Taking a
sudden resolution, therefore, he repaired privately to the Christian
camp, made his unexpected appearance in the presence of King
Ferdinand, and frankly announced himself as the king of Granada. "I
come," said he, "confiding in your good faith, to put myself under
your protection. Take all I possess and receive me as your vassal"; so
saying, he knelt and kissed the king's hand in token of allegiance.
Ferdinand was won by this instance of confiding faith, and
determined not to be outdone in generosity. He raised his late enemy
from the earth, embraced him as a friend, and, refusing the wealth
he offered, left him sovereign of his dominions, under the feudal
tenure of a yearly tribute, attendance at the Cortes as one of the
nobles of the empire, and service in war with a certain number of
horsemen. He moreover conferred on him the honor of knighthood, and
armed him with his own hands.
It was not long after this that Alhamar was called upon, for his
military services, to aid King Ferdinand in his famous siege of
Seville. The Moorish king sallied forth with five hundred chosen
horsemen of Granada, than whom none in the world knew better how to
manage the steed or wield the lance. It was a humiliating service,
however, for they had to draw the sword against their brethren of
the faith.
Alhamar gained a melancholy distinction by his prowess in this
renowned conquest, but more true honor by the humanity which he
prevailed upon Ferdinand to introduce into the usages of war.
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