The banner of Ferdinand and
Isabella, that previous relic of the Conquest, is brought forth from
its depository, and borne in triumph by the Alferez mayor, or grand
standard-bearer. The portable camp-altar, carried about with the
sovereigns in all their campaigns, is transported into the chapel
royal of the cathedral, and placed before their sepulchre, where their
effigies lie in monumental marble. High mass is then performed in
memory of the Conquest; and at a certain part of the ceremony the
Alferez mayor puts on his hat, and waves the standard above the tomb
of the conquerors.
A more whimsical memorial of the Conquest is exhibited in the
evening at the theatre. A popular drama is performed, entitled AVE
MARIA, turning on a famous achievement of Hernando del Pulgar,
surnamed "el de las Hazanas" (he of the exploits), a madcap warrior,
the favorite hero of the populace of Granada. During the time of the
siege, the young Moorish and Spanish cavaliers vied with each other in
extravagant bravadoes. On one occasion this Hernando del Pulgar, at
the head of a handful of followers, made a dash into Granada in the
dead of the night, nailed the inscription of AVE MARIA with his dagger
to the gate of the principal mosque, a token of having consecrated
it to the Virgin, and effected his retreat in safety.
While the Moorish cavaliers admired this daring exploit, they felt
bound to resent it.
Pages:
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180