus, the Marquis of Cadiz died at his palace
in Seville. The king, the queen, and the whole
court, went into mourning for him, for he was
‘©a much loved cavalier,†esteemed, like the Cid
of old, both by friend and foe. ;
“* He struck the first stroke in the war by the
surprise of Alhama,†said the Marchioness of
Moya, in answer to the inquiries of her son.
‘* A valiant knight was Roderigo Ponce de Leon!
No Moor dared to abide in that quarter of the
field where his banner was displayed. His body,
after lying in state in his palace, with the trusty
sword by his side with which he had fought all his
battles, was borne in solitary procession by night
through the streets of Seville, and then laid in the
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 35
tomb of his ancestors. Ten Moorish banners wave
over his grave—they will ere long moulder into
dust; but the fame of the Marquis of Cadiz will
survive as long as valour, courtesy, and unble-
mished honour are esteemed in Spain.â€
‘ Ah, mamma, that is true indeed !â€
‘‘ And yet, Pedro,†continued the Marchioness,
‘* there is one, whose name, if he prove successful,
will be remembered when that of the Marquis of
Cadiz is forgotten.â€
“You mean Columbus, mamma. But you surely
would not call him—whatever the result of his
expedition may be—a greater man than the gallant
Marquis of Cadiz 2â€
‘“* We will await his return before we call him
anything, my son. Should he prove successful, it
will be the triumph of a great mind over almost
insurmountable difficulties —a greater triumph
than any the brave Marquis ever achieved.â€
On Friday morning, the 15th of March, 1493,
the inhabitants of Palos were running in crowds to
the cliffs. A small vessel was seen entering the
harbour, and it was ramoured—though few could
believe it—that it was the vessel of Columbus.
36 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
But as it came steadily on, impelled by a light
breeze, the bright sun shining on the white sails,
doubt was changed into certainty, suspense into
conviction.
“It is! it is the Nina!†was the joyful cry.
«© Welcome home, brave Columbus!â€
The residents at Palos had long thought the
vessels lost, for, besides considering the expedition
most wild and hazardous, it had been one of the
most stormy and disastrous winters ever known.
And now the relatives and friends of those on
board hastened to the beach to be quite sure of
their safe return. When they saw them waving
their hands in congratulation, and at length, as the
vessel approached nearer, heard their shouts of
triumph, joy and astonishment were depicted in
every countenance. “ We have found a new world!â€
exclaimed the sailors; ‘“‘ we have gold and silver
in abundance! look here! see here!†and they
showed pieces of the precious metals, till the spec-
tators were lost in wonder and delight.
They landed—-and as the successful Columbus
set foot on shore, all crowded round to welcome
him. “ Long life to the Admiral! Long live
Columbus!†were shouts heard from every lip. -
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 37
There was a proud smile on the admiral’s face ;
for he remembered with what scorn his plan had
been treated by these very people a few months
before. But he had been successful; and he in-
formed them that, after a perilous voyage of some
thousand miles, he had discovered land; that he
had left a colony on one of the islands; and that
of the two other ships, one had been wrecked, and
one deserted him. The whole population then
accompanied the admiral and his crew to the prin-
cipal church in the place, where solemn thanks-
givings were offered up for their safe return.
Every bell in the town rang a joyous peal in
honour of the glorious event; and every respect
and attention that could be paid to the fortunate
discoverers, was gladly offered.
Sailors, in general, have a superstitious dread of
Friday; yet Columbus sailed on a Friday, dis-
covered land on a Friday, and re-entered the port
of Palos on a Friday.
But the successful navigator was desirous to pay
his respects to the sovereigns, to whose dominions
he had added a new world. Ina short time he
commenced his journey to Barcelona. Accompa-
38 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
nied by several native islanders, who were decorated
with collars, necklaces, and bracelets of gold; and
taking with him herbs, quadrupeds, and birds of
gay plumage, all unknown in Europe; also gold
dust and lumps of gold, with rare and valuable
curiosities, Columbus’s journey through Spain
resembled a triumphant procession. As he passed
through the cities, multitudes thronged to gaze on
the extraordinary spectacle, and the more extra-
ordinary man who had discovered a New World.
In Seville, every window, balcony, and house-
top was crowded with spectators; and receiving on
all sides joyful congratulations, Columbus at length
reached Barcelona, where the court was then
staying.
The blue waters of the Mediterranean sparkled
in the sunshine as Columbus approached this
handsome city. When the news spread through
the town that the admiral had arrived, the nobility
and cavaliers in attendance on the court, together
with the principal inhabitants, went to the gates
to receive him, and to escort him to the royal
presence. Conducted thus in honour through the
streets of the city, he arrived at the palace.
Ferdinand and Isabella were seated. with Prince
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 39
John, under a superb canopy of state, awaiting
the approach of the enterprising navigator.
Amongst the splendidly attired courtiers who
surrounded the throne, were the Marchioness of
Moya, and her son, Pedro. The glistening eye of
the former told how great was her exultation in
the admiral’s success; while Pedro gazed with
deep admiration on the man who, in spite of every
difficulty and danger, had persevered, till he
triumphed !
It was a royal-looking pair that Columbus
advanced to greet. King Ferdinand was hand-
some and well-formed, and the queen universally
allowed to be eminently beautiful, Her fair com-
plexion, blue eyes, and auburn hair, were still
more pleasing from the singular sweetness and
intelligence of expression in her features.
Both bent their eager gaze on the daring and
successful mariner as he approached the throne ;
and then rising, they extended their hands
for him to salute, and caused him to be seated
before them. This was a most distinguishing
mark of favour and condescension in the haughty
and ceremonious court of Castile. It was the
40 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
proudest moment in the life of Christopher Co-
lumbus,—for it was a homage to his powerful
intellect!
‘Welcome to Spain, my Lord Admiral,†said
Ferdinand, “ it gives us pleasure to receive you,
not only safe, but successful.â€
The admiral expressed his thanks for his sove-
reigns’ gracious reception of him, while at the
same moment his keen glance discovered in the
courtly throng many who had ridiculed his scheme
and opposed his plans in every way. He then felt
the triumph of knowledge over ignorance — of
energy aud perseverance over apathy and indif-
ference—and he was satisfied.
‘* We would hear of your adventures in these
unknown seas,†said Queen Isabella, in a gentle
voice; “ methinks you must have much to relate.
You have been many weeks, as I understand, out
of the sight of land! Truly it is marvellous! God
alone protected you, sir.â€
** Most true, gracious queen; He guided me
across the stormy ocean, and He has through many
perils brought me back in safety. To his Name
be all the praise !â€
Isabella bowed her head in grateful devotion to
ISABELLA OF CASTILE, 4l
the Almighty, and then desired Columbus to
proceed with his recital.
‘*T have discovered land, my gracious sovereigns,â€
said he, “which I have reason to believe is the
eastern shore of Asia, or the islands of the
Western Indies. They are many and fruitful.
One of large size I have named Hispaniola, in
honour of your kingdom, and have left a small
colony on it. These golden islands are rich and
fertile beyond expression. With a delicious cli-
mate, a most productive soil, hidden stores of
precious metal, trees and plants of large size and
great beauty, birds of splendid plumage, and fruits
in abundance, I consider them well worthy your
royal attention. The natives are a simple, in-
offensive, and grateful people, well fitted to re-
ceive the truths of Christianity. They gave me
to understand that there was a large country to the
south yet more rich in gold and silver than any
I had visited. But I waited not to make further.
discoveries; I hastened home to inform you, my
gracious sovereigns, of the new and rich territories
you have acquired, and to solicit help to pursue
my researches.â€
“That you shall certainly have, my Lord Ad-
42 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
miral,†said King Ferdinand; while Isabella ex-
claimed, “ Oh, it will be a deed worthy of Spain,
to convert those poor people to the Christian faith !
Continue your account, sir; you have interested
us greatly.â€
As Columbus proceeded in the history of his
voyage and subsequent discoveries, which he gave
in an eloquent and glowing style, the king, the
queen, the prince, and the whole audience, listened
to every word he uttered with the deepest interest
and attention. When he ceased speaking, all
prostrated themselves on their knees in grateful
thanksgivings to God, while the solemn strains
of the 7s Deum were poured forth by the choir
of the royal chapel, as in commemoration of some
glorious victory. The sovereigns then hastened to
bestow some marks of approbation on Columbus ;
one of which was the permission to quarter the
royal arms from henceforth with his own. And
it ‘was soon agreed that a second expedition was
to be fitted out, consisting of seventeen vessels,
and fifteen hundred men.
The success of Columbus was a subject of great
satisfaction and joy to the Marchioness of Moya
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 43
and her son Pedro, and they warmly congratulated
him on it. Pedro learnt a lesson of perseverance
under difficulties which he never forgot as long as
he lived.
But ere long, trouble came upon them. Prince
John, or, as he was styled, the Prince of Asturias,
such being the title of the eldest son of the king
of Spain, as he grew up to manhood, gave extra-
ordinary promise of mental and moral excellence.
Alike the joy of his parents and the pride of
Spain, he was beloved in no common degree, and
great were the hopes formed from his character.
But God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. It
pleased Him, in infinite wisdom, to cut short the
days of this promising young prince. He died
when he was only nineteen, after a short illness.
King Ferdinand was summoned to Salamanca by
an express, which informed him of the dangerous
illness of his son. ‘‘ Weep not for me, my father,â€
said the dying prince, “I am quite prepared to
part with a world which in its best estate is but
vanity and vexation. All I desire is, that you,
Sire, and my beloved mother, may be as resigned
to the Divine will as I am.â€
44 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
It was a bitter trial to part with such a son,—
an only son; and great was the anguish of the
bereaved parents. But Queen Isabella received
the tidings in a spirit of meek and humble re-
signation, saying, as she took a last look at her
loved child, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.â€
Thus was laid low the hope of Spain. Never
was there a death which occasioned such deep and
general lamentation throughout the land. And not
long afterwards, Ferdinand and Isabella were called
upon to part with their eldest and much-loved
daughter, the Queen of Portugal, whose character
was a most amiable one. Of the two remaining
daughters, Catherine * married Arthur, Prince of
Wales, eldest son of King Henry VII. of England,
and Joanna became the wife of the Archduke
Philip of Austria. The latter princess exhibited
at times so much weakness of intellect, as to be a
cause of great grief and anxiety to her parents.
From the age in which she lived, and from the
religion she professed, Queen Isabella's govern-
ment was not without great blemishes. Bigotry
* She was afterwards married to, and divorced by, Henry VIII.
ISABELLA OF CASTILE. 45
has thrown a shade over the beautiful character
of this illustrious queen. Zeal for the Roman
Catholic religion led her to establish the infamous
Inquisition, and to exile the Jews from Spain,—
a most cruel and unjust proceeding, and one which
the humane disposition of Isabella would never
have permitted had it not been for the counsels of
her confessor, who possessed a disastrous ascen-
dency over her mind. Had she asked counsel
from the Bible, and not from man, it would have
been better for her, and for her country.
Ferdinand and Isabella lie side by side in the
cathedral church of Granada.
No. IL.
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID.
—~—-
At a window in the Alcazar, or royal palace of
Madrid, there stood one evening, a long time ago,
a young and handsome cavalier. His dress and
deportment betokened noble rank; but his coun-
tenance was sad and sorrowful, and as he gazed
into the gloomy courtyard below, a sigh and an ex-
pression of impatience passed his lips. “ Always the
same!†he muttered; “no hope, no tidings! how long
is this to last? when, O, when shall I be free?â€
He paced the apartment with hasty steps, and
en again looked from the window. “O,†he
said, “that I were but once more out of this
gloomy place, and breathing the pure air of my
beloved country! Charles should bitterly repent
his ungenerous conduct. Weeks of tedious im-
ptisonment have passed, and I am no nearer
\
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 47
freedom than before! But a horseman approaches
on that distant road! He comes in haste! he
must bring tidings! What may they be ?—he
surely comes to speak to me of liberty !*
With eager gaze the noble prisoner watched the
horseman’s approach, and his dark eyes gleamed
with delight as he saw him dismount in the court-
yard, and perceived by his dress that he was a
messenger from the French court. In two minutes
more he was kneeling at the feet of the royal captive.
“Why, Antoine! good Antoine! welcome to
Madrid!†exclaimed the prisoner, in accents of
joy. “ You bring me tidings?â€
“My royal master! that I should see you
thus!†was all Antoine could say, as tears rolled
down his cheeks.
** Aye, good servant; you little thought to live
to see the day when your king would be a captive
in the land of Spain. But it cannot last, Antoine ;
it cannot last. Charles would not so dishonour him-
self as to keep me here longer. Rise, Antoine, and
tell me of my family. Are my children well 2â€
“All are well, your Majesty. I bring you
despatches from the Regent Louisa, with many
greetings.â€
48 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The king hastily tore open the despatches, and
read them with deep interest. He remained in a
thoughtful attitude for some time, and then ex-
claimed, “ Alas for France! without a king, with-
out an army, without generals, without money,
and encompassed by a victorious and active enemy,
my country is on the brink of destruction !â€
“ The abilities of the Regent are very great,
Sire,†respectfully observed Antoine. ‘“ The
measures she has taken in this time of trouble
would do honour to the wisest politician.â€
‘‘ How did she bear the disastrous tidings of our
defeat at Pavia?†asked the king.
‘‘Great as the blow was, (and we all know the
depth of her maternal fondness for your Majesty,)
she roused herself after the first shock, in a manner
worthy the mother of King Francis the First. She
read aloud to her council the few and touching
words in which your Majesty announced to her the
result of the battle of Pavia, ‘ Madam, all is lost,
except our honour; and then with energy ex-
claimed, that Bourbon and his master should not
long rejoice over that day’s victory.â€
‘* Ah, the traitor Bourbon !†said King Francis;
‘we -have little cause to love him indeed! And,
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID, 49
Antoine, what was said in Paris concerning this
fatal battle of Pavia?â€
** What could be said, Sire, when we heard of
the heroic courage and gallantry which your
Majesty displayed there—of the numerous wounds
you received, of your horse being killed under you,
—what could be said, but that France was indeed
proud of her king, and her love for him increased
ten-fold?â€
“ But did France hear also of her bravest officers
rallying round their ‘sovereign, and dying in his
defence? Did she hear of her proud nobles
choosing rather to die sword in hand than to live
with dishonour? Such a sight might shame the
traitor Bourbon. Ten thousand brave men fell on
that battle-field, Antoine; and two weeks after
not a Frenchman was left in Italy!†_
There was a pause. Antoine grieved to see the
master to whom he was most devotedly attached
so cast down with sorrow,—he, whose spirits had
always been so cheerful, whose heart had always
been so light! He feared that the confinement
was injuring his health, and, with an air of concern,
inquired “if he ever rode out 2â€
Yes,†said the king, “ if riding it may be
E
50 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
called. I have a mule, on which J take the air
occasionally, surrounded by armed guards. We
go a few miles from this gloomy city, and then
return. Oh, that I were once mounted on my
good horse Bayard! and once had the start of
them! methinks Don Alargon would not long be
troubled with his prisoner.â€
* Surely your Majesty will soon be free ?†said
Antoine.
*T do not understand the Emperor,†replied
Francis. ‘* After that fatal battle, I was desirous
that he should be at once informed of my mis-
fortunes, hoping much from his generosity and
sympathy. ‘To hasten the delivery of the de-
spatches to him, I gave the messengers a passport
through France,—for he was here,—and waited
impatiently for their return.â€
“‘ And how did the Emperor receive the tidings
of his victory, Sire ?â€
‘‘ He uttered not one word expressive of exulta-
tion, or intemperate joy; but immediately retired
into the chapel, and offered up thanksgivings to
Heaven. On returning to the presence-chamber,
which was filled with the grandees and foreign
ambassadors, assembled to congratulate him, I am
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 51
told that he accepted their compliments with
modesty, lamented my misfortunes, and forbade
any public rejoicings on account of the victory, as
unbecoming in a war carried on amongst Christians,
But after this, what terms do you think he dared
to propose tome? That I should give up Bur-
gundy to him, and that my rebellious subject, the
traitor Bourbon, should be made King of Provence
and Dauphiné! These were conditions for a king
of France to submit to! No; far rather would
T remain a prisoner for the rest of my life than
gain my freedom on such dishonourable terms!â€
“Could the Emperor be in earnest when he
proposed such conditions to your Majesty ?†asked
Antoine, much surprised.
* He doubtless was influenced by his ministers,â€
replied the king; “I think Charles is of too
generous and noble a nature to act thus of his own
will. J desired, therefore, a personal interview
with him, and offered to visit him here. The
galleys necessary to convey me to Spain were fure
nished by myself. They bore me near the French
coast, Antoine, and I had a prospect of my own
dominions. But I was a captive king!â€
A tear for a moment dimmed the unhappy
52 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
monarch’s eye, as he thought of the land which he
loved so well;—after a pause, he added, “ We.
landed at Barcelona, and came hither. Still the
Emperor, who is at Toledo, has not yet visited me.
I do not understand his delay; nor do I under-
stand the rigorous treatment to which I am
subjected. It is not conduct worthy of Charles.
Not for the wealth of France would I have acted
thus to a rival monarch !â€
Such was, indeed, the case; Charles the Fifth
had now been several weeks in Toledo without
visiting his royal captive, though Francis solicited
an interview with the most pressing and submissive
importunity. This indignity, and the rigorous
restraints under which he was placed, made a deep
impression on the high-spirited prince. The
chivalrous Francis of France pined in his lonely
prison. A short time since,
“ Light was his footstep in the danee,
And firm hie stirrup in the lists;â€
but now his step was heavy, and his air was lan-
guid. He cared for no amusements; his natural
gaiety of temper forsook him; he became melan-
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID, 53
choly and depressed, and at last fell dangerously ill.
The faithful Antoine nursed him with watchful
tenderness and care, much distressed at witnessing
his restless tossings on his sick-bed, and his con-
stant anxiety to see Charles. In the height of
his fever the unfortunate captive continually
complained of the unexpected and unprincely
rigour with which he had been treated. “I am
about to die, good Antoine,†he would say, “ and
Charles will have the satisfaction of hearing of my
death, since he has not deigned to see my face.
Why does he not come? Antoine, I must see him.
Surely, he will visit me now; but no-—~there is no
hope—I shall die his prisoner ! â€
-These lamentations grieved Antoine greatly;
and the physicians at last informed the emperor
that they saw no hope of the French king's recovery,
unless he were gratified with regard to that point
on which he seemed to be so strongly bent.
‘* He must not die,†said Charles to his ministers,
on hearing this; ‘‘ we gain nothing by his death.
T will visit him at once.â€
* But your Majesty surely will not visit the
French monarch unless you intend to give him his
freedom,†observed the Chancellor; ‘ what will be
54 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
said if you give the royal prisoner that mark of
sympathy and attention from motives of avarice or
ambition, when humanity and generosity have
pleaded so long in vain?â€
“ T little care what may be said,†replied Charles
sternly; “I go to visit my prisoner; and my
prisoner he will remain till he agree to my terms.
To horse, gentlemen ! â€
When King Francis heard that the Emperor was
coming to see him, and already on the road, his
eye lighted up with pleasure, and a smile of delight
passed over his expressive features. ‘‘ Now, then,
there is a gleam of hope,†he murmured; “he
surely now will restore me to liberty, and not on
those hateful conditions—conditions I scorn and
detest! Oh! to be free again! to feel the fresh
breezes of France once more! to be far from this
dismal place, and the watchful, grim Alargon! to
be once more a king!â€
He was interrupted in these pleasant reflections
by the entrance of the Emperor, who, going at once
to his bed-side, accosted him in terms full of affec-
tion and respect.
‘¢ Why, brother of France,†he said, taking his
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 55
hand, “ we grieve to see you thus! Are the phy-
sicians skilful? Is there anything you need that
Spain can bestow? Speak, brother; for this
sickness grieves us.â€
‘“* My sickness is, I believe, more of the mind
than of the body,†replied Francis ine faint voice;
“your Majesty has been long in coming to see
your captive.â€
* The Cortes at Toledo demanded my attention,
brother,†said Charles, kindly; “ as soon as tidings
reached me of your illness, I set forth. Your
spirits are depressed by fever. Come, you must
throw off this despondency, and be the gay and
merry-hearted. Francis again; the blithest king in
Christendom.†.
“ That cannot be till I regain my liberty,†re-
plied Francis with a sigh.
‘* And your liberty you shall have very shortly,
brother. Only get rid of this sickness, and our
terms can be easily arranged.†Francis looked up
with an expression of hope. A smile was on
his handsome, good-humoured countenance as
he gazed eagerly at Charles, and grasped his
hand.
** You are not deceiving me?†he asked.
56 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“ Surely not,†said the Emperor. ‘“‘ As soon as
you are able, we will arrange the treaty.â€
“« And I shall be a king again !†said the captive
monarch. “ Thanks, brother; I knew it would be
so ;—I knew Charles had a generous heart, when
away from evil counsellors.â€
* You have had reason to complain, I fear,â€
replied the Emperor. ‘ Alarcon, though a brave
and trustworthy soldier, is rather stern and un-
courteous. But, for the short time you may yet
remain in my dominions, brother, you shall receive
the treatment due to a brave king,—and what king
in Europe can equal Francis of France in valour?â€
The interview between the monarchs did not
last long. Francis was too weak to bear much
conversation, and after such expressions of sym-
pathy and generosity as would have reflected the
greatest honour on him had they been sincere,
Charles took leave of his prisoner. Francis grasped
at what the emperor had said with the eagerness
natural to one in his situation, and, cheered with
this gleam of hope, began to revive from that
moment, rapidly recovering his wonted health.
But disappointment came again. Charles having
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 57
returned to Toledo, all correspondence was carried
on with Francis by his ministers; and the royal
captive was kept in as strict custody as ever. And
now he suffered a new indignity, which his high
spirit could scarcely brook.
Bourbon arrived about this time in Spain; and
Charles, who had so long refused to visit the king
of France, received his rebellious subject with the
most studied respect. He met him outside the
gates of Toledo, embraced him with the greatest
affection, and, placing him on his left hand, con-
ducted him to his apartment. These marks of
honour to him were so many insults to the unfor-
tunate Francis, and affected him keenly. It was,
however, some consolation to him to know that
the sentiments of the Spaniards differed widely
from those of their king.
They detested Bourbon’s crime; for they are a
generous people, and have a high sense of honour.
Notwithstanding his great talents and important
services, they shunned all intercourse with him.
They would have nothing to say to a soldier who
had deserted his master to enter into the service of
his master’s rival.
“It is my desire,†said Charles to the Marquis
58 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
de Villena, “ that you permit De Bourbon to re-
side in your palace during the stay of the court at
Toledo.â€
“TI cannot refuse to gratify my sovereign in
this request,†the Marquis politely replied;
“* but,†he added, with the true dignity of a Cas-
tilian noble, “ your Majesty must not be surprised
if, the very moment that Bourbon departs, I burn
to the ground a house which, having been polluted
by the presence of a traitor, becomes a habitation
unfit for a man of honour.â€
In the meantime, days, weeks, and months
rolled by, and King Francis was still a prisoner.
He was not, however, forgotten by his friends.
His mother, who so fondly loved him—his people,
who mourned his absence,—and Henry VIII. of
England, who could not but feel some sympathy
for him in his misfortunes, as well as fear at the
growing power of Charles, used their utmost ex-
ertions to procure his liberation. His sister
Margaret came to visit him in his wearisome cap-
tivity, to beguile his lonely hours, and to employ
all her address with Charles in his behalf. But it
was in vain. The emperor was not to be moved.
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 59
“ Very well,†said Francis, on hearing the
result of these endeavours, “I will resign my
crown to the Dauphin, and end my days in prison!â€
And he immediately wrote to Charles, desiring him
to name the place of his confinement, and to assign
him a proper number of attendants during the
remainder of his days.
The Emperor then began to fear that he might
carry his rigour one step too far, and so defeat his
own measures. He felt that he should not gain
much if King Francis resigned his throne! He
therefore again offered him his liberty on nearly
the same terms as before; and Francis, weary of
captivity, accepted them. It was agreed, that,
till the French king had fulfilled the conditions
required of him, his two eldest sons should be
sent to Madrid as hostages. But Francis had not
the slightest intention of fulfilling these condi-
tions.
« No,†he said to his friends, ‘ I will sign the
treaty, or I shall never leave this hateful prison ;
but, remember, it is against my will. It is forced
from me by the emperor's unprincely severity, and
therefore it is null and void.â€
Was this right of Francis? Oh no! even the
60 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
harsh treatment he had met with was no excuse
for artifice and deceit.
Two little boys were at play one morning in a
beautiful garden in the sunny land of France.
They were handsome, intelligent children, the
eldest about nine, and the youngest about seven
years of age. Happy, and full of spirits, they
were amusing themselves first with one sport, and
then with another, when the younger of the two,
_ Henri, proposed that they should try their skill in
archery, Francois readily assented, and the bows
and arrows were brought forward, The game went
on with some spirit, till Henri had lost all his
arrows. ‘ Oh, Frangois!†he exclaimed, “ that
is my last arrow! It went out beyond the Spanish
chestnut-tree ; and I must go and find it,â€
Away he ran, but when he returned to tell
Frangois with a merry laugh of the curious nook
in which he had found the lost arrow, he was sur-
prised to find his brother standing in a thoughtful
attitude, with something like a tear in his dark eye.
“ I was just thinking,†said Francois, in reply
to.Henri’s inquiring look, “‘ that, whilst we are at
play so happily together here, dear papa is far
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 61
away, and a prisoner! The word ‘ Spanish’ made
me think of him. Oh, Henri! what would I not
give to see him again!â€
‘‘ If we were men, brother,†replied Henri with
spirit, ‘‘ that cruel emperor should not long detain
our brave father! He is afraid of him, that is it,
Francois, and so he keeps him in prison. If I were
papa, I would try to escape, and then invade
Charles’ dominions with an immense army.â€
* He is too well guarded to escape,†said Fran-
gois sadly. ‘ Dear papa! how I wish we could
do something for him! If they would only let us
go and stay with him, it would be some comfort ;
he must be so lonely and dull!â€
«© Ah! I am afraid he does not often laugh now,
brother; do you remember the merry game we
had with him the day before he left us? We little
thought then that it would be so long before we
saw him again.â€
At this moment a beautiful and stately lady
approached. It was Louisa of Savoy, the king’s
mother. She sat down on a garden chair, and
called the two little boys to her side.
‘*My children,†she said, in a kind tone, ‘I
know you regret the king’s absence and imprison-
62 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
ment ; what would you give to see him again at
liberty ?â€
«I would give all my playthings, and my pony,
and all my money too!†exclaimed little Henri,
with eagerness.
“¢ And what will the Dauphin give?†said the
regent with a smile.
‘All I have in the world!†replied Francois,
looking earnestly at the regent, as if he waited to
hear more.
Louisa of Savoy gazed for a moment at the
earnest, thoughtful countenance of her grandson,
and then said, in a low tone, “ Would you give
your liberty, Francois?â€
**T understand,†said Frangois, with sparkling
eyes; “I understand. I am to take my father’s
place. Is it not so? Oh! how gladly shall I do it!â€
The regent looked fondly and proudly on the
boy. He was a child of great promise, and many
bright hopes for the future were formed from his
character—hopes never to be realized! Henri,
more volatile than his brother, was a merry, good-
tempered, generous little fellow, much like his
father, and a universal favourite.
“Let me give something too,†said he, pressing
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID, 63
close to the regent; “I should be so very, very
glad to have dear papa at home again.â€
“You shall, Henri,†replied Louisa; “ you shall
both have the pleasure of assisting the king, your
father. The case is this. The emperor will give
the royal Francis his freedom, on condition that
his two eldest sons be sent as hostages to Madrid,
there to remain till all the conditions of the treaty
are fulfilled. But King Francis will not be free
until you reach the emperor’s dominions.â€
“May we set off to-day?†asked the Dauphin.
* There should be no delay; how my royal father
must pine for freedom !â€
“ And we shall see dear papa again!†cried
Henri, joyfully. ‘ That will be happiness, indeed !
When shall we go, madame ?â€
‘‘ There shall be no needless delay,†replied the
regent ; ‘‘ but a few matters must be arranged first.
France longs for the return of her king, as you do,
with fond impatience; but O, how much more
impatient is the heart of a mother!â€
A short time afterwards the Dauphin, and his
brother the Duke of Orleans, set out, under the
care of the French general Lautrec, for the
64 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Spanish dominions. Henri, full of joy at the
prospect of seeing his dear papa, and delighted
with the novelty of the journey, was in high
spirits, whilst his more thoughtful brother dwelt
on the happy results of the king’s return to France,
and felt unmixed gratification and delight that,
young as he was, he could be the means of restoring
his royal father to liberty. The poor boys little
thought of the prison to which they were hastening;
and, when it did cross their minds, they imagined
that their captivity would be a very short one.
And now King Francis with a joyful heart bade
farewell to Madrid, a place which his imprisonment
had rendered hateful to him, and, escorted by a
body of horse, under the command of the vigilant
Alargon, began the long-wished-for journey towards
his own dominions. The Emperor, though appa-
rently friendly, had strong suspicions that he would
not keep his word with him, and gave strict orders
that he was not to be given up till the hostages were
received. He also exacted many promises from
Francis concerning the treaty, whilst the latter
was ready to promise anything: and everything, so.
that he might set foot in France again.
HE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 65
It was on a fine morning in March, 1526, that
the captive monarch rode up to the Bidassoa, the
river which divides France from Spain, and saw on
the opposite side Lautrec and the two young
princes. His heart bounded at the sight, and
hastily entering the boat, he was conveyed to an
empty bark moored in the middle of the stream,
the princes at the same time putting off from the
opposite bank. The respective attendants drew up
on either side of the river, and the father and sons
met in the bark. The interview was but a short
one. Francis tenderly embraced his children, and
with many affectionate and encouraging words
took leave of them again. “ You will not remain
long in Spain, my dear children,†he said, as he em-
braced them once more ; “ now that I am free, you
shall be free likewise. The Emperor will treat you
well. Farewell, my darlings! and God bless you!â€
The tears were streaming down the cheeks of
the poor children as they were delivered over
prisoners to the Spanish general, and the little
dauphin had just time to say to the king, “It is
not that we mind being prisoners, dear papa; but
it is very sad to part from you again—†when they
were borne away.
Â¥
66 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
And sad it was to Francis too, and a bitter
pang shot through his heart as he saw his two boys
on their way to that gloomy prison from which he
had so gladly escaped !
But he trusted that they would not be there
long; and when, in Lautrec’s boat, he reached the
French shore, and knew that he was indeed free,
joy was the only feeling of his heart. Mounting
a horse the instant he landed, he galloped off at
full speed to St. Jean de Luz, several times waving
his plumed cap triumphantly over his head, and
exultingly exclaiming, “I am again a king!â€
He was met at Bayonne by his mother and sister
—(and a joyful meeting it was!}—one year and
twenty-two days after the fatal Battle of Pavia,
In the meantime the two princes were taken to
Madrid, and placed in the dismal castle. The
emperor then called upon King Francis to fulfil
the conditions of the treaty he had signed. But
Francis, regardless of his word, excused himself,
saying, “‘that promises made in prison were not
binding.†Charles was most indignant. Sorry
now that he had treated Francis in so ungenerous a
manner, but firm and inflexible in all his measures,
‘THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 67
he determined to detain the princes in captivity
till the king had given up all claim to Italy,
And you will be sorry to hear that the poor little
boys suffered for this also. They were put into a
dark room, and allowed to have nothing with which
they could amuse themselves. Henri exclaimed
against this treatment; but Frangois reminded
him how much their papa had endured.
‘It is not generous of the emperor to revenge
himself on us, however,†said Henri; ‘I wonder
how he would like to be shut up in this dark place !
He must be a very cruel man.â€
JT do not think he is, brother,†replied the
Dauphin; “he is very angry that papa will not
fulfil the conditions of the treaty; though I hope
he never will, for it is a most dishonourable one
for France. Still, 1 am sorry our royal father
promised he would do so; I like to keep my
promises.â€
“Oh,†said Henri, “I think papa did quite
right, when the emperor behaved so ungenerously.
I am sure I should do just the same. I would
make any promise to get out of this prison; but
I do not know that I should keep it when I was
free,â€
68 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘* But that would be wrong, Henri. Do you
not remember the saying of a former king of
France,—‘ If honour were banished from all the
world beside, it should find an asylum in the breast
of princes?’ However, our being liberated does
not depend on our promises, fortunately.â€
“I should like Charles to learn that saying,â€
said Henri, laughing; “it might do him some
good. And, Frangois, I should like to see him
very much; should not you? He seems to me
like an invisible tyrant; we feel his power, but
never catch a glimpse of him.â€
‘He is gone to Seville,†replied the Dauphin,
“to celebrate his marriage with Isabella of Por-
tugal. I heard the guards talking of it this morning.
They say she is a princess of uncommon beauty
and accomplishments.â€
‘‘ And do the Spaniards like the match ?â€
‘Extremely; and the Portuguese are so delighted
at this connexion with the first monarch in Chris-
tendom, that they have presented Isabella with a
dowry of 900,000 crowns!â€
“Well, I hope that will satisfy Charles. But
I thear the governor's step on the stairs; it is
some comfort to see even him. I am glad we
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 69
have not that stern old Don Ferdinand Alargon to
guard us.â€
The grave Spanish Don entered, and informed
the princes, that, in consequence of the emperor's
marriage being celebrated on that day, and its
being a cause of great rejoicing throughout Spain,
he was at liberty to offer them some hours’ re-
creation in the gardens of the castle. The boys
joyfully accepted this indulgence, and ran to
breathe the fresh air once more, with a delight
which none but prisoners can feel.
This marriage was celebrated with much splen-
dour and gaiety at Seville. ‘The emperor ever
lived in perfect harmony with Isabella, and treated
her on all occasions with much distinction and
regard.
After some time Charles desired that the poor
little prisoners should be guarded with less rigour.
They were allowed to ride out occasionally, and
were permitted to have a few books. . Henri’s
spirits never failed him; he was always gay and
good-humoured, and became quite a favourite with
the grave governor and the guards. He would sit
40 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
in an evening near the window of his dull prison,
and sing one merry song after another till the sen-
tinels would look up in astonishment at hearing
such blithe sounds proceed from a little caged
bird. He was very dear to Frangois, and by his
gaiety and lively remarks greatly cheered him.
Dull and gloomy, indeed, would that prison have
been without the presence of the bright and happy
Henri!
And Henri felt for Francois the tenderest love
and respect. He knew that he was guided by
high principles; that his word could be depended
upon; that he was not led away, as he too often
was himself, to do what he knew was wrong, because
he liked it; that he had a noble, courageous, self-
denying character. Henri knew all this, and his
love for Francois daily increased.
Very pleasant it was to witness the affection of
the captive brothers; and well it was that they
were loving and kind to each other, for the weeks
and months passed away, and they saw no hope of
freedom.
“‘T long to be at liberty and to go to France
again,†said little Henri, one day; “I wonder
when we shall be free! Perhaps the emperor will
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 71
keep us here till we are two old men, and have
long beards!†and the boy laughed merrily at his
own fancy.
‘© Be comforted, dear Henri,†said his brother;
‘‘ig it not well that dear papa is at liberty? you
know he is doing all he can to obtain our freedom.
I am sure I would rather remain here for twenty
years than that he should fulfil the emperor's un-
just demands.â€
** Ah! I know dear papa does not forget us,â€
replied Henri; ‘‘ but he has to deal with a very
inflexible man. Well, we must have patience,
Francois, and try to be as happy as we can.â€
The King of France did not, indeed, forget his
imprisoned children. His one great desire was to
obtain their freedom. He used many efforts; but
there were terms in that treaty to which he could
not submit.
Charles V. had now acquired such a thorough
knowledge of the Spanish character, that he go-
verned Spain well and wisely. His subjects had
not much liked him in the beginning of his reign,
but now the case was different. He spoke their
language at times, and assumed such popular
manners, as to gratify and please them greatly.
72 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
On one occasion he was about to make his public
entry into the city of Barcelona. The inhabitants,
having some doubts whether to receive him as the
Emperor, or as Count of Barcelona, Charles de-
cided instantly in favour of the latter, saying,
“T am prouder of that title than of the im-
perial crown!†Soothed with this flattering
expression of his regard, the citizens welcomed
him with loud acclamations of joy, and the states
of the province swore allegiance to his son Philip,
as heir of the county of Barcelona.
The princes of France had been in captivity
for more than a twelvemonth, when one day the
governor led them to the top of the castle, to wit-
ness a grand procession passing through the streets
of Madrid. It consisted chiefly of a number of
monks bearing crucifixes, who, as they marched,
with slow and solemn steps, chanted a hymn.
Little Henri was the first to ask what it meant.
‘‘ They are going to offer up prayers for the
pope’s liberty,†said the Governor.
“ The pope’s liberty!†exclaimed the Dauphin,
“ whose prisoner is he, sir?â€
‘‘ He is the emperor’s prisoner,†replied the
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 73
Governor gravely; ‘“‘ and it is by the emperor’s
commands that prayers are being offered up
throughout Spain for the recovery of his freedom.â€
‘© Why does not the emperor give him his free-
dom, then?†asked Henri.
‘“* That, sir, is a question I cannot. answer,†said
the grave Spaniard. ‘‘ Now, gentlemen, we will
descend; and you may, if you please, amuse your-
selves in the gardens for an hour.â€
‘* What a strange thing for the emperor to do!â€
said Henri to Frangois, when they were alone ;
“to keep a man prisoner and then offer up prayers
that he may be free! And. this for the pope
too !â€
“Tt is hypocrisy in Charles to act thus,†said
Frangois; “I should think that he felt ashamed
of taking his holiness prisoner, and that he does
this to appear well in the eyes of his Spanish sub-
jects, who must feel indignant at it. Did you
mark the displeased looks of the governor ?â€
“I did. How fond Charles is of making pri-
soners, Francois! I wonder whom he will take
next. I will try and find out all about it from the
guards. It is well I can speak Spanish.â€
Henri was as good as his word, and, having
74 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
gained all the news he could on the subject, re-
turned to his brother.
“In the first place, Frangois,†he said, “ I must
tell you the Constable de Bourbon is dead. He
was besieging Rome, and was killed. The em-
peror’s soldiers took the city, and treated the poor
inhabitants with the most shocking cruelty. Pope
Clement shut himself up in the Castle of St. Angelo,
and was reduced to such distress by famine, as to
be obliged to eat asses’ flesh! He was worse off
than we are, brother.â€
“ Go on, Henri,†said the Dauphin, ‘“ what
next ?â€
“ O, he was obliged to submit to the victorious
Charles, and give up all to him. His riches filled
the pockets of the imperial soldiers. And who do
you think guards him? No less a person than
Don Ferdinand Alargon !â€
“Does he? Then he will have something to
be proud of; for he has had the custody of two
of the most illustrious men who have been made
prisoners in Europe during several ages. And
I suppose Charles is not a little pleased at all
this?â€
“ To be sure he is; but he pretends to be very
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 75
sorry. Will you believe it—he has put his court
into mourning; declares that Rome was assaulted
without any order from him; and says that he
knew nothing of Bourbon’s intention !â€
‘* Well, perhaps he did not, as he is in Spain,â€
replied the Dauphin. ‘“ But it is hypocrisy to
pray for the pope’s liberty, when, by an order to
his generals, he could immediately grant it. I
cannot endure hypocrisy.â€
‘The Spaniards are very indignant at the
crimes of their countrymen,†said Henri. “Oh,
Frangois, they were so very, very cruel to the
people of Rome. It makes me shudder to think
of it. I hope, if ever I am a king, that I shall, at
least, be a merciful one.â€
‘‘ That I am sure you will be, dear Henri,†said
the Dauphin; “and I hope I shall not be too
fond of conquest; I see it leads to a great deal of
misery.â€
Three long years had passed away, and the.
princely boys were still captives in the gloomy
castle of Madrid. But King Francis had become
most anxious and impatient to procure their
liberty ; and finding that nothing less would satisfy
76 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Charles, he at length sacrificed every thing which
had at first prompted him to take up arms against
the emperor, agreeing at the same time to pay a
ransom for his -sons of twelve hundred thousand
crowns. Thus Charles became sole master of Italy.
It was some months before such a large sum of
money could be procured ; but the king used every
exertion to obtain it, and at length succeeded. It
was packed in forty-eight chests, and sent to the
Bidassoa.
You may imagine the joy of the little prisoners
when they heard that they were about to return
to their home.
They could talk of nothing else. To be out of
that dismal castle—to run again with free and
bounding steps through their own green meadows
and leafy woods—to have their books and amuse-
ments as before—to join in merry play once more
with their sisters and brother,—and, above all, to
be with their dear papa, whom they loved so well,
—these were the pleasures which the now happy
boys continually dwelt upon.
‘* Oh!†said Henri, “ I am so full of joy! I can
quite forgive the emperor all his severity towards
us now, though I shall never wish to visit his city
THE PRISONERS IN MADRID. 77
of Madrid again. Do you know, Francois, that
his sister, the Princess Eleanor, is going with us
to France ?â€
“* Yes; she is to marry our royal father. That
was one of the conditions of the treaty.â€
** Well,†said Henri, “ I only hope she will not
be quite so stern as her imperial brother. Oh
Frangois! in three days we shall be free !â€
The happy day came at last. The princes were
conveyed to the well-remembered Bidassoa, and
there given in exchange for the forty-eight chests of
money, with precisely the same formalities as those
for which they had been exchanged for their father
three years before. Once safely landed in France,
the joyful brothers pursued their journey with
rapidity. As they approached the Abbey of
Veries, in Gascony, at which place they were to
meet the king, their hearts beat high with expecta-
tion and delight—the quick glance of little Henri
soon discerned the royal Francis eagerly advancing
towards them, and the next minute the children
were clasped in the arms of their father!
The marriage of King Francis with the Princess
Eleanor was celebrated at the Abbey of Veries.
78 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The Dauphin did not live many years after his
liberation; not only his father, but all France,
deeply mourned his loss. Henri succeeded King
Francis on the throne.
But we must return to the emperor. Some time
after the release of the captive princes, Charles,
being desirous of passing through France, in his
way to the Low Countries, applied to Francis for
his consent, and offered to give him up the long
contested possessions in Italy in return for this
favour. Francis gladly accepted the offer. Charles
passed safely through France, and was treated
during his journey with all the courtesy and
respect due to a royal visitor. But when he
was afterwards called on to fulfil his promises, he
refused! In consequence, the rival monarchs went
to war again.
We should be careful how we make promises,
and still more careful not to break them when
made.
P, 82.
No. III.
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS.
—>—
Ir is now many years since—as many as three
hundred—that a little boy, named Antonio de
Lopez, left his home at an early hour to enjoy the
fresh breezes of a fine May morning. It was
early on the previous evening that Antonio had
returned to this dear home, after an absence of
some months, and very much pleased he was to
wander again through the lovely valley in which
it was situated—the valley of St. Justus, in Estre-
madura, universally acknowledged to be one of
the healthiest and most delightful in all Spain.
The boy’s dark eyes glistened with joy as he
looked round on the well-known scene. He ran to
the clear sparkling brook, where he had so often
sailed his little boat—he stood again under the
80 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
fine old trees which had shaded him from infancy
—and once more with a bounding step he climbed
the lofty hill side. ‘‘ How I love my home!†he
exclaimed, as, after ascending to some height, he
sat down in a favourite spot; “our peaceful valley
looks beautiful as ever,—more beautiful, I think ;
but, perhaps, that is because I have been so many
months in a town. How fresh and sweet the air is!
And there stands the old monastery, still and quiet
as it always used to be. It must be but a dull
life that those old monks of St. Justus lead, after
all: not the life that I should like—shut up there,
month after month, and year after year, knowing
nothing of what passes in the busy world. Now
I dare say, that Father Ambrose and his brethren
have been going on in the same dull round ever
since I left home,—one day just like another ;—
sitting in those gloomy cells for hours, and then
taking a solitary walk in the garden before they
meet in the refectory. O, I am glad my dear
father does not wish me to be a monk! Such a
life would not suitme! But I must go and see
kind Father Ambrose. He will be sure to question
me concerning the progress I have made in my
studies. I hope I shall be able to answer him !â€
THE MONASTERY OF JUSTUS. 81
and descending the hill, Antonio, in the joyous-
ness of his heart, burst forth into a song, mak-
ing the quiet valley re-echo with his sweet clear
voice,
As he approached the monastery, Antonio, to his
surprise, perceived a change in its appearance.
An addition had been made to the building, con-
sisting of six rooms, all on the ground floor, and
in simple style. On one side they opened into a
pretty flower-garden, and on the other commu-
nicated with the chapel of the monastery.
Antonio wondered at the change, and then turned
to look at the little garden, newly laid out. ‘‘ There
are some beautiful flowers in it already,†he said,
“IT am so fond of flowers!†and opening the
wicket-gate, he stepped in on the green lawn. He
knew he might do this without fear of a rebuke,
for he was somewhat of a favourite with the old
monks of St. Justus. His gentle manners and
amiable disposition had so won their hearts, that
he was not only allowed to roam as he would
through the gardens and groves of the monastery,
but also to have free access to most parts of the
building itself. They could place confidence in
him—they knew that he loved truth, and that his
G
82 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
word could be depended upon. Nothing like
deceit was ever seen in Antonio de Lopez.
‘Here are plenty of weeds, however,†said
Antonio, “I will pull some up, and so assist good
Father Ambrose a little.†Manfully he set to
work, and soon filled a barrow with the weeds.
While thus engaged, his cheeks glowing with
exercise, he was startled by a voice close beside
him, exclaiming, ‘“‘ Well, young sir! and what
brings you into a garden that is none of yours?
How is it you touch things that do not belong to
you?†Antonio hastily turned, and looked at the
speaker.
He was a man of commanding figure, apparently
between fifty and sixty years of age. His look
was stern and determined; and his dark eyes cast
a penetrating glance on Antonio, as he again in-
quired “ what he did there ?â€
“‘T have been pulling up some weeds, to help
Father Ambrose a little,†replied the boy. ‘“ He
permits me to come into the gardens whenever
I like to do so.â€
‘“‘ But this garden belongs to me, and not to
Father Ambrose,†replied the stranger.
_ Does it, sir? I did not know that. I hope
THE MONASTERY OF JUSTUS. 83
you will pardon my intrusion,†said Antonio,
blushing.
‘“‘' You did not know that this garden belonged
to me! Are you speaking the truth, boy? And
you live in the valley?â€
“TI do, sir, but I only returned home last night;
and, as to speaking the truth,†said Antonio, rather
vexed that his word should be doubted, “ I would
not tell a lie to please the Emperor himself.â€
The stern look left the stranger’s brow, and
.a kind smile passed over his face. ‘ That is well,
my boy; prize truth always, it is a precious
jewel. What is your name ?â€
‘“* Antonio de Lopez, sir.â€
“ The son of Ferdinand de Lopez, who resides
yonder ?â€
“ Yes, sir; I am his only child.â€
“‘ And what does your father intend you for,
Antonio, a monk, or a judge?â€
‘Oh, not a monk,†replied the boy, smiling.
‘* I hope I shall be a soldier. But papa has not
decided yet.â€
* A soldier! Oh, you must be something better
than a soldier. Believe me, to spend your life in
fighting will bring you no peace at the last.â€
84 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
*¢ But to fight for my king and my country
would be a glorious duty!†said Antonio with
flashing eyes. ‘‘ Have you been in the wars your-
self, sir?â€
‘“‘ T have, for many years.â€
‘“‘ Then you have fought in the great battles we
have had with the French? Oh, sir, what a great
conqueror our king is! Pray tell me, is it quite
true, that he has given up all his dignity, and
power, and vast possessions, and intends to live a
private life ?â€
‘© It is true. Charles the Fifth is, like myself,
tired of war and glory. For my own part, I have
made a good exchange, and never have enjoyed
such happiness as since my retirement in this
peaceful vale. I trust the emperor will not repent
of his choice either. But I must attend to my
plants. Now, my boy, wheel off this barrow, and
bring me the rake from the end of the garden.â€
Antonio and his new friend worked pleasantly
on together, alike interested in their occupation.
Occasionally they conversed on the different natures
of the plants around them; and the little boy,
who was very fond of flowers, was able to give
his companion some information concerning them,
THE MONASTERY OF JUSTUS. 85
which he did in a very modest, intelligent
manner.
Antonio’s thoughts, however, turned to other
subjects ; and, after a fit of musing, he suddenly
exclaimed, “ I cannot understand it! How Charles
the Fifth, Emperor of Germany, King of Spain
and the Indies, could give up all his great power,
his immense influence, his vast possessions, his
dignity, and his glory, to live a private life, is quite
beyond my comprehension ! â€
‘* What is that beyond your comprehension,
Antonio?†inquired the officer who passed him at
the moment, but heard only the last words.
“T was thinking of the emperor, sir. I had
heard a report that he had retired from all his
greatness ; but I did not think it could be true.
IT am quite sure J should never have done such
a thing. Do you not think, sir, he must repent the
step he has taken, by this time ?â€
“No, my boy; I am certain he does not. But
what is there so very remarkable in it? He has
led a life of constant activity and excitement, and is
now glad to have repose—glad to be released from
all the cares of his high station. From the age of
seventeen his life has been a public one, devoted
86 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
to the government of his dominions; is it not
reasonable that he should wish to enjoy a little
rest for the short time that may yet remain to
him? Does not the governor of so many millions
of people, need time in which he may ask himself
the important question, ‘ How have I governed
myself?’ For my part, I am too well pleased with
my own retirement from the busy scenes of life,
to wonder at all about the matter.â€
‘‘ Ah, but you find amusement in your garden,
sir; now very likely the Emperor Charles. does
not care for flowers. I am afraid he will find his
new way of living a very dull one. How he will
miss all the grandeur to which he has been ac-
customed! He, who has had mighty kings courting
his alliance, powerful nobles kneeling at his feet,
great armies waiting his commands, and the at-
tention of all Europe fixed upon his novements!
It will surely be a great change for him !â€
* Tt will,†said the officer, with a smile; “ but
if he be happier for the change, what then ?â€
Antonio shook his head, and was about to reply,
when the bell of the monastery sounded through
the vale. ‘That warns me that it is time to go
home, sir,†said he; “1 am sorry to leave you, but
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS. 87
papa will expect me. I thank you very much for
all your kindness.â€
‘“‘Stop a moment, Antonio,†said his friend, as
he laid his hand upon his head, and looked into
his ingenuous countenance; “you love your father;
do you not, my dear boy ?â€
‘‘T do, indeed, sir, from my heart.â€
‘‘Then do not disappoint his love for you ;
do not grieve him by ingratitude. Mind you do
not. Be a good son; and God will bless you,
Antonio. Farewell.â€
There was a sad expression on the officer's
face as he said this, which Antonio could not
understand. He, however, gracefully kissed the
hand. which was held out to him, and took his
leave, not without a hope that he might one day
be again admitted into the garden, and have a
little more conversation with his new acquaint-
ance.
As Antonio sat chatting with his father at
breakfast that morning, inquiring after his friends,
and answering questions concerning his studies, he
said, ‘‘ Papa, are you acquainted with the gentle-
man who lives at the monastery? at least, I
88 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
suppose he lives there. He has a nice garden,
and beautiful flowers! have you seen them 2â€
“Yes, my son, I have,†replied De Lopez;
“but when did you see them? I hope you have
not been in the garden ?â€
“I went in, papa, thinking it belonged to
Father Ambrose; but as I was weeding, a gentle-
man, whom [ had never seen before, came and
asked me what I did in his garden, and then I
apologised for my mistake.â€
“How unfortunate!†said De Lopez; “ my
dear Antonio, I thought you were aware that-—
Was he not angry at your intrusion ?â€
‘* A very little, at first; but I told him how it
was, and then he was very kind, and allowed me
to help him with his plants. We talked together
also, and the time passed so pleasantly, that I
quite forgot to go and visit Father Ambrose, as I
intended.â€
“ And you do not indeed know with whom you
have been talking this morning ?†asked De Lopez,
in surprise.
‘No, papa; who is he 2â€
“The Emperor Charles the Fifth of Germany,
and King of Spain.â€
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 89
“* Papa!â€
‘My dear boy, are you not aware that Charles
the Fifth has resigned his throne to his son Philip,
and intends to live a private life? Surely you
knew this !â€
‘‘T had heard so, papa; but is this very gentle-
man the great Charles himself?†asked Antonio, in
much astonishment.
‘I do not wonder at your surprise, my son;
yet soit is. The emperor selected this place of
retirement, having been previously much struck
with the beauty of our vale; and six rooms have
been added to the monastery for his accommoda-
tion.â€
“But, papa, I did not see any grandeur about
the rooms, or the emperor either.â€
“No, he has done with grandeur, Antonio.
His apartments are furnished in a very simple
style, and he lives in a plain, unostentatious manner,
having but a few servants, and one horse, on which
he rides out occasionally, followed by a single
attendant.â€
‘Qh! if I had guessed I was talking to Charles
the Fifth, I should not have said what I did! but
he was very kind to me, and at parting told me to
90 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
be a good son. I wonder why he looked so sad
at the moment he said it.â€
‘“‘ He was doubtless thinking of the ingratitude
of his own son Philip, to whom he has resigned
all his vast possessions, desiring only an annual
pension of 100,000 crowns. Forgetting how much
he owed to his father’s bounty, Philip actually
neglected the payment of the first portion of this
sum; and Charles was obliged to remain some
weeks at Burgos before he received part of that
small pension, which was all that he had reserved
to himself from so many kingdoms. As without
this he could not dismiss his old domestics with
such rewards as their services merited, or his
generosity destined for them, he was deeply af-
flicted by the ingratitude of his son, and could not
help expressing both surprise and dissatisfaction.â€
‘It was very ungrateful conduct indeed, papa.
Is not King Philip husband to Queen Mary of
England ?â€
“He is. Mary wished Charles to visit her on
his way to this country after his resignation, and
pressed him to land in some part of her dominions;
but he declined. ‘ It cannot surely,’ he said, ‘ be
agreeable to a queen to receive a visit from a
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS. 91
father-in-law who is now nothing more than a
private gentleman.â€
“ But I suppose Charles was very glad when he
was elected Emperor of Germany, though he has
given it up so quietly.â€
“There is no doubt of that, my boy. After
the death of Maximilian, there were great disputes
as to who should be the new emperor. The two
principal candidates for the vacant throne were
Charles and Francis I. of France.â€
‘‘ And who were the people to settle the
matter ?â€
‘‘ Seven great princes of Germany, called Elec-
tors. Not desiring either Francis or Charles as
their head, they with one voice offered the imperial
crown to Frederic, Duke of Saxony, a prince of
eminent virtue and ability. With singular mag-
nanimity he declined it. ‘The sceptre must be
committed to some more powerful hand than
mine,’ he said, ‘or than of any other German
prince. It must be offered to one of the rival
monarchs, who, either of them, can bring into the
field forces sufficient for our defence against our
enemies. But as the king of Spain is of German
extraction, his claim is, in my opinion, preferable ;
92 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
and, therefore, I give my vote to confer on him
the imperial crown.â€
“It is not every one who could refuse an em-
pire,†said Antonio. ‘Charles must have been
very much obliged to the Duke of Saxony.â€
“Yes; his ambassadors sent the duke a con-
siderable sum of money from gratitude for the
important service which he had rendered their
master. But he, who had sufficient greatness of
mind to refuse a crown, disdained to accept a bribe.
They then entreated that he would, at least, per-
mit them to distribute gold amongst his attendants.
‘I cannot certainly prevent their accepting what is
offered,’ replied Frederic; ‘ but whoever takes but
a single florin shall be dismissed from my service
to-morrow morning.’ â€
“‘T like that noble Duke Frederic, papa. Was
King Charles then elected emperor?â€
“Yes; after a period of five months from the
death of Maximilian, this important contest, which
had held all Europe in suspense, was decided in
favour of Charles.â€
‘* How vexed King Francis must have been !â€
‘‘ He and Charles were never friends from that
time, and, as you know, were constantly at war
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 93
with each other. This elevation to the imperial
throne was very gratifying to Charles, and he at
once assumed the title of ‘ Majesty,’ all the other
monarchs of Europe soon imitating his example.
Before this they had been styled ‘ Your Highness,’
or ‘ Your Grace.’â€
«© And now Charles is as glad to resign all his
greatness, as he was to obtain it! I wonder what
first made him think of retiring to a private life,
papa ?â€
‘*T have heard that he was much struck with a
remark made to him by one of his old generals,
who desired to retire from his service. Charles
asked him his reason for so doing. ‘I am an old
man, your Majesty,’ replied the officer; ‘ and
there ought to be a pause between the hurry of
life and the awful scenes of eternity.’ A few
months afterwards, the emperor resigned his
throne.â€
‘* Was Charles related to Maximilian 2â€
“Yes; his father, the Archduke Philip, was
the son of Maximilian and Mary of Burgundy,
daughter of Charles the Bold.â€
‘Ts he then the great-grandson of the bold duke
of Burgundy, who used to keep that wicked king,
94 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Louis XI. of France, in such terror? I did not
know that.â€
‘But you knew that his mother Joanna, was
the daughter of our Ferdinand and Isabella?â€
““Qh, yes; I knew that. Is there not some
melancholy story relating to Queen Joanna, papa ?â€
‘There is. She was devotedly attached to her
husband, the Archduke Philip, and when he died,
her sorrow was inconsolable. She shed no tears,
uttered no exclamations, but sunk into a silent
and settled grief. For some time no entreaties
could prevail on her to allow the body to be laid
in the grave; and when at length this was done,
she had it re-conveyed from the tomb to her
chamber, where she sat silently watching it day
and night. There was some legend of a king who
had come to life again, after having been dead
fourteen years; and poor Joanna kept her eyes
almost constantly fixed on her husband’s corpse, in
expectation of the happy moment when he too
should revive.â€
“Her mind must have been quite disordered
with grief.â€
“It was so. From that time till her death, a
period of fifty years, she remained in the same
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 95
melancholy state, unable to attend to any public
affairs, But though she was incapable of govern-
ing, we were all too fondly attached to her as the
daughter of our beloved Queen Isabella, to con-
sider any one else as our sovereign while she lived.
She was still our queen, though the name of her
son Charles was associated with hers in the govern-
ment of the kingdom.â€
“ Charles did not resign the empire also to his
son Philip; did he, papa ?â€
“No; that he gave to his brother Ferdinand,
the present emperor.â€
‘I should like to have been present when
he gave up all his greatness, and to have heard
what he had to say.†.
“Your uncle was present when Charles resigned
the dominion of the Netherlands, and describes it
as a very imposing scene. It took place at
Brussels. The emperor, seated for the last time in
the chair of state, with his son Philip on one
hand, his sister, the Queen of Hungary, on the
other, and a splendid retinue of the princes of the
empire and grandees of Spain standing behind him,
caused the paper to be read by which he gave up
the Low Countries to Philip. It is rarely, An-
96 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
tonio, that such a deed is performed as Charles
performed that day.â€
‘* But can you tell me what he said, papa?â€
‘‘ He spoke something to this effect. Addressing
the noble assembly with dignity, but without
ostentation, he observed :—
‘** From the age of seventeen I have dedicated
all my thoughts and attention to public objects,
reserving no portion of my time for the indulgence
of my ease, and very little for the enjoyment of
private pleasure. Either in a pacific or hostile
manner I have visited Germany nine times, Spain
six times, France four times, Italy seven times,
the Low Countries ten times, England twice,
Africa twice ; and I have made eleven voyages by
sea. While my health permitted me to discharge
my duty, and the vigour of my constitution was
equal, in any degree, to the arduous office of
governing such extensive dominions, I have never
shunned labour, or repined under fatigue; but
now, when my health is broken, and my strength
exhausted, my infirmities admonish me to retire.
I am not so fond of reigning, as to retain the
sceptre in an impotent hand, which is no longer
able to protect my subjects, or to secure to them
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 97
the happiness I wish them to enjoy. Therefore,
instead of a sovereign worn out with diseases, I
give you, my well-beloved people, one in the prime
of life, accustomed to govern, amd who adds to the
vigour of youth all the sagacity of mature years.
And now I would say, that if, during the course of
a long administration, I have committed any
material error in government, or if, under the
pressure of so many and great affairs, and the
attention I have been obliged to give to them, I
have either neglected or injured any of my
subjects, I sincerely implore their forgiveness.
For my own part, I shall ever retain a grateful
sense of their fidelity and attachment, and shall
carry the remembrance of it with me to the place
of my retreat, as my sweetest consolation, and the
best reward for all my services. My last prayers
to Almighty God will be for the welfare of my
people.’
“ During this discourse the whole audience was
melted into tears, some from admiration of his
magnanimity, others softened by his expressions
of tender regard towards his people; and all were
affected with the deepest sorrow at losing a
sovereign, who, during his administration, had
x
98 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
distinguished. the Netherlands, his native country,
with particular marks of his attachment.â€
‘J should like to have heard that speech, papa,â€
said Antonio. ‘I can scarcely believe that the
kind officer I have been talking to this morning is,
indeed, the Emperor, who spoke to that great
assembly! I do not wonder that they were all
affected; but how is it, papa, that our king,
Charles the First, appeared to like the Low
countries so well, and talked of visiting Spain,
his own land and kingdom ?â€
‘“‘ He was born at Ghent, my boy, and that may
account for the partiality he ever evinced for the
Netherlands. After he succeeded to the throne
of Spain, it was a whole year before he came to
us, though Cardinal Ximenes sent him many
earnest entreaties todo so. Of course this caused
us to feel rather jealous and discontented,†said
De Lopez smiling.
‘‘ Cardinal Ximenes was a good man, papa ?â€
‘‘A most excellent and upright statesman !
His ability and integrity were truly admirable,
and his reputation is high in our country for wisdom
and sanctity.â€
“Well, the Emperor Charles has come to
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 99
Spain to die, if he did not live here much,†said
Antonio; “that is, if he does not get tired of his
retirement, When did he give up the crowns of
Spain 2?â€
‘A few weeks after he had resigned the govern-
ment of the Netherlands. In an assembly no less
splendid, and with a ceremonial equally magni-
ficent, he gave up to his son the crowns of Spain,
with all the territories depending on them, both
in the old and in the new world.â€
‘* How very different—how changed—how poor
and humble—his present circumstances must seem
tohim! Does he not wish people at least to re-
member what exalted rank he once bore?â€
“He dislikes ceremony; and when, by his
invitation, we go to visit him, his manners are so
easy and unconstrained, and his conversation so
agreeable, that we constantly lose sight of the great
emperor, who made Europe tremble, in our
pleasant unassuming host.â€
“‘] suppose he converses with you on public
affairs?â€
“On the contrary, he is never desirous of
knowing what is going on among the princes of
Europe. He has had experience of the vanity of
100 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
earthly things, and is pleased ta be released from
the cares of public life.â€
‘* Well,†said Antonio, ‘ I cannot help thinking
he will regret his determination before long; he
must be so very dull!â€
A few days after this conversation, a message
was brought from the monastery, desiring the
eompany of De Lopez and his son to dine with
the ex-emperor. Antonio, though pleased and
gratified at the invitation, felt a little trepidation
at the thoughts of dining with the great monarch,
especially when he remembered his intrusion into
the garden, and his familiar conversation with him.
But his fears were soon put at rest.
Charles received his guests with much kindness
and affability. ‘“‘ Ah! my little gardener,†he
said, smiling at Antonio, “so you did not think
the emperor could care for flowers! He is fonder
of them than you thought, is he not ?â€
Antonio, blushing, faltered out an apology for
his presumption, and humbly entreated the em-
peror’s forgiveness,
““No apology is needed, my little friend,†said
' the monarch, in a good-natured tone; “on the
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS. 101
contrary, I have to thank you for your assistance
the other day. Do you know, De Lopez, your
son gave me a few hints as to the treatment of
some of my plants, by which I have profited?
But let us walk in the garden, I think you will
see some improvements since last you visited it.â€
Opening the glass door, the emperor led the
way to the verdant lawn and gay flower-beds,
where he usually spent much of his time. He
talked of his plants with interest, and was evidently
pleased with the admiration De Lopez expressed
at the great beauty of some rare specimens, on
which he had bestowed peculiar care. Himself
an experienced florist, De Lopez was able to give
the emperor much information concerning his
favourite pursuit, and a conversation, interesting
on both sides, was carried on till dinner was an-
nounced. The meal was served in a simple, un-
ostentatious manner; Charles being at once the
courteous host and the agreeable companion.
As Antonio gazed round the apartment, which
was about twenty feet.square, and hung with
brown cloth, and then turned his eyes on Charles,
who was conversing familiarly on scientific subjects
with De Lopez, he could with difficulty believe
102 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
that he was, indeed, sitting at table with the
powerful monarch who had kept prisoner the
valorous Francis I. of France for more than a
twelvemonth in Spain, whose alliance Henry VIII.
of England had courted, and whose power and
influence Pope Leo X. had dreaded.
The emperor had engaged Turriano, one of the
most ingenious artists of the day, to accompany
him in his retreat; and they had together con-
structed many curious works of mechanism, a
science of which Charles had always been re-
markably fond. On retiring into the adjoining
apartment after dinner, Antonio perceived several
of the mechanical contrivances on a side-table ;
and the emperor observing the direction of the
boy’s eyes, kindly undertook to show them to him.
There were watches and clocks, and several clever
works of art; but what pleased Antonio most,
was a little figure about six inches in height, who
nodded his head, and waved his hands, and stamped
his little foot, as if he were speaking with great
earnestness to some one, “ Ah, that is a curious
little Don,†said Charles ; “ you shall see some of
_ his companions, Antonio.†So saying, he put in
motion a number of puppets, which by the action
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS, 103
of internal springs, performed various singular
feats to the great delight and surprise of the little
Spaniard. Some rode on horseback round the
table; others marched to the sound of music; one
beat a drum; and another ran up a ladder. Their
gestures were so amusing that Antonio could not
help laughing heartily.
“It is well for you to laugh, my boy,†said
Charles, as he set another puppet in motion;
“the good monks were not so inclined, were they,
Turriano? They were so astonished and amazed
at the actions and gestures of these little people,
De Lopez, that I do not know what opinion they
formed of us. They thought us magicians, at
least ; eh, Turriano ?â€
‘6 If your Majesty had not condescended to ex-
plain the matter,†replied the artist, ‘“ methinks
they would never have ventured into this apart-
ment again.â€
‘‘Your son has been better instructed, De
Lopez,†observed Charles. ‘ By the bye, we
forgot to recompense you for your labour the
other morning, my boy; which of these puppets
will please you most ?â€
‘Oh, your Majesty, I desire no recompense,â€
104 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
said Antonio, promptly, but with modesty ; “ I was
too much honoured in assisting your majesty.â€
“Well, you must take something, then, in re-
membrance of St, Justus,†said Charles, good-
naturedly ; “ now, which shall it be 2â€
“Since your majesty so kindly desires it,†replied
Antonio, blushing; ‘‘that soldier on horseback,
with his sword drawn, pleases me most.â€
“* Ah, a soldier still!†said the emperor. ‘‘ Take
it, Antonio; and when you look on it in future
years, remember that Charles the Fifth felt more
true happiness while he was in the monastery of
St. Justus, than when he was the first prince in
Europe. You imagined he would be dull in his
retirement; but it is not so. Nothing would
tempt him back to the cares of royalty.â€
The remainder of the evening was passed in
agreeable conversation; and De Lopez and his
son returned home equally gratified by the em-
peror’s kind reception of them.
Antonio, as you may suppose, had much to
think of, and to talk about. ‘ Papa,†said he, as
they slowly walked through the valley, perfumed
With the scent of the orange and lemon-trees,
THE MONASTERY OF 8T. JUSTUS. - 105
“the emperor appears to be greatly interested in
the formation of clocks and watches. What did
he say to you about making them ?â€
‘He said that he had never been able to make
two which would go exactly alike; and he added,
‘alas! that I should have spent so much time in
endeavouring to make men think alike on the pro-
found doctrines of religion !’â€
“Is he religious, papa ?â€
- “ He always reserves a considerable portion of
his time for religious exercises, and regularly
attends divine service in the chapel every morning
and evening. He also takes great pleasure in
reading books of devotion, particularly the works
of St. Augustine; and he converses much with
his confessor, and Father Ambrose, upon religious
subjects.â€
‘I thought him rather stern when first I saw
him,†observed Antonio; “but he is very kind now.â€
“Charles has not that bewitching affability
which won for his great rival, Francis, the hearts
of all who approached him; but he is no stranger
to the virtues which secure fidelity and attachment.â€
“He is a great man, papa! How is it that he
became so powerful ?â€
106 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
** Ambition has been his ruling passion, His
character is cautious and considerate, He never
did things in a hurry, or from the impulse of the
moment; but he gave his most serious attention
to a subject, and thought it well over in all its
points, before he decided on the plan to be pursued.
When once his mind was made up, however,—
when once his decision was taken—that decision
was firm and unalterable. But to obtain power, I
regret to say, he has sometimes had recourse to
artifice and deceit.â€
“Oh! I am sorry for that,†said Antonio; “I
hate deceit.â€
‘Yes, my son; it is better to be a poor man
with integrity, than the most powerful monarch
with a deceitful heart.â€
Many ‘months passed away. Antonio, after a
stay of a few weeks with his father, had returned
to his studies at Salamanca. He had more than
once been permitted to assist the emperer in
his garden, and had received from him a kind
and gracious farewell when he paid his parting
respects, He now returned home for the second
time.
THE MONASTERY OF 8ST. JUSTUS, 107
‘Well, papa,†said Antonio, after the first salu-
tations were over, and they strolled along the ter-
race together, “‘ have you seen the emperor Charles
lately? Howis he? I have heard scarcely any-
thing about him all the time I have been away.â€
** Alas! I have a sad account for you, my boy,â€
replied De Lopez, with a sigh. ‘ The emperor is
very ill, I fear,—I have not seen him for a long
time. About six months ago the gout, to which
he has long been subject, returned with some vio-
lence ; and ever since he has been quite different
from what he was.â€
** How, dear papa?â€
‘* His mind seems to be affected, as well as his
body. From pain and weakness, he has not for a
long time been in the garden, of which he was so
fond, nor has he a relish for amusements of any
kind ; a timid superstition depresses his spirit. He
desires no other society than the monks, and is
almost continually employed with them in chanting
hymns. In his manner of living, he endeavours to
conform to all the rigour of monastic austerity.
Scarcely any traces can be discerned of that sound
and masculine understanding, which distinguished
Charles the Fifth above most men. The penances
108 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
he performs are extremely severe; but even with
these he is not satisfied. You will be surprised to
hear, Antonio, that to-morrow he intends to cele-
brate his own obsequies !â€
‘Oh, papa! what do you say ?â€
“ His tomb is now erected in the chapel of the
monastery, and to-morrow he purposes to attend
his own funeral!â€
It was even so. Charles, not satisfied with the
various and severe acts of mortification which he
performed, in accordance with the precepts of the
Romish Church, and feeling that something still
was necessary to procure his peace with God, de-
termined on this extraordinary act, hoping thus to
merit the favour of Heaven. Alas! that he had
not learnt from the Holy Scriptures that there is
but one way in which a sinner can be reconciled
to God. Alas! that he knew not that no penances,
—no mortifications,—no acts of self-denial,—no
works of righteousness—could procure him the
pardon of one single sin. Well would it have
been for him, if, instead of publishing an edict
against Martin Luther,—when he pointed to Jesus
Christ as the only Saviour,—he had embraced the
‘opinions of that bold champion of the truth!
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 109
The morrow came; and De Lopez and his son,
stationed in the chapel, witnessed, with painful
emotion, the extraordinary scene. It was in the
evening. The Emperor’s twelve servants entered
as in funeral procession, with black lighted tapers
in theirhands. They looked sorrowful and anxious;
for Charles had been a good master to them, and
a fear was on their hearts that they were about to
lose him. Then came the monks, slowly pacing,
two and two. Charles followed in his shroud.
Antonio wept at the sight, and crept closer to his
father. The Emperor was then with much solem-
nity laid in his coffin; and the service for the dead
was chanted by the monks. Charles joined in the
prayers which were offered up for the rest of his
soul, mingling his tears with those which his atten-
dants shed, as if they had been celebrating a real
funeral. The ceremony closed with sprinkling
holy-water on the coffin, in the usual form. Then
all retired, and the chapel doors were shut.
After a little time Charles rose out. of his coffin,
and withdrew to his apartment, full of those awful
sentiments which such a singular solemnity was
calculated to inspire.
But the fatigue and excitement he had under
110 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
gone proved too much for him in his weak state
of health, When Antonio went down to the
monastery the next day, he was grieved to hear
that he had been attacked with fever. “I fear
sir, you will see him no more,†said the old do-
mestic, with tears in his eyes, “ he is very ill ; but
what could we expect after yesterday? I little
thought ever to see my beloved master take such
awful fancies into his head! But I always said
something would happen when he came to live at
St. Justus; it was such a strange thing to do!
Not but that he was better here, and more cheer-
ful; but to think of giving up so much! Oh sir!
if you had seen him, as I have seen him, when
princes and nobles were proud to wait on him, and
he so calm and king-like! And if you had seen
his deep exultation, when his couriers galloped
into the town, and told him he was elected Em-
peror! you would not have thought then he would
ever weary of the Imperial crown. But so it
is! people strive for honours, and power, and riches;
and when they attain them are disappointed ! â€
Antonio turned to look at the garden, in which
he had first seen the Emperor Charles. The old
‘servant begged him to walk round it; and his heart
THE MONASTERY OF ST. JUSTUS. 111
felt very sad when he saw the neglect which reigned
there. The plants which Charles so carefully
tended were, many of them, dead; the creepers
which he had trained, were tossing in the breeze ;
and the whole place seemed to mourn the absence
of its master. The little boy tied up the straggling
plants, and watered the thirsty ones; and then
walked thoughtfully home. He never entered the
garden again!
In a few days Charles the Fifth breathed his
last. His life affords us a striking lesson on the
inability of riches, honours, greatness, or glory, to
give us true happiness. It teaches us that religion
alone can support us in the hour of death; and
that at that solemn time we must lean on the Rock,
Christ Jesus, and on Him alone, if we would
find peace.
No. IV.
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH
COUNT:
—>—
Ir was a day of mourning in Valladolid. Sad
and anxious were the countenances of the citizens,
and gloomy and deserted were the streets; for by
order of the King of Spain, many Protestants were
about to be led to the stake and burnt on account
of their religion. Several had already suffered this
dreadful death, because they were firm in their at-
tachment to the reformed faith ; and now the king
said that those who were in the prisons must be
brought forth, and he would go and see them die!
So he went—the cruel Philip Il.—with great
"pomp, accompanied by his son, his sister, his
courtiers, and guards, and sat within sight of the
P. 164,
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 113
unhappy victims. A sermon was first preached,
after which the king rose from his seat, and,
drawing his sword, exclaimed, “ With this I
will defend the Catholic faith; and 1 swear to
support the Inquisition and its ministers against
all heretics and apostafes, and to compel my
subjects every where to yield obedience to its
degrees.â€
As King Philip spoke thus, his look was stern,
cold, and severe; and he appeared to think he was
doing a good and praiseworthy deed, in thus put-
ting to a cruel death his unoffending subjects.
“« Your majesty acts wisely,†observed the king’s
sister in a low voice; “fire and sword will best
exterminate this heresy. I fear it has spread far
and wide.â€
“Tt shall not spread in Spain,†answered the
gloomy monarch. ‘“ This country shall not be a
second England, at least while I live.â€
“T trust not,†replied the princess; “ and yet
Queen Mary did her utmost to put down heresy.â€
“She did not do half what she ought to have
done. Had she listened to my advice, the state of
England would not be what it is.â€
“I always understood that your royal consort
114 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
was devoted to your majesty’s will,†said the
princess.
“‘Enough of her!†replied the king, sternly.
‘Had Philip of Spain been Philip of England,
those islanders would not have resisted his will
with impunity. They should have felt the hand
that ruled them—and shrunk under it. The par-
liament of England must have a will of its own,
forsooth ! When Queen Mary required that her
lawful husband should be crowned king, and the
government committed into his hands, this parlia-
ment refused her request! Is that reigning! But
those English heretics shall yet feel my power, and
rue the day !â€
‘Your majesty could doubtless add England to
your dominions, if it so pleased you,†observed the
princess. ,
“The time is not come yet,†replied Philip.
‘As to the addition England would make to my
dominions, of what account would it be 2†con-
tinued he, haughtily. “Are they not already as
extensive as monarch could wish? Do not Spain,
Naples, Sicily, Milan, and the rich provinces of
the Low Countries, own me as their master ?
Have I not possessions both in Africa and Asia ?
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH couNT. 115
The Spice Islands are mine ; and mine also are the
golden islands of Hispaniola and Cuba. Are not
the exhaustless riches of Peru, Mexico, and Chili
poured into my treasury? I may say, as no other
king could ever say before me—the sun never sets
on my dominions. My fleet is the largest in
Europe; my army is the best disciplined, and the
most accustomed to war and victory. -But I am
not satisfied—TI will yet make England tremble !â€
“As the husband of the late Queen Mary,
your majesty has, undoubtedly, a claim to the
crown of England,†observed the princess, anxious
to say something to please her brother,
Philip's brow contracted. “She would never
have been my wife, but for that,†he replied. “I
loved her not, and I love not her land. I hate the
English, I hate their customs, I hate their religion,
and one day they shall know it. But see, the
heretics approach.â€
The unhappy victims of Philip’s cruel bigotry,
followed by the executioners, now passed close to
the royal party. Most of them appeared to be
engaged in prayer and meditation; their eyes were
cast down, their lips slightly moved, and their
countenances expressed meekness and resignation.
116 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
But one, a nobleman named Don Carlos de Sessa,
seemed quite overcome by the anticipation of the
dreadful death he was about to suffer. As he
passed his sovereign, he appealed to him for mercy. |
“Save us, O king,†he said, “ from this terrible,
this undeserved death !â€
‘ Perish thou, and all like thee!†replied Philip,
sternly. ‘I would myself carry firewood to burn
my own son, were he such as thou!â€
And the monarch beheld the horrid spectacle
that ensued with a composure and indifference
that manifested the most unfeeling heart.
Philip II. of Spain was, indeed, cruel, gloomy,
illiberal, and superstitious. He considered the
‘“‘ heretics,†as he termed those who had embraced
the Protestant, or Reformed faith, as the most
odious of criminals; and by the harshest mea-
sures, he endeavoured to prevent the spread of
their religion. But, notwithstanding all his
cruelties, the pure doctrines of the Reformation
found their way into Spain; and many of all
ranks, including priests and nuns, became Pro-
testants.
Tn a house in one of the best streets of Vallado-
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 117
lid there sat, at the close of this sad day, a little
boy, who was weeping bitterly. ‘“ My father!
my dear father!†he exclaimed from time to time,
in accents which might have melted the hardest
heart; ‘“ Oh that cruel, cruel king! how could heâ€
look on the dreadful sight !â€
** Alonzo, my dear boy,†said his uncle in an
agitated voice, “be calm, I entreat you. Remem-
ber, your dear father is out of the power of his
persecutors; he will never suffer sorrow more.
For my sake, be calm. Our enemies are all
around us. If other ears than mine hear you thus
speak of the king, it would be bad for us both.
We are already watched and suspected. Oh, my
boy ! remember the Inquisition.â€
‘*T will not bring peril on your head, my dear
uncle,†said the poor boy, raising his heavy eyes ;
“but oh! let us leave this wretched place; I shall
never be happy more !â€
“IT have been thinking much of doing so,†said
De Velez; “ the terrible event of to-day shows
me that the king has no mercy for those of our
faith, however loyal we may be. Yes, I fear we
must leave Spain,†continued the old man, with a
deep sigh. ‘I had hoped to have ended my days
118 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
here; but God’s will be done! I have only you,
Alonzo, now left to me; and grieved, indeed,
should I be, if, by remaining here, a hair of your
head were injured, or—what would be still worse—
“you were induced to forsake the faith for which
your father died.â€
“That I would never do!†said Alonzo, firmly.
“¢ The Reformed faith is dearer to me than ever,
and all King Philip’s cruelties should not make
me forsake it.â€
«Hush, my dear boy, ‘ Let: him that thinketh
he standeth, take heed lest he fall.’ But here we
are not safe. Hard it will be to leave my native
land, the town where for so many years I have
carried on my trade ;—and the graves of my wife
and children. But it must be so.â€
** And whither can we go, dear uncle 2â€
“T have thought of the Low Countries,†replied
De Velez. ‘The provinces there are flourishing
and peaceable, under the mild government of the
Regent, the Duchess of Parma.â€
*“ But they belong to King Philip?â€
“They do. Still, they enjoy far more freedom
than we do in Spain; and there are many of our
faith in the land.â€
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 119
“Ts the terrible Inquisition there?†asked
Alonzo.
“No, my child; it is not established there ;
neither do I think that free people would submit
to it.â€
“‘ And does King Philip often go there ?â€
“Very seldom. He is not partial to his domi-
nions there. In this respect he much differs from
his illustrious father, Charles V., who had a great
affection for the Low Countries. Philip likes
Spain; will learn no language but Spanish; and
when in the Netherlands, he was almost inaccessible
to all but the Spanish nobles. He wore the
Spanish dress; was distant, haughty, and severe
in his demeanour; and refused to conform in
anything to the manners and customs of the
people.â€
“They do not much like him then, I should
think ?â€
“6 No; they are loyal and obedient; but they
contrast him unfavourably with his father. For
Charles they entertain a grateful recollection ;
he treated them with kindness, and loved the
people and their customs. Ghent was his native
place.â€
120 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘‘T am sure they can neither love nor esteem the
character of King Philip,†observed Alonzo. ‘‘And
you say there are many of the Reformed religion
in the Netherlands, dear uncle ?â€
“There are. The doctrines of our faith have
spread into every corner of the land, chiefly by
means of the English, French, and German Pro-
testants, who have fied thither from the persecu-
tions which were carried on against them in their
native countries.â€
“Oh, uncle, let us flee thither also!†said
Alonzo. ‘ But the Queen of England, who per-
secuted her Protestant subjects, is dead, is she not?
Our king did not stay long in England, and yet I
have heard that it is a fair and lovely island. How
was that uncle ?â€
** He and Queen Mary were not happy together.
She was rigid, severe, and disagreeable in her
temper: he was imperious and morose, and treated
her with indifference. In one thing they agreed ,
and that was, in a determination to put down the
Reformed faith.â€
“‘ Did the English like Philip 2?â€
-* Not at all. He studied to dazzle their eyes
by the pomp and splendour of his public appear-
. KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 121
ances; but his natural reserve and haughtiness ap-
peared in all his demeanour. On no occasion
would he comply with the manners of the English.
He suffered the chief nobility to remain in his
presence, without taking the slightest notice of
them; and allowed no one to approach him who
had not previously obtained permission to do so.
That brave people never liked the marriage; and
when they saw King Philip they liked it still less.
They would not allow him to have the least share
in the government of the country, and that made
him very angry.â€
‘*But he persuaded them to go to war with
France ?â€
“‘He persuaded the queen to do so; but her
subjects were very averse to it. So, indeed, was
Mary herself at first; but Philip having declared,
‘If I am not gratified in my request, I will
leave England, and never more return’—she
reluctantly consented to embark in the war. She
was very fond of Philip, and would refuse
nothing he asked. It was well for England that
it had a Parliament; otherwise, with so weak
and bigoted a sovereign, the consequences would
have been terrible. The government of Eng-
122 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY,
land is worthy of being an example to other
nations.â€
“Queen Mary must have repented going to war,
when the French took Calais.â€
** She was deeply grieved. That important town
had been in the possession of the English for more
than two hundred years, and the loss of it was the
cause of so much mortification to the queen, that
she declared with tears, ‘ When I die, the name of
Calais will be found written on my heart!â€
“And did King Philip gain any battle over the
French ?†asked Alonzo.
“Yes, the battle of St. Quentin, in which the
gallant Count Egmont contributed greatly to the
victory. After the battle, Philip received him and
the Duke of Savey in the most gracious manner,
and expressed his gratitude for the important ser-
vices they had rendered him, with a degree of sen-
sibility and joy, which he is seldom accustomed to
show.â€
«© Ah! I know he seldom or never smiles,†said
Alonzo. “Did he not make some vow after that
victory ?â€
“He did. It was on the anniversary of St.
Lawrence's day that the battle was fought; and
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 123
Philip vowed to consecrate to that saint a monas-
tery, a church, a palace, and a college. This
edifice he is now erecting at an enormous expense,
near Madrid.. It is in the form of a gridiron, as it
is said St. Lawrence was burnt on that instrument
of torture.â€
“Uncle, I have heard you speak of Count
Egmont before ; who is he ?â€
“He is a kind-hearted and excellent Flemish
noble, governor of Artois and Flanders, and in
favour with the king. 1 know somewhat of him,
and am persuaded that he will give us a kind re-
ception in the Low Countries, though he is of the
Romish persuasion.â€
* Ah! let us speedily set forth,†said Alonzo;
‘‘ when can we go, my dear uncle ?â€
‘“As soon as I have made some necessary ar-
rangements, my child,†replied De Velez, kindly.
“TI must dispose of my business first; and as we
shall go by sea, I must make preparations for the
voyage. All must be done with the greatest
secresy ; and, Alonzo, especially preserve from all
eyes that most precious gift of your dear father’s
~—the portion of St. John’s gospel.â€
“I will preserve it with my life,†said the boy.
124 SHORT STORIES FRUM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
The extraordinary edifice built by King Philip
IJ. was named the Escurial. Spain prides herself
on it. It contains no less than four thousand
windows, and eighty staircases. King Philip made
Madrid the capital of Spain. The seat of govern-
ment had formerly been at Toledo.
In the course of a few weeks De Velez and his
nephew left Spain, and, after a tedious voyage,
arrived in the Low Countries, when they pro-
ceeded at once to the castle of the Count Egmont.
This nobleman, descended from the Dukes of
Guelderland, invested with the government of
Artois and Flanders, had highly distinguished him-
self in the wars of Charles V., who had, as a mark
of his esteem and favour, conferred upon him the
Order of the Golden Fleece. The Flemings were
justly proud of their countryman, whose fame had
spread throughout Europe. Whilst he had on all
occasions acquitted himself with the highest honour
when on his military expeditions, he had at the
same time rendered himself universally beloved.
The affection of the Flemings for him and his
family was very great, and they saw with delight
the prospect of this illustrious family being per-
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 125
petuated amongst them. Though of the Roman
Catholic persuasion, Count Egmont respected his
Protestant countrymen, and was ever ready to
defend them from oppression and cruelty.
‘What rich and fertile plains are these!†ex-
claimed De Velez, as, on their way to the residence
of Count Egmont, he surveyed with delight the
well cultivated country spread out before them.
‘“ Here, at least, are peace and prosperity, Alonzo.’
“It seems so, uncle,†replied the boy; “and
here, I hope, we may worship God without fear.
I only wish we had left Spain long ago!â€
A stout Fleming, who was passing, heard this
observation, and turned hastily to look at the
strangers. ‘‘ Pardon me,†he said; “ but I un-
derstand your language, having learnt it in my
youth; may I ask how you would worship God,
my boy?â€
‘“‘ According to the precepts of the Bible,†an-
swered Alonzo without hesitation.
‘“* The Bible !†exclaimed the Fleming; “then,
though from Spain, you are of the reformed
faith ?â€
Before De Velez could interpose, the boy had
answered, “ Yes; I am a Protestant.â€
126 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“You are a bold one,†replied the stranger,
grasping his hand; “ take my counsel, child; if you
would preserve yout religion, be more cautious in
avowing it. All are not Protestants here.†_
De Velez looked alarmed, but the Fleming
continued, ‘‘ Fear not me, friend; I am one, like
yourselves. But it might have happened other-
wise; the boy must be more wary of his words.â€
‘Ts not this, then, a land of liberty?†inquired
Alonzo, in surprise.
“It was,†said the Fleming with a sigh. “Have
you come here, my friends, from choice, or from
necessity 2â€
‘“‘ We were forced to flee from fear,†replied De
Velez. ‘ This boy’s father perished at the stake
for his religion.â€
“ Alas, alas! is it so!†sighed the kind-hearted
Fleming, laying his hand on Alonzo's clustering
curls; “God protect thee, my poor orphan! When,
when, will these cruel persecutions cease?â€
“You have them not here—in this land ?†asked
De Velez. ‘‘ Here we shall rest in peace ?â€
‘“‘ Know you not, then, that even here it is dan-
gerous to avow yourself a Protestant ?—that King
Philip, determined, if possible, to extirpate our
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 127
religion, has declared that whoever shelters a heretic
shall be put to death?—that whoever shall be
convicted of having taught the dectrines of our
faith, or of having heen present at one of our
religious meetings, shall, if they are men, be slain;
and if women, buried alive? Have you not heard
of this ?â€
“‘ Alas, no! I imagined here we should find
protection and peace.â€
‘* Peace! we are in constant alarm and appre-
hension. We are in much fear now that the
arbitrary and terrible Inquisition is about to be
established in our free country.â€
De Velez groaned at the sound of the dreaded
name; while Alonzo exclaimed, ‘“ Oh say not so!
it is not here, as in Spain; you have laws and
privileges of your own.â€
‘“‘ We have; and many grievances also. Always
have we esteemed it one of our most valued privi-
leges, that, according to our ancient laws, no
foreign troops could be brought into the Nether-
lands ; but now, in a time of peace, the provinces
are filled with Spanish soldiers. Their insolence,
too, is intolerable! In the province of Zealand
their conduct has been such, that the people refuse
128 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
to work at the dykes, saying that they choose
rather to be swallowed up by the ocean than
remain a prey to the avarice and cruelty of the
Spanish troops. We Flemings are an industrious,
peaceable people, loyal to our king, and submissive
to the laws; but we cannot bear oppression, and
have not been accustomed to it.â€
‘“‘ How, then, have you been governed 2?†asked
Alonzo. ,
‘* We were governed by our own princes till we
came under the power of Burgundy. By the
marriage of Mary of Burgundy with Maximilian,
the sovereignty of these provinces passed into the
family of Austria; and you are aware that Maxi-
milian left his dominions to his grandson, Charles Y.
Under our Burgundian princes trade and commerce
flourished in the Netherlands more than in any
other state of Europe. No city, except Venice,
possessed such a commerce as Antwerp. Bruges
was little inferior. Arras was famed for its ta-
pestry; and in the city of Ghent were many
thousand artificers employed in the woollen manu-
facture. But now, see the effects of oppression !
Our merchants and manufacturers are seeking
refuge in other lands, enriching them, and impo-
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 129
verishing us. The edicts against the Protestants
are so severe, that governors and magistrates are
not inclined to execute them;— they say they
cannot, without laying the country waste, and
forcing many of its industrious inhabitants into
exile.â€
‘And you are all in alarm ?â€
‘We are; yet the number of Protestants daily
increases, and the. country abounds with books
written against .popish rites and doctrines. . The
pure light of God’s word is beginning to shine
upon us; and, despite all that is done to put it
out, it will shine brighter and brighter, till it
illuminates the whole world.â€
** God grant it!†fervently ejaculated De Velez ; ;
‘*and may we have faith and patience !â€
‘* Does no one remonstrate with King Philip 2â€
asked Alonzo ; ‘* does no one represent to him the
sad state of the Low Countries ?’
‘He knows it well. Our two most able and
popular nobles have entreated him to withdraw his
troops from the Netherlands, showing him that
their stay here not only serves to excite discontent,
but is against the ancient laws of our land. But
he turns a deaf ear to their words.†;
K
130 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“ And who are these patriotic noblemen 2†asked
De Velez.
“William, Prince of Orange, and the excellent
Count Egmont.â€
“Count Egmont! it is to his castle we are now
going.â€
“Then are you going to a true friend to the
Flemings,—a nobleman beloved throughout the
length and breadth of the land. The king offered
him the command of the Spanish troops here ; but
he declined it, saying, that ‘he considered their
continuance in the Low Countries as both impolitic
and unjust.’ He is true as steel ;—loyal to his
king, and faithful to his country.â€
“ He is not of our faith, is he 2†asked Alonzo.
“He is not; but we all love him. He feels
much for the persecuted Protestants here, and has
prayed King Philip to repeal the severe edicts
against us; but the king’s stern reply was—‘ Never!
I would rather be no king at all, than have heretics
for my subjects.â€
“Then there is little hope from him?†said
Alonzo.
“I fear not; but let us not despair. And here
our roads separate. Should anything bring you,
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 131
my friends, to the city of Ghent, and you will
inquire for Hans Haflig, be assured of a hearty
welcome,—despite the edicts. Farewell.â€
On a rustic seat, in a picturesque part of the
wide domain which surrounded the castle of Eg-
mont, sat the count and his little daughter Blanche.
His countenance was thoughtful—almost sad ; and
for some time he heeded not the prattlings of his
child, as she employed herself in forming a nosegay
for her mamma. At length she said, “ Papa, I
should like to learn Spanish; I wanted much to
know what that Spanish boy said, who was here
this morning. I thought he looked so sorrowful,
that I gave him some flowers from my own garden;
but when he thanked me for them I could not
understand a word he said. I saw the tears come
into his eyes more than once while you were talk-
ing to his uncle; what made him so sad, dear
papa 2â€
* That poor boy has lost his father, Blanche, and
by a terrible death; no wonder he is sorrowful.â€
** And why do they come here, papa?â€
“They have been forced to leave Spain, having
met with many troubles,†replied the count.
132 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“T am verysorry for them,†said Blanche. “Oh!
what shouldI doif I lost my papa! Poor Alonzo!
Can you do anything to make him happier ?â€
*T will do all I can, my child; but, alas! that
is not much. I owe De Velez a debt of gratitude
for services he rendered me in Spain; and most
desirous am I to promote his welfare.â€
‘* How is it you cannot do much for them, dear
papa?†said Blanche; “ you, who are so kind and
good to every one ?â€
“T will forward their interests as far as | am
able, my child. De Velez and his nephew are
going to reside in Ghent.†Blanche looked puz-
zled. ‘I suppose you are thinking papa is un- |
grateful to these Spaniards,†continued the count,
smiling at the inquiring gaze of her blue eyes;
“but it isnot so. Ihave done all I dared to do
for them:—De Velez and his nephew are he-
retics.â€
“ Oh, I am sorry for that !†exclaimed the little
girl. ‘But there are a great many heretics; I
wish you might be kind to just these two, and
protect them. It is so sad to be an orphan!â€
“T truly wish I could protect them, Blanche,
but I should fail in my duty to the king were I to
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 133
do more than I have done. The edicts against the
heretics are very severe.â€
_ “ Ah! [know the king says they must be treated
cruelly; but I do not like to hear of it. You are
not inclined to persecute them, dear papa?â€
‘Far from it, my child; I dislike persecution
in any shape. It grieves me to witness the suffer-
ings of my countrymen; and] am more than ever
convinced that it is not by fire and sword, but
by gentle measures, that this heresy must be
put down. Notwithstanding the rigorous means
adopted, the number of Protestants daily increases;
and many of our nobles and magistrates have im-
bibed the new opinions.â€
‘But, perhaps, the king does not know all this,
papa,†said Blanche; “why do not you or the
Prince of Orange ask him to allow his subjects to
live in peace, and worship God in their own way.
as long as they are loyal and obedient to the laws?â€
“We have done so, my little girl,†replied the
count, fondly stroking the fair hair of his favourite
child. ‘ As the king’s counsellors, the Prince of
Orange, Count Horn, and I, have written to his
majesty, for it is our duty to inform him of what-
ever appears to be of consequence to the welfare
134 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
of his dominions. We have represented to him
the disturbed state of the country and the suffer-
ings of his industrious and loyal subjects, the
spread of heresy, in spite of the persecutions, and
the ruin of our commerce; and we have entreated
him to withdraw the edicts. But especially have
we prayed him to consider the consequences of
establishing the Inquisition in our land.â€
“Oh, I have heard of the dreadful Inquisition !
Nurse says that if it were established here it would
be enough to cause an insurrection. It makes me
tremble to think of it.â€
“¢ And well it may, Blanche. The Spanish In-
quisition is a cruel tribunal, and totally unfitted for
a free nation like ours, or for any other.â€
“ And what did the king reply to your letter,
papa ?â€
‘‘ Letters seemed to have so little effect, that the
Regent judges it expedient to send some one to
inform King Philip of the state of affairs here.
She has appointed me as her ambassador, and in
a few days I shall set out for Madrid.â€
“Shall you, dear papa? It is a long journey;
how we shall all miss you! I wish you would not
go.â€
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 135
‘* But, Blanche, if I can do some good by
speaking to the king, you will not wish that?â€
**Oh, I should rejoice if the king would say
that every one might live in peace, and that there
should be no more of these terrible persecutions!
And then De Velez and poor Alonzo might be
happy again. Papa, why does not King Philip
come and live in the Netherlands, as the Emperor
Charles used to do?â€
“Ah! my child,†replied Count Egmont, “our
emperor loved us and our land, spoke our language,
and conformed to our customs. In his Flemish
troops he placed the greatest confidence, and he
treated the people on all occasions with the most
courteous familiarity. The Flemings gratefully
felt his kindness, assisted him liberally in defray-
ing the expenses of his continual wars, and at all
times showed the warmest attachment to his
person. It is not so with King Philip.â€
“ Now then, papa, I will run and tell my sisters
and nurse that there may be a hope of every one
being happy again; for of course the king will
listen to you, when it is for his own good, and
the good of his people too. Only I hope you will
soon come back to us.â€
136 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
And away ran little Blanche.
William, Prince of Orange, Count Egmont’s
friend, was a popular nobleman, and had been held
in high esteem by the late emperor. Charles had
early discovered in him those extraordinary talents
which rendered him afterwards one of the most
illustrious persons of the age. When only twenty-
two years of age, the emperor had appointed him
commander-in-chief of his armies, in the absence
of the Duke of Savoy; and it was on his shoulder
he leaned on the memorable day in which he
resigned his dominions to Philip, though the
Prince had not then attained his twenty-third year.
The uncommon degree of attachment shown him
by the father, was the real cause of the coldness
with which he was treated by the son; for Philip
disliked the Prince of Orange, and longed to bring
down his independent spirit. But the spirit and
courage of the prince were not easily subdued.
King Philip received Count Egmont in Madrid,
and treated him during his stay there with every
testimony of regard. In answer to the repre-
sentations laid before him of the state of affairs
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 137
in the Low Countries, Philip expressed himself
with so much softness in speaking of the edicts,
and uttered so many strong professions of affection
for his subjects in the Netherlands, that the count,
who was in the highest degree candid and sincere
himself, was induced to believe that the king did
in reality intend to alter his measures of govern-
ment. Highly satisfied with the result of his
journey to Spain, Count Egmont returned home
to extol the goodness of the king and the love
which he bore his Flemish subjects,
But the Prince of Orange was not so easily
deceived. ‘You have been imposed upon by
Spanish artifice,†said he to the count. “King
Philip has no love to the people of this country,
and will not relax in his severity towards them.â€
The family of Count Egmont, kowever, and the
Flemings generally, rejoiced in what they deemed
the success of his Spanish mission. Artless and
undesigning themselves, they suspected not deceit
in others.
One day, not long after the count’s return home,
the countess entered the room where her husband
138 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
sat, In some agitation. ‘ Ah, my dear lord,†she
exclaimed, “I see by your countenance that
what I have now heard is but too true! The
edicts are to be renewed, and you have been
deceived !â€
“JT have been deceived—miserably deceived,
Sabina,†replied the count, with bitterness. ‘“‘ The
king could have no other design in the studied
kindness he showed me, than to expose me to the
contempt and hatred of my fellow-countrymen.
How can they trust me again?â€
“Contempt! hatred!†replied the countess;
“oh, never will your dear and honoured name be
otherwise than loved and revered in Flanders. It
is the king we cannot trust.â€
“Sabina,†said Count Egmont, “he made me,
as you know, a present of 50,000 florins on my
leaving Madrid, and, moreover, he promised to
dispose of some of our dear children in marriages
suitable to their father’s rank. I spoke of these
marks of favour merely to show the kindly feeling
of the king towards us. I spoke of the gracious
reception I met with; I believed it sincere ;—and
now the persecutions are renewed! What must
my countrymen think, but that I was bribed to
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 139
deceive them? that I allowed myself to be deceived
for courtly favour ?â€
‘* They could never—they would never harbour
such a thought of Count Egmont,†replied the
countess, somewhat proudly. “Did not the Regent,
did not all the counsellors, save the Prince of
Orange, believe, with you, that the king was
inclined to be lenient ?â€
“They did; and the Regent, ever desirous to
gratify the court of Spain, with joy gave orders
that milder measures should be employed to put
down heresy, that schools for the instruction of
youth should be established in every province,
that the lives of our clergy should be reformed,
and that those severities which have been found
insufficient to stop the spread of the new doc-
trines should be done away with. Writing to
inform the king of these measures, she was
greatly surprised to find that he was extremely
dissatisfied and angry at their adoption; and he
tells her that ‘no service she can perform will
be so acceptable to him as the total extinction
of heresy in the Netherlands by any means.’ In
consequence, the cruel edicts have again gone
forth.â€
140 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN. HISTORY.
‘But you are blameless of this, my dear hus-
band; and the Flemings know it. Your character
stands too high to be for an instant doubted. I
have even now been speaking to some. They say
the people are astonished, indignant, and disap-
pointed, at the renewal of the edicts; but the
name of Count Egmont is honoured and loved, as
it ever has been. They are persuaded your noble,
unsuspicious nature was deceived; but they only
detest the more the duplicity and artifice of Philip
and his ministers.â€
‘You see, my love, it is not alone those who
have embraced these new doctrines who suffer, but
their relations and friends suffer with them. A
tender mother sees her only son put to a cruel
death as a heretic. A husband finds his wife
reading some heretical book, and if he does not
denounce her, he is in danger of his life. Oh,
Sabina, this is a sad state of things!â€
“It is indeed!†said the countess, ‘* What is
the opinion of the Prince of Orange ?â€
‘He has written to the Regent, to declare that
it is impossible to execute the edicts without
involving the country in a civil war. He thinks,
with me, that it will be greatly to the prejudice of
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 14]
the king, as well as of the country, to lay such a
heavy yoke upon a free people.â€
‘© I do not wonder that both you and the prince
are dissatisfied with the present measures of
government,†said the countess. ‘ As members of
a free state, and as those who have sworn to
maintain the fundamental laws of the constitution,
you must feel aggrieved ; but I know you too well,
my dear lord, to suppose that you would express
your dissatisfaction in any way unbecoming a
faithful subject.â€
‘‘T trust not,†replied the count. “ It is indeed
my sincere desire to avoid incurring the king’s
displeasure. I have ever endeavoured to serve
him faithfully, and one proof of my fidelity has
been to remonstrate with him on the present
measures—measures so distasteful to the people,
that if they are persisted in I shall greatly fear the
consequences. The Regent is in much perplexity ;
for, herself inclined to gentle means, she knows it
is her duty to obey the king. Yesterday she
asked me to take command of some forces which
are ordered out to compel obedience to the
edicts.â€
‘© And what was your reply ?â€
142 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“I told her that I could not fight with honour
in defence of the Inquisition.â€
‘“‘T knew it!†said the countess; ‘I knew well
that Count Egmont would never turn his loyal
sword against his unoffending countrymen.â€
A short time after this conversation the fidelity
cf Count Egmont to his king was fully proved.
The reformers, roused by fear of the Inquisition,
appeared at their places of worship in arms, and
even proceeded to acts of open violence. They
committed outrages, despoiled churches, and broke
into the great cathedral of Antwerp, overturning
the altars, and destroying all the images of the
saints. The Regent, alarmed at the tumults, pre-
pared to leave Brussels for Mons; but the Prince
of Orange, and the Counts Egmont and Horn,
entreated her to remain. “ Let it not be said that
your highness had cause for fear where we have
influence or command,†said they; “we pledge
our lives and fortunes for your safety; and our
utmost power shall be exerted to put down these
disturbances.â€
After some persuasion, the Regent consented to
remain; and, true to their word, the three nobles
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 143
spared no pains to discover and punish the rioters,
and restore order in the land. Their efforts were
successful, and tranquillity returned.
But just at the time that these nobles were
proving their loyalty to King Philip, his dark,
revengeful mind was filled with hatred towards
them. He never could forgive their disapproval
of his unjust and cruel measures, or the candid
opinions they had expressed on the subject. He
forgot that it was as much for his interest, as for
the welfare of his dominions, that the murmurings
and discontents in the Low Countries should be
quieted. He would not consider that the laws he
was imposing on a free people, especially the esta-
blishment of the Inquisition, were too grievous
for them ; and loyal as these nobles were, and
faithful as had been their services both to himself
and his royal father, he forgot all, and thought
only of revenge.
Count Egmont was one morning reading in an
apartment of his castle, the windows of which
commanded an extensive view of the fertile plains
of Flanders. He had laid down his book to
give his little boy, Walter, a lesson in the art of
144 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
drawing a cow, when the child suddenly exclaimed,
‘Look, papa; a soldier!†and a horseman galloped
past the window. The next minute he was in the
room ;—it was the Prince of Orange.
The usual greetings between the friends were
scarcely over, when the prince, seating himself by
the table, said, “I have tidings for you, Egmont;
and serious tidings they are. Are you prepared
to hear them ?â€
‘““T hope so,†replied the count, calmly, as he
put his arm round the boy, who had crept up on
his father’s knee.
“*T have, then, received sure and private intelli-
gence from France, that King Philip is our enemy.
He says we have been the fomentors of all the dis-
turbances which have happened ; and he has sworn
to punish us, and the inhabitants of the Low
Countries, in a manner, he declares, ‘that will
make the ears of all Christendom to tingle, even
though it should put in danger all the rest of his
dominions.’â€
“Is it possible?†exclaimed Count Egmont ;
“may not your information be incorrect? I can
scarcely believe it.â€
“Tt is quite true,†said the prince ; “ and for my
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 145.
own part, I am not susprised, The king never
favoured me.â€
‘* But what can make him for an instant imagine
that we have stirred up the people in the late
tumults? Far from taking part in any measure
that might be offensive to the king, I can safely
say, I have looked upon every such measure es
equally imprudent and undutiful. From the out-
rages which have been committed lately the king
may have some reason: to suspect our vigilance as
governors. But, for my part, I am resolved, if
possible, to wipe out these suspicions, by exerting
myself to keep the people in a state of perfect
tranquillity and: obedience, which if we sueceed in
doing, the king must be satisfied.â€
‘‘ Nothing will satisfy him, Egmont, but our
disgrace! As to keeping the country quiet, Ae is
going to: provide for that, by sending over some
Spanish troops.â€
‘* Why, did not the Regent write to King Philip,
to say that we were now in a state of perfect tran-
quillity 2†.
“True; but, my dear Egmont, he would here
establish arbitrary power.â€
“ After what King Philip repeatedly told me in
146 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
Spain,†said the count, I can scarcely think that
he has any intention of robbing the Netherlands
of its liberty.â€
‘You are so candid and straightforward your-
self, Egmont,†replied the prince, “ that you will
not believe that the king was but playing a part,
when he gave you so kind a reception at Madrid.
I am convinced that in his heart he hates us and
Count Horn.â€
“But why? Have we not been faithful to
him? Have we not rendered him important ser-
vices 2? Is not the country now in a tranquil state
through our means? and are we not most desirous
to uphold and extend our faith, and to secure the
welfare and prosperity of the Netherlands ?â€
“* All this is true,†replied the Prince of Orange ;
“but King Philip will never forgive us for the _
attachment we have shown to the liberty and con-
stitutional privileges of our country, and for the
still greater crime in his eyes—our disapproval
of his cruel measures regarding the heretics.
Philip of Spain never forgets, and never for-,
gives.â€
Count Egmont was silent for a few minutes.
At length he said, “If the king would come and
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 147
stay with us for a while, he could judge for himself
of the state of the country.†.
* Ah! he has not the spirit and energy of his
father, the emperor,†replied the prince ; ‘he has
neither courage nor activity to undertake the
voyage. He chooses rather to shut himself up in
his cabinet, and thence to issue forth his stern
decrees, than expose himself to any danger or
inconvenience.â€
“He is, indeed, unlike the emperor,†replied the
count; “but still he is our good emperor’s son,
and our king; and, as such, it is our duty to obey
him.â€
* But how will you obey the Duke of Alva? for
he it is who comes in command of the Spanish
troops.â€
“The Duke of Alva!†exclaimed Count Eg-
mont. .
“Yes, the cruel Duke of Alva,†replied the
prince. “Egmont! he comes to rule the Low
Countries with arod of iron. The king is resolved
to be revenged on all those who have dared to
dispute his will, and we shall be the first to suffer
if we remain here. I see the storm approaching,
and have resolved to withdraw, with my family,
148 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
into Germany. My purpose in coming here to-
day is to entreat you to go with me.â€
* Let the Duke of Alva come—lI fear him not,’
replied the count, with conscious dignity. “Asa
faithful subject to my king, why should I flee?
True, I differed from him in opinion, and did not
conceal it; but who can lay to my charge the crime
of disloyalty ? When others wished to resist his
measures by force, did I not refuse at ence to do
so? No, prince, I have nothing to fear.â€
“ But think of the imperious. character of the
stern and cruel duke,†urged the prince; “he
is already our enemy,—he comes to be our master.
Had you not been true to the liberty of your
native land, Egmont, it might have heen otherwise;
but, as it is, let me entreat you to accompany me.â€
“I fear not ingratitude from my. king, because
T have loved my country,†replied the count; “ and
in truth,†he continued. with a smile, “ I have so
large a family, that I could not support them with
dignity in any other land than this. This little
fellow,†he said, caressing the lovely boy on his
knee, “ must be brought up and educated in his
native country, and will, I trust, one day become
one of her supporters and defenders.â€
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 149
“* Walter loves his country, dear papa,†lisped
the boy.
“Yes, my child, I hope you always will,†replied
the count; while the Prince of Orange exclaimed,
“Qh Egmont, for the sake of that promising
boy, let me entreat you to flee from the coming
storm !â€
But finding the count still inflexible the prince
rose to depart. “ Then, Count Egmont, farewell,â€
he said; “I am grieved that I cannot persuade
you. Be assured, you are the bridge by which
the Duke of Alva will pass into the Netherlands ;
and, he will no sooner pass it, than he will break
itdown. You will repent of neglecting the warn-
ing I have given you; but I fear that your repent-
ance will come too late.â€
Some little time passed away, when, one beau-
tiful evening, Blanche and her father were walking
on the terrace.
“‘ Papa,†said the little girl, “nurse is in such
grief! She has two sons you know, who are
heretics, and to-day they have been here to bid
her good-bye; they are going to England, and
nurse says she shall never see them again.â€
150 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘* Poor nurse!†said the count ; “but whydo her
sons leave her, Blanche ?â€
‘* They are afraid of the Duke of Alva. Is he
such a cruel man, papa ?â€
“He has the character of being very stern, I
regret much that the king has deemed it necessary
to send him here?â€
“Nurse says,†continued Blanche, “that the
people are all frightened about it, and that the
heretics are leaving the country by thousands.
Are you afraid, papa?â€
“Why should I fear, Blanche; am I a here-
tic?â€
“‘No; but they say the Regent herself is much
disturbed. Oh papa! see, here come De Velez
and Alonzo, I wonder what can have brought
them from Ghent.â€
‘No misfortune, I hope,†said the count ; “but
they look as if they were in some trouble. Good
day, De Velez !—all is well, I hope?â€
** All is ordered wisely, my lord ; though in our
blindness we may not always think it well,†said
the old man, with a sigh. ‘The Lord reigneth—
that must comfort us.â€
‘But what troubles you, good De Velez?†in-
. KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 151
‘quired the count, kindly. ‘“‘ What brings you from
Ghent ?â€
**T come, my lord, to return you my grateful
thanks for your kindness,—for all you have done,
and for all you teould have done,—and to bid you
farewell !â€
‘‘ Farewell! whither are you going?â€
“To England, my lord. It is the only safe
refuge now. The queen who reigns there looks
‘with kindness on those of our religion. Here it is
‘dangerous to remain.â€
** Do you think so?†said the count; “ “what do
you fear, De Velez?â€
‘I fear the Duke of Alva, my lord. . He is no
friend to the Protestants. There will be great
trouble ere long; the persecutions will increase
tenfold.â€
“Are many of your opinion?†asked Count
Egmont.
“ Many, my lord. Thousands are about to leave
the country. In England we shall be permitted to
-worship God in peace.â€
** And our industrious people will carry to that
land their wealth, and they will teach the islanders
-our various branches of manufacture,†said the
152 sHORT STORLES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
count. “Truly, what-will greatly impoverish our
country will be a good thing for England.â€
‘“‘T am sorry you are going,†said little Blanche
to Alonzo; “come and let me gather you a nose-
gay to remind you of Flanders when you are far
away.â€
As the children wandered to the end of ‘the
terrace, De Velez saidin:an earnest tone to Count
Egmont, “Oh, my dear lord, pardon .me—pardon
the lihanty I take ; but let me implore you, while
you can, to follow the example of the Prince of
Orange, and leave the country.â€
‘Why should you speak thus, De Velez ?†said
the count. ‘Why should I flee from my native
Jand—the land of :my ancestors? Iam not con-
scious of having done anything contrary to the
laws of my country, or the duty I owe to my
sovereign, I am a true son of the church, and
why should I fear the Duke of Alva?â€
‘* Ah, my lord, I know his.character well. He
is not your friend, I am an old man, and have
lived long enough to know the signs of an ap-
proaching storm. Let me implore you to flee from
it.â€
“No, De Velez,†said the count firmly ; “ if, as
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 153
you say, a storm is coming, it is my duty to remain
at my post. It shall not be said that Count Eg-
mont deserted his country when ‘she was in trouble.
As one of the nobles and governors of the land, I
may have some influence in behalf of her oppressed
people,—therefore, I remain here.â€
‘“‘ Then may God protect you, noble count, for
you are in the lion’s jaws! The Protestants have
been treated with too much forbearance by you for
you to-escape the wrath of King Philip. Oh that
you would yet take warning!†;
But the .count was ifirm. He thanked the old
man for his kindly interest, however, and wished
him every happiness; and De Velez and Alonzo,
taking a grateful leave, departed for the sea~
coast, from whence they sailed for England.
A few weeks after the arrival of the Duke of
Alva at Brussels, he invited the Counts Egmont
and Horn to his house, saying he wished to have
their advice respecting a citadel he was about to
build at Antwerp. Count Egmont, though he
regretted the imperious and stern character of the
duke, yet had received him in the Low Countries
with respect, as a commander sent by the king, and
154 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
had made him a present of two fine Flemish horses
as a mark of his desire to live with him on friendly
terms. Accordingly, when he read the invitation
to Brussels, he said to the countess, “ This augurs
well, my love; the duke is willing to conci-
liate, otherwise a man of his imperious character
would never ask advice from the Flemish no-
bles.â€
‘*T hope so,†replied the countess ; ‘ but I have
my fears. I trust he means well to our land; but,
at all events, you will now have an opportunity of
ascertaining his views and intentions, and of judg-
ing more correctly of his character.â€
“‘Dear papa,†said Blanche, putting her little
arms round his neck, “ pray do not go to Brussels.
Nurse says the Duke of Alva is cruel and deceit-
ful. Pray do not go.â€
“ But if he is, he would not dare to hurt papa,
Blanche!†exclaimed Louis, a fine boy, about nine
years of age; “why all Flanders would rise if he
thought of such a thing!â€
“¢ And do you think the duke would touch a
brave soldier like Count Egmont?†said little
Ernest. ‘* Besides, everybody loves papa; so the
Duke of Alva will love him too.â€
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 185
‘*But I think he must be cruel, brother, the here-
tics are all so afraid of him,†observed Blanche,
‘Well, but papa is not a heretic,†said Louis;
“so there can be no fear for him. How frightened
girls always are! Do you think, sister, that papa
and Count Horn would go to Brussels if they be-
lieved there was any danger in doing so?†—
“Yes, Louis; I do not think any danger would
keep papa from doing his duty.â€
“Oh, I know that,†replied Louis; “but I
mean, they would not risk their lives for no good
purpose. Besides, papa fought the king’s battles
for him ; it is not likely, then, that he would allow
any one to hurt him.†;
Blanche was silenced, but not convinced, byther
brother’s arguments,—she had heard too much of
the cruel Duke of Alva.
The next morning, as Count Egmont mounted
his horse to set out for Brussels, his wife and
children stood around him to bid him farewell and
wish him a successful journey. Having taken a
tender leave of them, he said, in his usual cheerful
voice, “I shall soon return to you, and perhaps
bring the duke with me .as my visitor. ‘ Peace
156 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
and conciliation’ is my motto, so long as it is con-
sistent with truth and honour. God bless you all!
Farewell !
He was riding slowly down the avenue, when
Blanche and her little brothers ran ‘after him
for a parting word. ‘‘ Come back very soon, dear
papa,†they exclaimed, ‘we shall count the days
till you return.â€
“ Be good children, then, and love one another,â€
replied the Count. “‘ Now, my darlings, good bye.â€
Count Egmont and his children parted: they
never met again !
In the meantime, De Velez and his nephew had
fownd a peaceful home in England. That country
flourished under the mild sway of the wise Eliza-
beth. Its commerce and manufactures increased ;
and its people were contented and happy. The
Protestants of other lands, who had taken refuge
on these shores, had introduced various manufac-
tures hitherto unknown in England: thus amply
rewarding the English for the protection afforded
them. De Velez had taken up his abode in the
suburbs of London, where he carried on his busi-
ness with much success.
“KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH CouNT. 157
One day, as Alonzo was returning home from a
walk through tlie pleasant meadows—looking hap-
pier than he had looked since the dreadful event
in Valladolid, which: had. saddened his young life—
he was met by his uncle, who said to him in an-
agitated voice, “There is sad news from the Low
Countries ! Count Egmont is a prisoner !â€
“Count Egmont!†exclaimed Alonzo; “Oh,
that is grevious news, indeed! Is this the act of
the Duke of Alva?â€
‘Tt is. And now, what may we not fear for
the noble Count?â€
** His life is surely in peril,†said Alonzo; “ but
how did this happen ?â€
“Tt appears that the Duke invited’ Count
Egmont, and his friend, Count Horn, to his resi-
dence, to ask their advice concerning a citadel he
proposes to build at Antwerp ; and the unsuspect-
ing nobles readily went. After the business on
which they were called was over, the Duke took
Count Egmont to an adjoining apartment, while
his.son carried off Count Horn to another. Then
said the Duke, ‘ Deliver up your sword, Count
Egmont! Such is the will of the king. Deliver
it up; you must go to prison!’ The Count, much
158 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY,
astonished at this unexpected declaration, drew
back in surprise ; but, seeing that he was immedi-
ately surrounded by Alva’s guards, he delivered up
his sword, saying, ‘ By this sword the cause of the
king has been more than once successfully defended.
But consider what you do, my lord duke,’ he
added, with firm dignity; ‘as a Knight of the
Golden Fleece, I can be judged only by my peers,
and imprisoned only by their authority.’ The
Duke paid no attention to his words; Count Eg-
mont and Count Horn were hurried away to a
prison at some distance from Brussels, and beyond
the confines of the province in which they resided.â€
‘‘ What a treacherous act!†exclaimed Alonzo.
‘* How did the Flemings bear it ?â€
** Intelligence of the event was soon conveyed to
the remotest corner of the Netherlands, and it
filled the minds of Roman Catholics, as well as
Protestants, with the most disquieting apprehen-
sions. They see that it is no security against the
king’s resentment to have adhered to the Romish
faith, nor to have been loyal and active in the
king’s service. Besides these noblemen, the Jord
of Bickerzel, Count Egmont’s secretary, and several
persons of distinction, have been thrown into prison.
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 159
Men, therefore, of all ranks, are greatly alarmed,
and are hastening to leave the country. I hear
that not fewer than 100,000 persons have lately
fled into foreign parts; and many of these are the
most industrious of the people. As to the Regent,
she is so surprised and concerned at the imprison-
ment of the two noble Counts, that she has resigned
the regency, and left the Low Countries.â€
“ Then who is Regent now ?†inquired Alonzo.
“The Duke of Alva. I cannot shock you,
Alonzo, by recounting his numberless and inhuman
cruelties. His persecution of the Protestants is
frightful! ‘Within the last few months, eighteen
hundred have been put to death by his orders.â€
“Qh! I am glad we are in England, unde!
But does King Philip know of what the Duke is
doing ?â€
‘* He knows it all. ‘William, Prince of Orange,
requested Maximilian, Emperor of Germany, to
show the king how impolitic, rigid, and severe, the
conduct of the Duke of Alva was. He did so;
and Philip haughtily replied, ‘ The severities which
had been employed, had not yet been found suffi-
cient to repress the pride and insolence of his
Flemish subjects; and he hoped that the Emperor
160 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
would take care not to allow the Prince of Orange
to raise any troops against him.’â€
** Does the Prince seem disposed to do so ?â€
“He does. The Duke of Alva has declared all
his estates in the Low Countries to be forfeited to
the crown ; while he has even seized his son, who
was pursuing his studies in the University of Lou-
vain, and sent him a prisoner to Madrid. These
injuries, and the injuries of his country, have
roused the spirit of the prince; and he, with his
three brothers, Count Lewis, Count Adolphus, and
Count John of Nassau, have determined to take
up arms in defence of the liberty of the Low
Countries. In order to raise money, he has sold
his:plate, jewels, and furniture ; and he hopes for
assistance from the Protestant princes of Germany,
and from Queen Elizabeth.â€
“Qh! I am sure she will help him,†said
Alonzo. “ Whata frightful state the Netherlands
must be in!â€
“Every one is in terror,†replied De Velez.
“Numbers who were preparing to escape, have
been put todeath. The Inquisitors seize the Pro-
testants in their beds, in the middle of the night,
and drag them to prisons and dungeons. There is
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 161
no distinction made. Children and old men—the
healthy and the sick—the noble and the peasant
—are alike sacrificed to the cruelty of the Duke
of Alva and his associates. Many who had only
been once present at a religious assembly of the
Reformers—some out of mere curiosity—though
they declared their faith in the Romish doctrines
to be firm and unshaken, were hanged or drowned.â€
* Oh, uncle!†said Alonzo, “how lamentable it
is that that once flourishing country, distinguished
above most for the mildness of its government, and
for the happiness of its people, should be such a
scene of misery! But Count Egmont—what can
be done for him 2â€
“You may be sure the Flemings, and all who
know and love him, will leave no means untried to
save the life of a nobleman so esteemed as he is,
I shall anxiously look for news from the Low
Countries; but I tremble for him, Alonzo. Oh
that he had taken an old man’s warning!â€
Some months passed away, and there came no
tidings of Count Egmont. De Velez was begin-
ning to hope that he must have been set at liberty
again, when one morning, as he and Alonzo were
M
162 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
sitting at their early meal, their old friend, Hans
Haflig, suddenly presented himself. Their aston-
ishment at his unexpected appearance was great,
and not unmixed with sorrow, to mark the look of
anxiety and grief which sat on his once happy,
contented countenance.
* All is over!†exclaimed Hans. ‘‘ The blow
has fallen! the noble Count Egmont has perished
on the scaffold !â€
Grief and consternation kept the listeners for a
moment silent. ‘ Alas!†said De Velez, “ when
did this happen ?â€
** A short time since,†answered Hans. “I could
no, longer remain in the country after that cruel
murder. Indeed, my own life was nearly sacrificed.â€
‘* Oh, the unhappy Countess ! and the kind little
Lady Blanche!†exclaimed Alonzo. ‘ What must
be their sorrow !â€
* Was no intercession used, to save the life of
the noble Count?†asked De Velez.
**Much, my friend. For him and Count Horn
~—for he too has perished—many pleaded with the
king. The Emperor Maximilian, the Duchess of
Parma, and the Knights of the Golden Fleece,
used every exertion to save their lives; but in
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 163
vain! The Countess of Egmont wrote a most
touching letter to the king, to implore mercy for
her husband, in which she entreated him to remem-
ber his past services, and to consider the deplorable
situation of herself, and her eleven helpless chil-
dren. It was also in vain! Philip was immov-
able.’
‘¢ Was there a trial ?â€
“Yes. The two nobles, after an imprisonment
of nine months, were taken to Brussels, under an
escort of ten companies of Spanish troops. It is
said that the duke feared an attempt at rescue
might be made to save the life of so beloved a
governor as Count Egmont. The trial served anly
to prove their innocence of the charges brought
against them in the clearest manner, and afforded
to the world the most convincing evidence of King
Philip’s tyranny and oppression. But they were
condemned to death.â€
“How did the Count Egmont bear the sen-
tence 2â€
“With fortitude and resignation. ‘I am not
conscious,’ he said, ‘of having deserved such hard
usage from the king, whose glory and interest I
have sincerely studied to promote. But I will
164 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
submit to my fate with patience, although my heart
bleeds when I think of my wife and children.’â€
‘«‘ Ah, the poor Countess!†said Alonzo; “how
does she bear up under the dreadful blow ?â€
‘She is inconsolable,†replied Hans Haflig.
** The cruel murder of her husband has plunged
her into the deepest affliction. All his estates have
been confiscated to the crown. A few hours before
his death the count wrote a tender letter to his
wife, and a dignified one to the king. Oh, De
Velez, it was a cruel deed to take the life of such
aman! The Bishop of Ypres, a pious and upright
prelate, having heard him confess, was so convinced
of his innocence, that he went to the Duke, and
on his knees entreated him to suspend the execu-
tion of the sentence. He was rejected with
contempt.â€
‘* And how did the Count meet death 2â€
‘With composure and tranquillity ; as did Count
Horn also. The scaffold was erected in one of: the
principal squares in Brussels, and there, surrounded
by crowds who loved and honoured them, the two
nobles perished by the hands of the executioner,
on the 5th of June. Count Egmont was only in
the forty-sixth year of his age.â€
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 165
** And what said the Flemings at such a sight ?â€
* The unmerited death of these beloved noble-
mén excited, as you may well believe, universal
grief and indignation. Though nineteen companies
of soldiers surrounded the scaffold, the spectators
could not be deterred from testifying their resent-
ment. They vowed, in the hearing of the Spanish
troops, that ere long the Duke of Alva and his
associates should have reason to repent the cruel
murder which had that day been committed. The
lamentations of the people were great ; and many,
rushing forward to the scaffold, dipped their hand-
kerchiefs in the blood of these martyrs of Flemish
independence.â€
“Oh, Hanst†said Alonzo, “was not King
Philip sorry at last, when he heard of their execu-
tion ?â€
“Shall I tell you what he said when he heard of
it; Master Alonzo? He said—‘I have caused
these two heads to fall, because the heads of such
salmons are worth inore than many thousand frogs.’
By frega, you see, he rieant us—his subjects in
the Netherlands Truly, if the Duke of Alva
remain long in the country, methinks these same
frogs will be likely to rise in insurrection against
their master |â€
166 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
' Do you know what Count Egmont said in his
letter to the king, good Hans?â€
‘Yes; I have here a copy of his letter. He
says thus :—
‘* « Though it has pleased your majesty to order
sentence of death to be pronounced against me as
a traitor and an abettor of heretics, yet in justice
to myself I must declare, that I have never failed
in word or deed in my duty, either to your
majesty or to the church. I cannot, therefore,
doubt that, when you shall receive true informa-
tion of what has passed in the Low Countries,
you will be sensible how unjustly I have been
used; having been condemned to death for doing
what I never did, or intended to do; and for the
truth of this, I call Him to witness before whom
I shall soon appear. My last and only request is,
that, on account of my former services, and the
integrity of my intentions, you will take compas-
‘sion on my unhappy wife and children; in the
hopes of which, I will patiently submit to the exe-
cution of the sentence which has been passed
against me.’ â€
“ Ah! he was an upright and kind hearted
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH CouNT. 167
noble!†said the honest Fleming, with tears in his
eyes; “ true to his king, and true to his country.â€
“* He was much beloved, and justly so, Hans.
But what was the fate of his secretary, the lord of
Bickerzel ?†,
“* He was tortured in the most barbarous man-
ner, to make him accuse his friend and master;
and when it appeared that he was ready to sink
under the torments which he suffered, Alva, en-
raged that nothing had been extorted from him
which could justify the condemnation of the count,
put him to a most cruel death.â€
** Well,†said De Velez, “ we have reason to be
thankful that we have escaped with our lives. Oh,
Hans! this is a land of liberty and peace. I re-
Joice that you have joined us. In England we
may worship God without fear, and hear His
word without man’s comment.â€
** You hear the pure Word of God? Oh what
a blessing !†said the Fleming.
‘‘ Yes, there is a Bible in every parish church,
which is chained to the reading desk, lest so great
a treasure might be stolen. It is read publicly
to the people in their own tongue; and Alonzo
and I have learnt English enough to understand
168 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
it. I cannot tell you, my friend, how greatly I
value this blessing.â€
‘* You well may, De Velez. The churches are
crowded, doubtless?†,
“They are, with eager, attentive listeners;
and each person carries home a portion of Holy
Writ in his mind, to meditate upon. I was think-
ing, when you came in, of what I heard last Sun-
day,—‘ The entrance of Thy Word giveth light ;
it giveth understanding unto the simple.’ I see
that the light which has begun to shine on England
will render her prosperous, and happy, and wise.
It is a highly favoured land!â€
“ The other day an Englishman told me that
he should not be surprised if the time came when
there would be,a Bible in every house,†said
Alonzo. ‘‘ He was a wise man; but that would
seem too much to expect.â€
*‘ If such ever should be the case,†said Hans
Haflig, “‘ what a happy country will England be !
Who can calculate the blessings which will ensue
to her people then!â€
“* And yet, perhaps, then,†said Alonzo, sadly,
“they will not value their privileges as they
now do.â€
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 169
“ God grant that they may value them still
more!†replied De Velez; “and that England,
knowing in herself the inestimable worth of the
Bible, may be willing that all the world should re-
jeice in its light also.â€
Children of England! think of these early
reformers! Think of their eager desire to hear
the Word of God—of the earnest simplicity of
their faith—and of the persecutions they endured
in defence of it. Remember the martyrs who
laid down their lives to uphold our Protestant
religion ; and ask youtselves if you are grateful for
your privileges in the possession of a Reformed
Church in England, and value them as you ought.
Now, every little child in England may have a
Bible; and the churches—
* Those temples of His graee,
How beautiful they stand !
The honours of our native place,
The bulwarks of our land.â€
Do not forget, that ‘“‘ unto whomsoever much
is given, of him shall be much required.â€
The result of Philip II.’s tyranny and bigotry
in the Low Countries was, that after suffering
170 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
frightful devastation, seven of these fertile and
once flourishing provinces revolted from the
Spanish monarchy. They formed a republic,
under the name of the ‘‘ Seven United Provinces,â€
or * Holland;†William the Silent, Prince of
Orange being their first Stadtholder, he having pre-
viously embraced the Protestant religion.
The cruel Duke of Alva boasted that in six
years he had put to death by the stake, or the
scaffold, no fewer than 18,000 of the inhabitants
of the Netherlands! Queen Elizabeth took up the
cause of these oppressed people, and, in conse-
quence of that, Philip fitted out the Spanish
Armada to invade her realm. The tidings of its
approach sent a thrill through England, and, as
one man, her sons instantly rose in her defence.
It was at Plymouth the royal standard was first
raised, and the fiery beacon lighted.
“The fresh’ning breeze of eve unfurl’d that banner’s maasy fold ;
The parting gleam of sunshine kise’d that haughty scroll of
Night sank upon the dusky beach, and on the purple sea,—
Such night in England ne’er had been, nor e’er again shall be
From Eddystone to Berwick bounds, from Lynn to Milford
Bay,
That time of slumber was as bright and busy as the day;
KING PHILIP AND THE FLEMISH COUNT. 171
For swift to east—and swift to west—the ghastly war-flame
apread ;
High on ‘Bt. Michael’s Mount it shone,—it shone on Beachy
Head.
Far on the deep the Spaniard saw, along each southern shire,
Cape beyond cape, in endless range, those twinkling points of
fire.
The fisher left bis skiff to rock on Tamar's glittering waves,
The ragged miners pour’d to war from Mendip’s sunless caves.
O’er Longleat’s towers, o’er Cranbourne’s oaks, the fiery herald
flew,—
. It roused the shepherds of Stonehenge, the rangers of Beaulieu.
Right sharp and quick the bells all night rang out from Bristol
town,
And ‘ere the day, three hundred horse had met on Clifton
down.
The sentinel on Whitehall gate look’d forth into the night,
. And saw, o’erhanging Richmond Hill, the streak of blood-red
light ;
Then bugles’ note and cannons’ roar the death-like silence
broke,
And with one start, and with one cry, the royal city woke !
At once on all her stately gates arose the answering fires,
At once the wild alaram clash'd from all her reeling spires ;
From all the batteries of the Tower peal’d loud the voice of
fear,
And all the thousand masts of Thames sent back a louder
cheer :
And from the farthest wards was heard the rash of thronging
feet,
And the broad stream of pikes and flags rash’d down each
roaring street ;
172 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
And broader still became the blaze, and louder still the din,
As fast from every village round the horse came spurring in.
And eastward straight from wild Blackheath the warlike
errand went,
And roused in many an ancient ball the gallant squires of
Kent ;
Southward from Surrey’s pleasant hills flew those bright
couriers forth,
High on black Hampstead’s swarthy moor they started for the
north ;
And on, and on, without a pause, untired they bounded still,
All night from tower to tower they sprang, they sprang from
hill to hill,
Till the proud Peak unfurl’d the flag o'er Darwin’s roeky dales ;
Till like volcanoes flared to heaven the stormy hills of Wales ;
Till twelve fair counties saw the blaze on Malvern’s lonely
height; -
Till stream'd in crimson on the wind the Wrekin’s crest of
light ;
Till broad and fierce the star came forth on Ely’s stately fane,
And tower and hamlet rose in arms o’er all the boundless plain ;
Till Belvoir's lordly terraces the sign to Lincoln sent,
And Lincoln sped the message on, o’er the wide vale of Trént ;
Till Skiddaw caw the fire that burn’d on Gaunt’s embattled
pile,
And the red glare on Skiddaw roused the burghers of Carlisle.â€
Matavtay.
P, 184.
No. ¥.
THE MOORISH EXILES.
——~—
In the pleasant and fertile province of Valencia
there stood, in the time of King Philip III., a
stately castle. It was situated on a hill, from
whence it commanded a view of the luxuriant
country, watered by its numerous rivers, and
adorned in profusion with the orange, the mul-
berry, the olive, and the palm-tree, In the
distance might be seen the blue waters of the
Mediterranean ; whilst further still, to the west,
a range of bold mountains reared their lofty tops.
The beautiful valleys, clothed with verdure and
richly cultivated, yielded an abundant produce ;
and the dark foliage of the groves, the silvery
streams, and gay flowers, rendered it altogether
such a scene as the eye is never weary of gazing
upon,
174 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
So thought the Duke of Gandia and his little
son, as they sat together on the terrace of the
castle. The beautiful picture spread out before
them was to both an ever fresh source of delight ;
each day they saw in it some new beauty to
admire. The duke, with grateful pleasure, ob-
served the fine and continually improving condition
of his vast estates; and Alaric, young as he was,
often thanked a kind Providence for having placed
his home amidst scenes so lovely. He had a grate-
ful, affectionate little heart; and he needed love
and kindness, too,—for poor Alaric was a cripple.
He had been injured by a fall when he was an
infant, and often suffered much pain; but he was
so uncomplaining, so gentle, so devoid of selfish-
ness, than no one could help loving him. He had
not many pleasures; but, whilst his brothers and
sisters, full of health and spirits, were amusing
themselves in the woods and gardens, his great
delight was to sit on the terrace with a book, and
thus enjoy the balmy air. From having suffered
so much, the poor little boy had at times a thought-
ful look beyond his years; he was very fond of
reading; but he liked better still to talk with his
papa. And when the duke was able to pass a
THE MOORISH EXILES... - 175
little time with his invalid child, then how happy
Alaric was! Then his pale little cheek would
brighten, while, with his dark eyes full of intelli-
gence fixed on his father, he would ask him
question after question, listening eagerly for the
information he sought.
And the Duke of Gandia was well able to satisfy
the inquiries of his little boy.. He was a man of
some learning, and sound judgment, with an honest
and kind heart. A good and generous master to
his numerous dependents, a tender father, and an
upright nobleman, he was universally beloved and
esteemed in Valencia.
“Papa,†said Alaric, as they sat together on the
terrace, “I am glad you are come! I wanted to
ask you if you think there is any country in the
world so beautiful as this ?â€
‘* Doubtless there may be, Alaric; though we
might not be impartial enough to own it,†said the
duke smiling. “All like their own country the
best.â€
“ But, surely those who live in the cold and
barren north cannot love their land as we love ours?â€
*¢ Yes, my son; all feel a natural love for their
176 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
own country. The Laplander in his hut, sur-
rounded by wild wastes of snow—the African
negro, in his sandy deserts—the American Indian,
in his pathless forests—and the native of an island
n the burning tropics—each prefers his own land
to all others.â€
“Then I suppose I love this beautiful spot
partly because it is my home, papa. I am very
glad that the Laplander is contented and happy;
but I am thankful that my home is not in his iey
land. Here we enjoy a perpetual spring.â€
“‘ This is a favoured part of Spain,†replied his.
father. ‘In Galicia, where your cousins reside,
the winters are excessively cold.â€
“TJ have a great many things to be grateful
for,†said the little boy, thoughtfully. ‘Fam very
glad my country is so beautiful.â€
Little English children, are you thankful? Are
you glad you were born in this happy land? I
hope you are. You have many more blessings to
be grateful for than the little Spaniard had; and
chiefest of all, you have the Bible.
“A fairer isle than Britain, never Sun
View'd in his wide career ; a lovely spot
For all that life can ask ; salubrious, mild.
THE MOORISH EXILES. 177
Its hills are green, its woods and prospects fair,
Ita meadows fertile; and, to crown the whole
In one delightful word, it is our home,
Our native isle.â€
‘* And yet, papa,†said Alaric, after a moment's
silence, “* there are some who do not seem to love
their own country as well as ours,â€â€”-pointing, as
he spoke, to a number of Moorish labourers, who
were diligently employed in a field at some little
distance. ‘ They do not desire to go to Africa.â€
_ “© The Moriscoes have been so long in Spain that
they have learned to consider it as their home, my.
dear boy. They would be grieved to leave such
a land as this for the sandy deserts across the sea.â€
‘* How long have they been here, papa?â€
‘More than eight hundred years.â€
‘“‘ ight hundred years! that is a long time.
But how strange is it that, after living here so
long, they should still be so different from us!
They are quite a separate people; their religion,
their manners, their character, aud their lan-
guage, are all different from ours.â€
‘“‘ And it ever will be so,†replied the Duke.
“* Notwithstanding all the means that have been
used to convert them to the Christian faith, they
N
178 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
are the same as ever. They may profess to be
Christians, but at heart they are infidels still.â€
* Then, papa, do you not think it was wrong to
force them to be baptized against their will ?â€
**T do, my boy. I would have all reasonable and
gentle means used for their conversion ; but in my
opinion, to compel them by violence to embrace
Christianity, is bad policy. It only makes them
insincere, and dislike our religion still more.â€
‘“* Why are not gentle means used ?†said Alaric.
«‘ They were used at first,†replied his father.
‘“* After the conquest of Granada by Ferdinand
and Isabella, it was expressly agreed that the
Moors should be at liberty to follow their own
religion, and to retain their own customs ; though
at the same tite the priests were enjoined to show
them their errors, and endeavour to convert them
to Christianity.
“ After some years Ferdinand, finding that these
efforts produced no effect, gave orders that all the
Moors in Granada should leave the country within
a given time, or submit to the rite of baptism.
The greater part submitted to these terms, and
were baptized, hoping thus to escape further per-
secution. These were called Moriscoes, or New
THE MOORISH EXILES, . 179
Christians, but they were Christians in name only;
and if they showed on any occasion an attachment
to the Mahometan faith, they were treated by the
Inquisition as apostates; and great numbers in
every year were committed to the flames. In the
course of thirty-seven years 13,000 Moors were
publicly burnt to death!â€
**Oh, papa,†said Alaric, in a whisper, while
he placed his thin little hand in his father’s, « I
am so afraid of the dreadful Inquisition ! â€
‘It is an awful tribunal,†said the duke gravely ;
“but you need not fear it, my dear boy. Here,
take some of this refreshing draught, it will do you
good.â€
“‘ Thank you, papa. Then I suppose the Moors
have all become Christians from fear ?â€
“ There is scarcely a Morisco in Spain who has
not been baptized; but, except in a few cases,
their attachment to the Mahometan religion is as
strong as ever, Under the late king, Philip II.,
the forced converts had to undergo severe perse-
cutions, It was suggested, that, as long as the
Moriscoes were different from us in manners,
dress, and language, their conversion could not be
deemed sincere. Accordingly, it was declared, by
180 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
a royal decree, that the New Christians should
within three years learn the Spanish language, and
entirely give up their own; that all books written
in Arabic should be seized and burnt; that, in-
stead of their national costume, they should adopt
the Spanish dress; that all their baths should be
pulled down; that their wives should walk the
streets unveiled; and that the men should give up
their Arabic names, and call themselves after ours.â€
‘* And did they submit to this?†asked Alaric.
‘© No, they rose in desperation, to resist so
unjust a decree. After three years the rebellion
was put down. But they have been closely watched
ever since, and subjected, I must say, to every
kind of uncalled-for humiliation and indignity.
I certainly have no love for the infidels; but I
think they have been most cruelly persecuted.â€
‘And they cannot love or admire a religion
whose professors persecute them, can they?â€
said the little boy. “I do not think our
blessed Saviour and His apostles ever meant
to spread Christianity by violence and cruelty.
Their religion was one of peace and love. Papa,
why are not the Moriseoes allowed to live quietly,
and then taught how wrong it is to follow
THE MOORISH EXILES. I8l
the opinions of Mahomet? Perhaps, by teaching
and kindness, in a few years many might be con-
verted.â€
“ That would be the best method to pursue
with them, my child; but they are deeply attached
to the Moslem faith. Since the time they became
a conquered people our monarchs have all been
anxious for their conversion; partly from a desire
to do them good, and partly.from policy. You
know, Alaric, we are now at peace with all the
world, except the piratic states of Barbary. The
Turks and the Moors of Barbary are our great
enemies; and it is feared,that in case of an invasion
by these powers, the Moriscoes in Spain, of whom
there are many hundred thousands, would not be
averse to change their present masters for others,
whose religion, custome, and manners, are so
similar to their own.â€
‘Well, that might be; but still if they are
forced to become Christians against their will, they
would be yet more rejoiced to have a change of
rulers, I think that if they are treated with kind-
ness they are faithful and affectionate. In time
they might be converted.â€
. At this moment a little Moorish attendant, who
182 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
waited on Alaric, came softly up to inquire whe-
ther his little master wished for refreshment ?
“T should like some fruit, I think, Ahmet,â€
said Alaric in a kind voice.
Abmet bowed low, and was gone in an instant.
In a very short time he returned, bearing a salver
of most beautiful fresh fruit and flowers, which,
with solicitude, and even tenderness, he presented
to the little invalid. He then carefully arranged
the pillows of his chair, and the quick glance of
his dark eyes seemed to ask if there were any-
thing else he could do to promote the comfort
of his young master.
“Thank you, that will do, Ahmet,†said the
little Spaniard; ‘ you have brought me some deli-
cious fruit.â€
Ahmet’s swarthy face beamed with delight, and
he retired.
‘The little Morisco is a faithful servant, my
dear boy,†observed the Duke of Gandia.
‘Oh yes, papa; Ahmet would do anything for
me, I think ; and he is grateful for any kindness.
The other. night he watched by my bedside for
hours when I was ill, and could not be persuaded
to lie down till I was better. And though he is so
THE MOORISH EXILES. 183
young, he is very clever in some things. He can
paint nicely; and he has some skill in mechanism
too. Are you not surprised?â€
“No, dear Alaric; the Moors are a clever people.
How many exquisite specimens of their architec-
ture have we in this country, especially at Granada
and Cordova! They are great poets also. Then
they are learned in mathematics, botany, medicine,
and chemistry. They have much knowledge of
agriculture and horticulture, while their skill in the
art of irrigation is proved by the canals in the plains
of Granada and Valencia. The mechanical arts
and manufactures they have carried to great per-
fection. They are extremely industrious likewise ;
indeed, I consider them to be the most skilful far-
mers and ingenious manufacturers in all Spain. I
know not what I should do without them as my
vassals.â€
““And you have twenty thousand on your
estates, have you not, papa?â€
“T have; and it is acknowledged that my
estates are some of the finest and best cultivated
in the kingdom. But I must leave you now, my
dear Alaric; I have business to which I must
attend. I will send Ahmet to you.â€
184 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
‘¢ Papa, stop one minute,†said Alaric. “ You
said we were at peace ;—has the war with the Low
Countries then ceased at last ?â€
“It has, replied the Duke of Gandia. “The
independence of Holland is acknowledged by Spain;
and that fine country is lost to us for ever. A sad
loss, Alaric !â€
‘When Ahmet came on the terrace, he found his
little master quiet and thoughtful. Silently seat-
ing himself on the ground at a short distance, he
watched him falling into a sweet sleep. Then the
Moorish boy rose, and with noiseless steps ap-
proached the chair in which he reclined, laid on
hima light covering, and shaded his pale face with
a large fan. There, as he stood gazing on the
sleeping boy, he murmured to himself, “ Oh, my
dear young master, if all Christians were like you!
so patient! so gentle! so kind to poor Ahmet !â€
Tears rose in his eyes; but, after a short time, the
expression of his countenance changed. ‘“‘ Chris-
tians, indeed !†he continued, “ cruel tyrants are
they! Did they not sell my grandfather as a
slave, and commit my father to the flames, because
they said he was not in heart of their faith, though
THE MOORISH EXILES. 185
he had submitted to their rites? Have they not
persecuted my dear mother? and would they not
have torn her and Ayesha from us, had it not been
that the good duke interposed? Have they
not forced us to take upon ourselves the name of
Christian? They have; but our attachment to
the Moslem faith is deeper than ever! And here
we are—despised, insulted, persecuted—yet, once
our race governed Spain!â€
Whilst these sad and bitter thoughts passed
through Ahmet’s mind Alaric awoke, and told his
young attendant that he had had a nice sleep, and
felt quite refreshed ; ‘and now, Ahmet,†said he,
“if you will fetch the paints, I will finish my pic-
ture.†Ahmet’s brow cleared at the first sound of
that gentle voice; he forgot all his sorrows, and
hastened, with quick steps, to execute the com-
mands of the young master he loved.
Alaric’s kind heart often prompted him to acts
of benevolence ; and many on his father’s estate,
amongst whom were Ahmet’s relatives, had reason
to be grateful to the noble little sufferer. Though
he was such an invalid, Alaric did not think only of
himself—did not live for himself alone; he had
early learnt to feel for the miseries of his fellow-
186 SHORT STORIES FRON EUROPEAN HISTORY.
creatures, and to rejoice when he was able to re-
lieve them. And often, when lying on his lonely
couch, the little boy would thank God that he was
permitted, in some degree, to make others happy.
What pleasure on earth can be compared to that!
The people of Valencia were much astonished one
summer’s day, at seeing on their coast a fleet of
Spanish ships, with troops on board. Inquiries
were made, but no one seemed to know the cause
of its appearance, or for what purpose it was
destined. The Duke of Gandia, with the other
nobles, began to feel anxious; and finding that
frequent meetings were held in the city of Valen-
cia between the naval officers, the viceroy, and
others, to which they were not invited, their sus-
picions were roused, and they determined to learn
the real purpose of the armament. Accordingly,
they sent deputies to the viceroy, requesting to be
informed of the design of the present preparations.
The viceroy replied, ‘“‘ Whatever it be, the nobles
may rest assured that nothing will be done by the
king, who has ever regarded them as his most
faithful subjects, or by the Duke of Lerma, whose
estates are intermingled with theirs, which, in the
THE MOORISH EXILES. 187
issue, will not be found conducive to the true in-
terests of Valencia.â€
Then the nobles knew what was intended. They
had had their suspicions before, but now those
suspicions were confirmed. They saw that the
king was resolved to expel the Moriscoes from
Valencia, and that the ships were come to trans-
port them to the coast of Barbary.
It was so. Philip III. was, in everything ex-
cept the bigotry of his faith, of a character most
opposite to that of his father. He did not wish
the Moors to be expelled or treated cruelly, but
his prime minister told him that it was necessary
to do so, and he supposed it was. Gentle, humane,
and unconquerably indolent, Philip had surren-
dered himself and the whole management of his
affairs, fron the very commencement of his reign,
to the guidance of his prime minister, the Duke of
Lerma. The duke, who governed Spain with un-
bounded power for twenty years, was of a mild and
beneficent disposition, but did not possess abilities
sufficient to conduct wisely the affairs of so large
a kingdom. His influence over the king’s mind
was great; but he, in his turn, was governed by
the priests, whom he was ever most desirous to
188 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
please and conciliate. So that, in fact, Spain was
entirely under the sway of the Pope and the
priesthood.
Now as the Spanish ecclesiastics hated the Moors
—on account of their infidelity, and for the trouble
and expense they caused in the many vain efforts
made for their conversion—they asked the Duke
of Lerma to persuade the king to pass a decree of
expulsion against them. Philip weakly consented
to the measure, and it was resolved to expel from
Spain several hundred thousands of its most in-
dustrious inhabitants :—a fatal measure for Spain,
and one from which she has never recovered.
The Duke of Gandia and the Valencian barons,
alarmed and anxious, in all haste drew up a memo-
rial to the king, assuring him that Valencia would
be utterly ruined if the Moriscoes, by whom most
of the work of that kingdom was carried on, were
expelled; and they implored him, in the most
earnest terms, to consider the serious consequences
which would inevitably ensue should the decree be
put in force. The viceroy, finding that the nobles
had discovered what was about to take place, sent
to beg them to keep it a profound secret, lest the
THE MOORISH EXILES. 189
Moriscoes, alarmed, should rise up in arms to resist
the edict. The justiza, or chief justice, who
brought this message, entreated the nobles, by
every argument he could use, not to send up their
memorial to King Philip. Finding that they were
determined to do so, he became very angry: “ It
will be of no use!†he exclaimed, as he trembled
with passion, “‘ the infidels shall be expelled—they
shall—and you cannot prevent it. The hated race
shall be driven out!†While uttering these words,
he was so violently agitated with rage and disap-
pointment at the firmness of the nobles, that he
fell down dead in the midst of the assembly. An
awful instance of the effect of ungoverned passion!
Of course nothing more could be done that day,
but the following morning the nobles sent up their
petition to the king. The deputies were received
by Philip with much distinction and respect; but
he told them that his resolution was taken, and that
the edict of expulsion against the Moors was already
published. The same day that the deputies arrived
in Madrid a strong body of Castilian troops entered
Valencia, and the Moriscoes were made acquainted
with their fate.
190 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
You may believe that while affairs of so much
importance to the Duke of Gandia were pass-
ing, Alaric saw but little of his papa; but one
evening, at sunset, the duke entered his apart-
ment, and having desired Ahmet to go to the vil-
lage where his mother resided, he sat down beside
his little son.
*‘T have not been able to see you often lately,
my dear child,†said the duke, as he kissed Alaric’s
pale cheek ; “ but [have been much occupied, and
I have still much to think of.â€
Alaric observed an anxious expression on his
father’s countenance, and he said in a low voice,
* TI wish I were older and wiser than I am, dear
papa, and then I might try to comfort you.â€
“You do comfort me, my child, by your love and
patience,†replied the duke, kindly; I am in some
trouble just now, but I must learn of you to be
patient under it,†he added, smiling. ‘ Well, I
will tell you what has happened, Alaric, for I see
you are puzzled, and you must hear it sooner or
later. The Moriscoes are to be expelled from
Spain, and in consequence of that measure I shall
be nearly ruined!â€
Alaric did not speak for a minute, but his little
THE MOORISH EXILES. 191
fingers grasped his father’s hand, as he looked earn-
estly in his face. At length he asked, “ Why is
this, dear papa? What have the Moors done to
merit such a punishment ?â€
‘“‘ They are accused of holding a treasonable cor-
respondence with their brethren in Barbary,†replied
the duke; “but the charge is not proved against
them.â€
‘“* And must all your vassals go, papa ?â€
‘Yes, my 20,000 vassals must be banished from
a country which they have so greatly benefited.
I was in hopes that some would have remained
here. King Philip said that six families out of
every hundred might stay three years longer, to
instruct our countrymen in works and manufac-
tures, but the Moors rejected the proposal with
disdain. As my estate consists chiefly of those
manufactures with which the Moriscoes alone are
acquainted, it was of great importance to me that
some should remain. Using all my influence with
them, and making them the most advantageous
offers, I at length obtained the consent of some of
them to do so, on condition that they should be
allowed the free exercise of their religion. I then
prayed the viceroy to grant them this indulgence,
192 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
but his reply was, ‘ According to the king’s orders,
it cannot be granted for a single day.’ Conse-
quently, not one of the 150,000 Moors can now be
persuaded to remain.â€
‘* And all will leave Spain 2â€
** All. The Valencian Moors go first. The
ships are now waiting for them at Alicant, Denia,
and other ports on the coast.â€
“Who has persuaded the king to expel them,
papa? 9â€
“The cardinal archbishop of Toledo, who is
Inquisitor-general, has been the chief promoter of
this plan. It will be ruinous to Spain. There
are several manufactures, equally necessary for
internal consumption and foreign trade, with which
the Moriscoes alone are acquainted ; and without
‘their skill and labour, a great part of the king-
dom will now lie waste; while innumerable fami-
lies of the highest rank, who entirely depend
on the rents of their lands, will be reduced to
indigence.â€
“ Papa, did you ever think this would happen?â€
asked Alaric.
“I feared it, my boy; and my fathers feared it
before me. About a hundred years since, the
THE MOORISH EXILES, 193
barons of Valencia, hearing of the violence with
which the Moors of Granada had been treated,
with some difficulty prevailed upon the Cortés to
pass a law, and the king to assent to it, that no
Moor, on any pretence whatever, should ever be
expelled from Valencia, or compelled by force to
embrace the Christian faith. Ferdinand and
Charles V. both tvok an oath to keep this law.â€
‘* And why was it not kept?â€
‘The pope sent Charles a dispensation ; that is,
he told him he need not observe his coronation
oath.â€
Little Alaric did not understand how this could
be right; but as he had been told the pope could
do no wrong, he said nothing. Presently he asked,
“And when are the Moriscoes to go ?â€
The first band of exiles are all commanded,
men, women, and children, under penalty of death,
to be ready within three days to repair to the sea-
ports appointed for their embarkation, and there
to go on board the ships. It is also enacted, that
all their effects shall be left for the nobles whose
vassals they are, except such as they can carry
away with them.â€
“Oh, papa! I cannot help being very sorry for
oO
194 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
them, thus in poverty and misery to leave the land
where their ancestors reigned as kings !â€
‘‘They are to be pitied, my child,†said the
kind-hearted nobleman. ‘ We must do our utmost
to relieve and comfort them. I must now go and
give some orders, for they are all in a most dis-
tressed state; nothing is to be heard but lamenta-
tion and woe. And here comes poor Ahmet, the
picture of grief.â€
Abmet was indeed greatly distressed at the
thoughts of parting for ever from his young master.
As the grateful boy thought over all the little kind-
nesses which Alaric had shown him, and the gentle
way in which he had always behaved to him, he
felt as if he could not leave the suffering child to be
waited on by other hands. But then came thoughts
of his mother, who had had so many troubles;
and of. his dear sister Ayesha, who was so fond of
him; and the persuasion that, if he remained in
Spain, he would be forced to embrace Christianity,
at length decided Ahmet. “I cannot renounce
my faith for yours,†he said, with tears in his eyes,
as Alaric entreated him to forsake the blind errors
of Mohammedism, and remain with them, “ I can
THE MOORISH EXILES. 195
never do that, my dear master. The Moslem
detests all kinds of idolatry; and you pray to
images.â€
Long after the departure of the Moorish boy,
Alaric remembered these words,
When the Moriscoes were made acquainted with
the terrible law passed against them, they were
overwhelmed at once with astonishment, anguish),
and distress. King Philip, whom they had thought
gentle and merciful, was, they found, their enemy ;
and their hearts sank within them when they
reflected on the misery which they were doomed to
undergo. They were not only disquieted with so
hear a prospect of the loss of their most valuable
possessions, joined to that of perpetual banishment
from their native country, but they very much
feared that they were all to be murdered as soon
as they were put on board the ships. They had
no friends but the nobles; and they knew they
could not, even if they would, help them. As a
last hope, the leading men met together in the
city of Valencia, and drew up a petition to the
viceroy, in which, after solemnly declaring their
innocence of the crimes laid to their charge, they
196 sHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
offered, if the king would recall the edict, to main-
tain a certain number of galleys, for the protection
of the coast against the corsairs of Barbary; to
build several new forts, and support the garrisons
in them; to redeem all the Christians of Valencia
who should ever be taken captive by the Moors;
and to furnish the king with a considerable sum of
money.
The viceroy replied, “that the king was deter-
mined to enforce the edict, and they must submit
to it.â€
So with downcast looks and sinking hearts, the
exiled Moors left their loved and beautiful Valen-
cia. The vassals of the Duke of Gandia were the
first who embarked. The duke himself, though
his own troubles were so great, did all in his power
to lessen theirs. With much tenderness and huma-
nity he accompanied them to the sea-coast, and
remained at the port during the whole time of their
embarkation, to protect them from injury, and to
procure them the best accommodations possible on
board the ships. Deeply these unhappy people felt
the kindness of their noble master. And still more
grateful were they, when, to allay their fears of
THE MOORISH EXILES, 197
being murdered, his friend, the Duke of Maqueda,
accompanied them to the African shore. After a
prosperous voyage, the exiles were safely landed at
Oran, a town on the coast of Barbary. Here
they were well received; but in their journey
through the country they were deeply affected;
and few of them could refrain from tears, when
they compared the desert, barren plains through
which they passed, with the fertile and delightful
regions of Valencia. However, it was some conso-
lation in their distress, to find that their fears of
being murdered had proved groundless; and that
a prince of their own religion would now protect
them. Still, their thoughts turned with fond re-
membrance to the shores they had left for ever!
On the return of the ships, other Moriscoes
prepared to leave Valencia. Men, women, and
children moved in crowds to the coast. The
nobles, following the example of the Duke of
Gandia, gave their vassals on this melancholy occa-
sion every proof of generous compassion and
sympathy. Not only did they refuse to take any
of the property to which the edict entitled them,
but they allowed the Moriscoes to sell whatever of
their effects could be disposed of for money, and
198 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
likewise permitted them to convey their most valu-
able furniture and manufactures on mules and
carriages to the ships: accompanying them in
person to the shore, and seeing them embark in
safety, Thus 120,000 more sailed for Barbary.
Many of these were people of wealth and dis-
tinction; some of them, on account of their early
profession of Christianity, had even been raised to
the rank of nobility by the emperor, Charles V.
The young Morisco women, distinguished for their
beauty and elegance—the aged men, tottering to
the grave—the little children, unused to hardships
-—and infants, only a few weeks old—all were
forcibly hurried off to perpetual banishment!
Great misfortunes befel these unhappy people.
Numbers were shipwrecked on their passage, and
never reached the shore. Many, who chose to
transport themselves over in private ships, were
barbarously murdered by the crews; and many
more perished of fatigue and hunger, in their
tedious journey through the African deserts. It
is said that no fewer than 100,000 men, women
and children suffered death in its most hideous
formas, shortly after their expulsion from Valencia!
And still the expulsion continued. And thus,
THE MOORISH EXILES. 199
on the impulse of a blind superstition, and contrary
to every dictate of wise policy, above a million of
the most industrious subjects of the Spanish crown
were driven into exile, and its most flourishing
provinces depopulated and laid waste !
But to return to the Duke of Gandia. After
the ruin of his fortunes he left his castle in Va-
lencia, aad went to reside on an estate further
north, Alaric was very sorry to leave his beautiful
home; dut he did not complain, for he knew that
would add to his father’s troubles. But soon after
their removal the poor child’s health gave way.
His delicate frame could not bear the change from
the sunny south; and ere long he died. But he
died in peace. In an old chest in his room he had
found, soon after his arrival, a tract written against
the errors of popery, which had in all probability
been concealed there for years by some convert to
the Protestant faith, who feared the horrors of the
Inquisition. Alaric read the book with attention.
He did not understand it all; but there were many
extracts in it from the Word of God, and these
Alaric read again and again. He had never had a
Bible—he had never even seen one; but he knew
200 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
the Bible was true. So when he read the words,
‘There is but one mediator between God and
man, the man Christ Jesus,†he wondered why he
had ever prayed to the saints to help him. When
he read, that to Christ alone we are to look for
‘the remission of sins,†and that we are “justified
freely by His grace,†he wondered still more that
the priests had ever hidden these great truths from
him. And then he prayed to God to enlighten
his mind, and to forgive his sins, and to take him
to heaven, for the sake of the blessed Saviour.
And God heard the prayers of the poor little boy.
Trusting only in the merits of the Lord Jesus
Christ, Alaric peacefully sunk to rest.
217.
No. VI.
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF.
—~o—
“ Now tell us all about the war,
And what they kill’d each other for.â€
In the suburbs, of the city of Vittoria lived Don
Sanchez. He was an old man, who, having lost
his only son in the Peninsular war, had taken to
his home his little grandchildren and their widowed
mother. Very happily they all lived together,.
and many were the pleasant walks and rides the
children had with their kind grandpapa. One of
their favourite excursions was to the summit of a
hill about two miles distant from the city: and it
so happened that there was generally a little treat
of fruits and cake spread out as a surprise to re-
fresh them, when they had climbed to the top.
Vittoria is situated in a valley, bounded on one
side by the Pyrenees, and on the other by a range
' of bold, though lesser mountains. The favourite
hill commanded a magnificent prospect, and the
202 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
children delighted to watch the ever varying colours
—the lights and shades— which beautified and
continually changed the aspect of the mountainous
ridge before them. Then, if Don Sanchez could
think ofa story for them, their happiness was com-
plete! How refreshing was the mountain breeze
—how delicious the fruit—how interesting the
story—at such times!
‘“‘ Grandpapa,†said little Carlos one day, as
they sat in their accustomed spot, “ I like being
here, it is all so peaceful and quiet. What a beau-
tiful tinge of colour there is on the mountains now!
It is like amethyst; look, Inez!â€
‘* Yes, I see,†said little Inez ; “ and look, Carlos,
how the sun is shining on the city; I think I can
see your house, grandpapa.â€
“ Very likely, my love. My eyes are getting
too old for that now. Ah! they have seen a sight
very different from this peaceful one.â€
“* What, gsandpapa? and when?†asked the
children.
* T have seen this hill, and all around it, covered
with soldiers and artillery, whilst another large
army took up its position in front of the town ;—
and then I sawa fierce battle! You may think
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 203
what a terrible conflict it was, when I tell you that
each army consisted of more than 70,000 men.â€
“ T think I know what you mean,†said Ferdi-
nand; “ yon saw the great battle of Vittoria, when
the allied army defeated the French.â€
“ Why did they fight, brother, and who were
the allies?†asked little Isabel.
‘¢ The allies were the English, the Spanish, and
the Portuguese, under the command of Lord Wel-
lington; and they fought to drive the French out
of Spain, because they had been here many years,
and there had been a great many battles, and much
misery in consequence.â€
‘ Was that the time that Napoleon was Emperor
of France, and when he made his brother Joseph
King of Spain?†asked Isabel.
‘Yes; but the battle of Vittoria put an end
to King Joseph’s reign here. Grandpapa, was
there not a battle fought here many many years
ago?†°
“ Yes; within sight of us was fought the battle
of Najara, when Edward the Black Prince, of
England, acting as the ally of Pedro the Cruel,
defeated the best troops of France under the
renowned Du Guesclin, The battle that I wit-
204 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
nessed—and I truly hope never to see such again
—took place on a fine day in June, 1813.â€
‘¢ How different the city must have looked then
from what it does now !†observed Inez.
‘“ Different, indeed! In front of it the French
had accumulated immense files of chariots and
baggage wagons; and there being only a single line
of retreat,—the great road to Bayonne,—passable
for carriages, the confusion that ensued when they
were put to the rout is indescribable! Never was
there such a scene, or such a capture !â€
‘* Was it so complete a defeat?†asked Fer-
dinand.
“It was. The French fought bravely all day;
but, as one of the victorious officers remarked
afterwards, ‘ they were beaten before the town,
and in the town, and through the town, and out of
the town, and behind the town, and all round
about the town.’ Everywhere they had been
attacked, everywhere beaten, and everywhere were
put to utter rout.â€
‘* Who commanded the French, grandpapa ?â€
‘© Marshal Jourdan. His maréchal’s staff was
among the trophies of the field; Lord Wellington
sent it to England, and received in return that of
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 205
a Field Marshal of Great Britain. It was remark-
able that, before the battle, the Prince of Brazil
should have conferred on the illustrious English
commander the title of Duke of Vittoria.â€
‘© ‘Was the spoil great?â€
“Immense! The French in their flight aban-
doned everything,—stores, baggage, and artillery,
all were left behind. The allies had got possession
of the chief roads, an overturned wagon blocked
up the remaining one to Pampeluna—the British
dragoons were hastening in pursuit—and in frantic
confusion the defeated army dispersed over ditches
and fields. Joseph himself narrowly escaped being
taken prisoner. His private carriage, more than
five millions of dollars, a hundred and fifty pieces
of artillery, gold and silver plate, rich brocades,
pictures, jewels, splendid trinkets, and stores of
ammunition, fell into the hands of the victors. I
shall never forget the scene those roads presented !
Broken down wagons, apparel of every kind,
barrels of money, books, casks of wine, cattle,
sheep, poodles, parrots, and monkeys,—all were
abandoned in the flight!â€
“I am glad I did not see it,†said Isabel.
“ Was the city injured, grandpapa?â€
206 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“ Not at all; though great part of the battle
could be seen from every window. Buf there were
terrible scenes! You may be thankful, indeed, that
you did not witness them, my little Isabel. As
the French retreated, they set every village on fire;
and at every step the allies found havoc, and
flames, and misery—the dying and the dead. Oh,
children! be thankful that peace is restored to
us.â€
‘¢ Grandpapa, what a good time that will be
when men will cease to fight with one another!
How many must have been killed in that terrible
war!â€
“ Ah, my Inez, the time of war is a time of
indescribable misery! Not only men, but women
and little children, the innocent and the helpless,
suffer then. During the time the French were in
Portugal, the inhabitants of that country expe-
rienced the horrors of famine. Lord Wellington
represented to England the distress of those parts
of Portugal through which the enemy had passed,
and solicited relief. The generous English needed
not to be asked twice. Their government granted
100,000/.; and the people voluntarily subscribed
80,0007. more. It was a noble deed, and gratefully
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 207
is it remembered. But oh! what scenes of
misery were witnessed when the money and food
were distributed in the ravaged districts!â€
“* What scenes, grandpapa?â€
* TÂ¥ will describe to you only one; but that will
be sufficient. When the cruel French general,
Massena, was in Portugal, he saw the people
starving around him, but cared not. Indeed he
was so enraged that they should attempt to resist
him and his armies, that he endeavoured by every
means to increase their sufferings. One day some
British troops entered a town which Massena had
quitted. Just opposite to the house in which this
eruel man had lived, were the ruins of a church.
* Ah,’ said a peasant to the welcome soldiers, ‘ in
those ruins some have sheltered themselves; I fear
they must be in want of food.’—‘ We will see,’ re-
plied the commanding officer ; and they hastened
to the old church. But when the door was
opened, what a terrible sight presented itself!
A number of poor little children, perishing with
hunger, had crept there, that they might lie down
and die! There they lay, the dying and the dead
together, stretched upon the straw and rubbish,
and reduced to mere skeletons. The soldiers,
208 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
greatly moved at the sight, gave them food imme-
diately; but it was too late! They looked at it
eagerly, but were unable to eat; and soon lay life-
less by their companions.â€
“* Oh, how very dreadful!†sighed Inez: ‘ but
where were their mothers?â€
“Their parents had perished of hunger, as
multitudes had before them.â€
‘‘ T think,†said Ferdinand, “ the worst of war
is, that it calls forth so many evil passions. I have
heard that our countrymen took fearful vengeance
on their enemies, when they had the opportunity ;
and that once they burnt eighty Frenchmen in a
chapel to which they had retired, refusing to sur- _
render.â€
“Tt is too true, Ferdinand. Against the in-
vaders, our countrymen considered all means law-
ful. The war had been treacherously commenced
on the part of the French, and most cruelly carried
on; and the Spanish, therefore, did not deem it
necessary to show good faith or humanity towards
them. The labourer at his work in the fields or
gardens had a musket concealed at hand, with which
to mark the Frenchman whom ill-fortune might
bring within his reach ;—boys, not older than you,
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF, 209
Carlos, would lead a party of the invaders into
some fatal ambuscade;—and women were often
stationed to give the signal for beginning the
slaughter. Not fewer than eight thousand French
are said to have been cut off in the mountains of
Ronda.â€
*©Oh, grandpapa!†exclaimed Isabel, ‘ how
glad every one must have been when the French
were driven out of Spain! If they had never come
in, perhaps dear papa would have been still alive,
and then mamma would not always look so sad.
Napoleon Bonaparte was very wicked and cruel,
to send his armies here and dethrone our king.â€
“ Aye, that one man, Napoleon, was the cause
of more misery than we can calculate! It was well
the brave English helped us; but it was a hard
struggle! When first Lord Wellington arrived,
our armies were dispersed, our government be-
wildered, our people dismayed; the cry of resist-
ance had ceased; and, in its stead, the stern voice
of Napoleon, anwered by the tread of 300,000
veterans, was heard throughout our land. But
Lord Wellington came—and gave us liberty.â€
“He drove the invaders out of Portugal first,
did he not ?†asked Ferdinand.
P
210 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY,
“He did, and then resolved to drive them across
the Pyrenees, With the most consummate skill
and secrecy he laid his plans in 1813, and struck
the blow before the enemy could guess what his
intentions were. This was after many a hard-
fought battle had taken place in the Peninsula.
An English general says that ‘the design was a
grand one, and grandly was it executed. For high
in heart, and strong of hand, Wellington’s veterans
marched to the encounter; the glories of twelve
victories played about their bayonets, and he, the
leader, so proud and confident, that in passing the
stream which marks the frontier of Spain, he rose
in his stirrups, and waving his hand, cried out,
‘ Farewell, Portugal.’â€
“© And then he marched here—to Vittoria 2â€
** Yes; the difficulties were great; but British
resolution and courage overcame them all. It was,
indeed, ‘a march of victory.’ No difficulty de-
terred, no obstacle dismayed, the gallant leader of
that gallant host. The rivers were crossed as if
they contained no water; the hills were traversed
as if they were plains. Valleys and heights—roar-
ing torrents and dry ravines—all were passed; and
on marched the brave army through our beautiful
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 211
country burning with desire to set that country
free. It required at times the strength of a
hundred soldiers to move forward a single piece
of artillery; occasionally they had to lower it
down a precipice by ropes; but nothing daunted
these brave men; under such a leader nothing
dismayed them.
“And through the lovely valleys of Spain the
troops moved on—now amongst the vineyards and
olive groves—now by the sparkling rivers and
sunny dells—then up the mountain ridges, their
bayonets glittering in the sun, their banners float-
ing in the breeze, and their hearts beating high with
hope, that ere long Spain would have liberty.â€
‘And did not Joseph Bonaparte know they
were coming?†asked Isabel.
“‘No; Joseph in the meantime was retreating
from Madrid, and seeing and hearing nothing of
the allied army, while he believed the road
through which they were marching to be quite
impassable to troops, thought himself secure ; and
the French asked their English prisoners in sur-
prise, ‘whether Lord Wellington was asleep ?’
The question was soon answered, when a few days
after they received the astounding intelligence
212 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
that the allied army was stretched out on the left
bank of the Ebro, waiting to receive them !â€
“How surprised they must have been!†said
Inez. ‘ What did they do?â€
“There was no alternative left but to fight or
flee; and Joseph chose the former.â€
“ And then this great battle took place? Grand-
papa, how did Napoleon bear the news of his
defeat at Vittoria?â€
“The humiliating tidings reached him at a
crisis when he could ill bear such a calamity. He
heard that his brother Joseph had fled from his
capital; and that Wellington, after a march of six
hundred miles in six weeks, now stood on the
summit of the Pyrenees, a recognised conqueror.
His power in Spain was gone for ever; with the
exception of those in the fortresses, every French
soldier in the Peninsula was driven out, and Spain
and Portugal were free.â€
‘* How grateful our countrymen must have felt
to Lord Wellington!†said Isabel. “Did they
give him any title of honour ?â€
‘*He was made Duke of Cuidad Rodrigo, in
memory of that important fortress which he had
taken.â€
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF, 213
‘Oh, I have heard of that, and of the storming
of Badajoz,†said Carlos; “pray do not tell us any-
thing about them, the account is so dreadful.â€
‘© Dreadful, indeed, was the sacrifice of life in
that most sanguinary contest, Carlos! The most
determined bravery was conspicuous on both sides
—the besieged and the besiegers fought with
desperate courage—but oh, the horrors of the
storming of Badajoz, they cannot be described !
I believe Napoleon himself would have shed tears
of grief and remorse, could he have witnessed
them.â€
‘¢ Ah, well he might,†ssid Inez, “he was the
cause of all.â€
*Yes, he caused that fearful war that for six
years raged throughout the Peninsula—a war
that carried desolation into so many homes.
Besides the armies of the allies, the French had to
contend with the Guerrillas also.â€
‘“‘ Who were the Guerrillas, grandpapa?â€
* Bands of armed peasants, who kept up an
unceasing warfare against the invaders, They
would issue forth from their concealment in the
mountains, in small parties; cut off any French-
men not in sufficient force to resist their attack;
214 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
intercept couriers with despatches ; seize supplies;
and then quickly disappear again, only to re-
assemble at some new point, and attempt some
fresh outrage. I cannot describe to you the
cunning, the vengeance, and the intrepidity of
these men. ‘Forest flies, they were called, to
express the constant way in which they annoyed
their enemies, and the facility with which they
eluded them. The greater part of them had in
some way been injured by the invasion. Their
houses had been burnt, their dearest relations
slain, their prospects altogether ruined, and their
revenge was deep and deadly. If French prisoners
fell into their hands, they murdered them without
scruple.â€
‘* How shocking! and I suppose the French did
the same ?â€
“They retaliated when they could; but the
Guerrillas were generally so secure in their moun-
tain fastnesses, that to capture any was a matter
of great difficulty. Should you like to hear a
story of one who was made prisoner?â€
‘Oh yes, very much. What was his name?â€
“His name was Vincente Moreno, and he was
a Guerrilla chief. But he had not disgraced him-
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 215
self by such crimes and cruelties as some others
had committed; he was a brave, generous, noble-
minded patriot; he fought only for the freedom of
his country. Leaving his retreat in the mountains
of Ronda one morning, in order to gain tidings of
the enemy’s movements, he was surprised by
a party of French, taken prisoner, and conveyed
to Granada. When brought before the French
general, his step was as firm, and his demeanour
as calm, as if he stood at that moment free on his
native mountains. The general, struck by his
noble appearance and fearless air, at once resolved,
if possible, to induce him to enter the French
service. ‘Spaniard,’ he said, ‘you have been
found in arms against your king, and that crime
deserves death. What have you to say why you
should not suffer it ?â€
‘‘ Moreno smiled scornfully. ‘ Joseph Bonaparte
is not my king,’ he replied, ‘therefore am I free ©
from the crime of treason.’
‘‘¢ He is the king appointed by the Emperor to
rule over Spain, and, as such, demands your
allegiance.’
‘*¢ Which he will never have,’ quietly replied the
Spaniard.
216 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“‘¢ Then death is your fate!’
“¢ Be it so; I have faced death more than once.’
*¢ Death by hanging,’ said the general.
“The Guerrilla chief slightly started. He had
not anticipated this; but he spoke not.
“*Bethink you,’ continued the general, who
really desired to save the life of this brave man, if
possible, ‘ bethink you of that shameful termina-
tion to your career! You are brave and bold, and
in the prime of life; do not throw that life away
through obstinacy. You may yet command men
as brave as yourself, and win honour and glory on
the battle field.’
“** How?’ said Moreno, fixing his piercing glance
on the general.
‘*« By entering into the service of the Emperor.’
‘Scorn flashed from the chief’s dark eyes. ‘I
little thought such a proposal would ever have
been made to Vincente Moreno,’ he replied ; ‘but
I am a prisoner. The Emperor! the man who
has carried desolation into the hearts and homes
of Spain, and steeped our land in misery !’
“The French general thought he had gone too
suddenly to the point at which his wishes aimed;
and he now endeavoured to calm the indignation
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF, 217
of the chief, while he held forth tempting promises
of wealth and honour. It was in vain; the patriot
was unmoved by his offers, and, after some time,
was taken back to his dungeon cell.
“But again and again was his life offered to
him, if he would enter into the service of Napo-
leon. A free pardon, wealth, and honour, should
be his if he would take up arms against his
country.
*** Never!’ replied the Guerrilla chief; ‘death
would be far preferable to such baseness !’
“The appointed day arrived; and the brave
Moreno was led to the scaffold. But here a hard
trial awaited him. The French general, still
anxious to save his life, had given orders that his
wife and four children should be brought to him
on the fatal spot, to see if. their entreaties could
shake his resolution. Throwing themselves on
their knees before the chief, they besought him
with tears and supplications to accept the offers
made to him. ‘Ob my husband, have pity on us,’
said the weeping wife, ‘have pity on your chil-
dren! Vincente, my noble Vincente, take the life
that is offered you, for our sakes!’
‘© And on what terms would you have me take
218 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
it, Nina?’ replied Moreno; ‘on those of dis-
honour? No; were it possible I could be so base,
you would cease to respect me,—I should cease to
respect myself. Farewell, Nina! leave me now, my
wife ; and teach my sons to remember the example
I am about to give them, and to serve their
country, as I have done, honourably and faithfully
to the last. Farewell, my children! remember
the last words of your father—war against the
tyrant! Freedom for our country, our religion,
and our King Ferdinand !’
“ There was glory on his forehead,
There was lustre in his eye;
And he never walk’d to battle
More proudly than to die.â€
“And Vincente Moreno, the Guerrilla chief,
perished on the scaffold.â€
‘Tt was a cruel deed, to put such a man to
death,†said Inez.
“Tt was. Gonzalez, a Guerrilla chief who
loved him, fearfully avenged the cruel murder, by
putting to death seventy French prisoners who
were in his power. The best and the worst
characters were to be found amongst the Guer-
rillas. Some were mere ruffians and banditti
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF, 219
some were actuated by revenge and hatred to
inflict the most wanton cruelties upon their
enemies; some were attracted by the wild excite-
ment attendant on a life of outlawry and adven-
ture; and many, like Vincente Moreno, were
influenced solely by love to their country.â€
“How were the Guerrillas dressed, grand-
papa?â€
* There was nothing in their dress to distinguish
them from the peasantry. Every one was ready
to give them intelligence, or shelter; they knew
the country well, and could quickly conceal them-
selves from the enemy. The rapidity with which
they sent intelligence through the land was wonder-
ful; and in this respect they were often of service
to the allied army.â€
‘‘ What a disordered and wretched state Spain
must have been in !†said Carlos.
“‘ Ah, my dear boy, you were too young at the
time to remember the horrors of war. And yet it
seems but yesterday that you were all at Morales
with your mother. A skirmish took place there
with the French, by which they lost two hundred
men, who were taken prisoners. And so accus-
tomed had we all become to the frightful scenes
220 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
around us, that within ten minutes after the firing
had ceased, the women were spinning at their
doors, and you and Ferdinand at play with other
little children, as if nothing had happened, though
the action took place in the streets of the
town !â€
** Were little children ever killed?†asked Isabel.
** Very often; some were killed in wanton
cruelty, and some died from hardship and suffering.
I knew a fine little boy who, with his brother,
perished in the retreat to Corunna.â€
‘© Oh, do tell us about them, grandpapa.â€
‘“‘Sir John Moore, a beloved and respected
British officer, had command of the army in Spain
in 1808. Learning that the whole of the dis-
posable armies of the French in the Peninsula
were gathering to surround him, he commenced a
rapid march to the coast, through the mountainous
regions of Galicia. The sufferings of the soldiers
during that most painful march were terrible! It
was in the depth of a severe winter, the country
was rugged and difficult, the weather very in-
clement, and from hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain,
numbers fell by the road-side, unable to proceed ;
and when they thus fell, they knew there was no
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 221
hope for them; for Soult, with his victorious and
rapidly advancing army, was close behind. Yet
women, and even little children, shared the perils
of that sad march !â€
‘“ And the little boys, grandpapa?â€
“Yes, the two little brothers toiled on with the
rest. Sometimes a fearful hurricane of wind and
snow would come on in the mountains, sometimes
they had to cross a swollen and rapid river, and
sometimes they were for a whole day without food.
Yet weary, cold, and hungry, the brave little fellows
never complained. If one received a piece of bread,
he always shared it with his brother; and when,
worn out with fatigue, they lay down to rest in the
jolting cart in which they were placed, it was always
side by side. Their mother had died a few months
before; and their father was with the rear-guard
of the army, which continued with unabated re-
solution to repel the enemy. But tidings came
one sad day, that their father had been killed by a
cannon ball; and then Arthur and George were
orphans!â€
“* Poor boys,†said Isabel, ‘‘ what did they do?â€
‘They sorrowed much, but not for long. Little
George, who had suffered greatly from fatigue and
222 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
want of proper nourishment, died soon after. He
was a timid child, and continually during his illness
called to Arthur ‘to keep him from the wolves.’
His fearless brother told him ‘no wolves should
touch him while he was near,’ and watched over
him with tender love. But George died; and a
few days after poor Arthur perished in a snow
storm.â€
‘* How, dear grandpapa ?â€
“ He was walking to keep himself warm; and
after the storm he was missed. It was supposed
that he had become benumbed with the cold, and
unable to goon. Nothing was ever seen of him
again.â€
‘* How very sad !†exclaimed the children. ‘ Did
the army reach Corunna, grandpapa ?â€
“Itdid; but just as the soldiers were embarking
for England, the French came up, and a severe
conflict took place. The British gained the victory ;
but it was dearly purchased by the loss of their
gallant commander, Sir John Moore. He died in
the moment of triumph, his last words being these,
‘I always wished to die thus. I trust the people
of England will be satisfied,—that my country will
do me justice.’ No officer was ever more truly
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 223
beloved or regretted than Sir John Moore. He
had expressed a wish to be buried where he
fell; and accordingly the officers of his staff
carried the gallant hero by torch-light to his
last resting-place on the ramparts of the citadel
of Corunna.â€
‘ Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note,
As his corpse to the ramparts we hurried ;
Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot
O’er the grave where our hero was buried.
“We buried him darkly at dead of the night,
The sods with our bayonets turning,
By the struggling moonbeams’ misty light,
And the lantern dimly burning.
“No useless coffin enclosed his breast,
Not in that, nor in shroud we bound him ;
But he lay like a warrior taking his rest,
With his martial cloak around him.â€
“We should always love the brave English, who
came to our help when we could not help our-
selves,†said little Isabel.
“We should, indeed,†replied Don Sanchez;
“but I grieve to say that some of our countrymen
did not behave well during the war. They showed
a sad want of energy ; and were ungrateful to our
generous deliverers.â€
224 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
“Well,†said Ferdinand, “ for my part, I agree
with our well-known proverb, ‘Though we should
be at war with all the world, let us be at peace with
England.’ â€
“ That is right, my boy ;—but come, children,
the sun is sinking behind the mountains; it is time
to return home.â€
As the little party descended the hill on their
mules, they were accosted by a traveller, a French
gentleman, who inquired his way to the spot where
the great battle had taken place. Don Sanchez
pointed it out. It is not to be distinguished,†he
said, “save by that gentle rise in the ground, where
French and English, friend and foe, lie buried in
one common grave.â€
“To me that spot has a melancholy interest,â€
replied the stranger. “ My father and two brothers
perished on that fatal field. A heavy loss it was!
Ah! my little friends,†continued he, observing that
the children regarded him with looks of curiosity
and compassion, ** pray that God will long preserve
to you the blessing of peace! How infinitely pre-
ferable is such a scene as this to all the pomp of
martial array!†-
THE GUERRILLA CHIEF. 225
It was, indeed, a pleasing scene on which they
gazed. The vintagers were busy in the vineyards ;
the roads were filled with peasantry in their pictu-
resque dresses, returning home from their labours ;
the children, with shouts and laughter, were running
out to meet them; and everything bespoke peace
and plenty. Don Sanchez, with Spanish hospi-
tality, invited the French traveller to his house, to
partake of some refreshment; the invitation was
accepted, and as friends and brothers, those who
were once rivals now sat down, side by side, in
mutual regard and good will, on the memorable
plains of Vittoria. ;
And where was he who, through his unbotinded
ambition, had caused this long-continued war, and
carried misery into so many homes? An exile on
a lonely island in the ocean, he was reaping the
fruit of his selfishness and love of powef.
!
* The Desolater desolate!
The victor overthrown ;
The arbiter of others’ fate
A suppliant for hia ewn !â€
The man who had made Europe tremble might
no longer disturb its peace. He who had given
Q
226 SHORT STORIES FROM EUROPEAN HISTORY.
away thrones, was himself throneless. For what
saitl the Scripture ?—‘‘ He who getteth riches,
and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of
his days, and at his end shall be a fool.â€
THE END.
R. CLAY, PRINTER, BREAD STREET HIGL.
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