It is
remarked that these very discreet statues continue, even unto the
present day, with their eyes fixed most significantly on the same part
of the wall; which leads many to suppose there is still some hidden
treasure remaining there well worthy the attention of the enterprising
traveller. Though others, and particularly all female visitors, regard
them with great complacency as lasting monuments of the fact that
women can keep a secret.
The Crusade of the Grand Master of Alcantara.
IN THE course of a morning's research among the old chronicles in
the Library of the University, I came upon a little episode in the
history of Granada, so strongly characteristic of the bigot zeal,
which sometimes inflamed the Christian enterprises against this
splendid but devoted city, that I was tempted to draw it forth from
the parchment-bound volume in which it lay entombed and submit it to
the reader.
In the year of redemption, 1394, there was a valiant and devout
grand master of Alcantara, named Martin Yanez de Barbudo, who was
inflamed with a vehement desire to serve God and fight the Moors.
Unfortunately for this brave and pious cavalier, a profound peace
existed between the Christian and Moslem powers. Henry III had just
ascended the throne of Castile, and Yusef ben Mohammed had succeeded
to the throne of Granada, and both were disposed to continue the peace
which had prevailed between their fathers.
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