Two factions were produced
in the palace by the rivalry of the sultanas, who were each anxious to
secure for their children the succession to the throne. Zoraya was
supported by the vizier Abul Cacim Venegas, his brother Reduan
Venegas, and their numerous connections, partly through sympathy
with her as being, like themselves, of Christian lineage, and partly
because they saw she was the favorite of the doting monarch.
The Abencerrages, on the contrary, rallied round the sultana Ayxa;
partly through hereditary opposition to the family of Venegas, but
chiefly, no doubt, through a strong feeling of loyalty to her as
daughter of Muhamed Alhayzari, the ancient benefactor of their line.
The dissensions of the palace went on increasing. Intrigues of all
kinds took place, as is usual in royal palaces. Suspicions were
artfully instilled in the mind of Muley Abul Hassan that Ayxa was
engaged in a plot to depose him and put her son Boabdil on the throne.
In his first transports of rage he confined them both in the Tower
of Comares, threatening the life of Boabdil. At dead of night the
anxious mother lowered her son from a window of the tower by the
scarfs of herself and her female attendants; and some of her
adherents, who were in waiting with swift horses, bore him away to the
Alpuxarras. It is this imprisonment of the sultana Ayxa which possibly
gave rise to the fable of the queen of Boabdil being confined by him
in a tower to be tried for her life.
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