Sometimes
the dubious tones of a guitar and the notes of an amorous voice,
tell perchance the whereabout of some moon-struck lover serenading his
lady's window.
Such is a faint picture of the moonlight nights I have passed
loitering about the courts and halls and balconies of this most
suggestive pile, "feeding my fancy with sugared suppositions," and
enjoying that mixture of reverie and sensation which steal away
existence in a southern climate; so that it has been almost morning
before I have retired to bed, and been lulled to sleep by the
falling waters of the fountain of Lindaraxa.
Panorama from the Tower of Comares.
IT IS A serene and beautiful morning: the sun has not gained
sufficient power to destroy the freshness of the night. What a morning
to mount to the summit of the Tower of Comares, and take a
bird's-eye view of Granada and its environs!
Come then, worthy reader and comrade, follow my steps into this
vestibule, ornamented with rich tracery, which opens into the Hall
of Ambassadors. We will not enter the hall, however, but turn to
this small door opening into the wall. Have a care! here are steep
winding steps and but scanty light; yet up this narrow, obscure, and
spiral staircase, the proud monarchs of Granada and their queens
have often ascended to the battlements to watch the approach of
invading armies, or gaze with anxious hearts on the battles in the
Vega.
Pages:
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119