Ismael, though a young and intrepid prince, hesitated to accept
the challenge. He had not sufficient force at hand, and awaited the
arrival of troops summoned from the neighboring towns. The Christian
princes, mistaking his motives, gave up all hope of drawing him forth,
and having glutted themselves with ravage, struck their tents and
began their homeward march. Don Pedro led the van, and Don Juan
brought up the rear, but their march was confused and irregular, the
army being greatly encumbered by the spoils and captives they had
taken.
By this time King Ismael had received his expected resources, and
putting them under the command of Osmyn, one of the bravest of his
generals, sent them forth in hot pursuit of the enemy. The
Christians were overtaken in the defiles of the mountains. A panic
seized them; they were completely routed, and driven with great
slaughter across the borders. Both of the princes lost their lives.
The body of Don Pedro was carried off by his soldiers, but that of Don
Juan was lost in the darkness of the night. His son wrote to the
Moorish king, entreating that the body of his father might be sought
and honorably treated. Ismael forgot in a moment that Don Juan was
an enemy, who had carried ravage and insult to the very gate of his
capital; he only thought of him as a gallant cavalier and a royal
prince. By his command diligent search was made for the body.
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