In front of this esplanade is the splendid pile commenced by Charles
V, and intended, it is said, to eclipse the residence of the Moorish
kings. Much of the oriental edifice intended for the winter season was
demolished to make way for this massive pile. The grand entrance was
blocked up; so that the present entrance to the Moorish palace is
through a simple and almost humble portal in a corner. With all the
massive grandeur and architectural merit of the palace of Charles V,
we regarded it as an arrogant intruder, and passing by it with a
feeling almost of scorn, rang at the Moslem portal.
While waiting for admittance, our self-imposed cicerone, Mateo
Ximenes, informed us that the royal palace was intrusted to the care
of a worthy old maiden dame called Dona Antonia-Molina, but who,
according to Spanish custom, went by the more neighborly appellation
of Tia Antonia (Aunt Antonia), who maintained the Moorish halls and
gardens in order and showed them to strangers. While we were
talking, the door was opened by a plump little black-eyed Andalusian
damsel, whom Mateo addressed as Dolores, but who from her bright looks
and cheerful disposition evidently merited a merrier name. Mateo
informed me in a whisper that she was the niece of Tia Antonia, and
I found she was the good fairy who was to conduct us through the
enchanted palace. Under her guidance we crossed the threshold, and
were at once transported, as if by magic wand, into other times and an
oriental realm, and were treading the scenes of Arabian story.
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