The nuptials of the happy couple were celebrated soon afterwards
with great splendor, and the Rose of the Alhambra became the
ornament and delight of the court. "But hold- not so fast"- I hear the
reader exclaim, "this is jumping to the end of a story at a furious
rate! First let us know how Ruyz de Alarcon managed to account to
Jacinta for his long neglect?" Nothing more easy; the venerable,
time-honored excuse, the opposition to his wishes by a proud,
pragmatical old father: besides, young people, who really like one
another, soon come to an amicable understanding, and bury all past
grievances when once they meet.
But how was the proud pragmatical old father reconciled to the
match?
Oh! as to that, his scruples were easily overcome by a word or two
from the queen; especially as dignities and rewards were showered upon
the blooming favorite of royalty. Besides, the lute of Jacinta, you
know, possessed a magic power, and could control the most stubborn
head and hardest breast.
And what came of the enchanted lute?
Oh, that is the most curious matter of all, and plainly proves the
truth of the whole story. That lute remained for some time in the
family, but was purloined and carried off, as was supposed, by the
great singer Farinelli, in pure jealousy. At his death it passed
into other hands in Italy, who were ignorant of its mystic powers, and
melting down the silver, transferred the strings to an old Cremona
fiddle.
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