For my own part, you saw the ruined tower of the
bridge in Old Castile, where I have now wintered and summered for many
hundred years, and where I must be back again by daybreak. As to the
battalions of horse and foot which you beheld drawn up in array in the
neighboring caverns, they are the spell-bound warriors of Granada.
It is written in the book of fate, that when the enchantment is
broken, Boabdil will descend from the mountain at the head of this
army, resume his throne in the Alhambra and his sway of Granada, and
gathering together the enchanted warriors, from all parts of Spain,
will reconquer the Peninsula and restore it to Moslem rule.'
"'And when shall this happen?' said I.
"'Allah alone knows: we had hoped the day of deliverance was at
hand; but there reigns at present a vigilant governor in the Alhambra,
a stanch old soldier, well known as Governor Manco. While such a
warrior holds command of the very outpost, and stands ready to check
the first irruption from the mountain, I fear Boabdil and his soldiery
must be content to rest upon their arms.'
Here the governor raised himself somewhat perpendicularly,
adjusted his sword, and twirled up his mustaches.
"To make a long story short, and not to fatigue your excellency, the
trooper, having given me this account, dismounted from his steed.
"'Tarry here,' said he, 'and guard my steed while I go and bow the
knee to Boabdil.
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