Shouldst thou refuse, he offers to combat with
one hundred cavaliers against two hundred; or, in like proportion,
to the number of one thousand, always allowing thy faith a double
number of champions. Remember, oh king, that thou canst not refuse
this challenge; since thy prophet, knowing the impossibility of
maintaining his doctrines by argument, has commanded his followers
to enforce them with the sword."
The beard of King Yusef trembled with indignation. "The master of
Alcantara," said he, "is a madman to send such a message, and ye are
saucy knaves to bring it."
So saying, he ordered the ambassadors to be thrown into a dungeon,
by way of giving them a lesson in diplomacy; and they were roughly
treated on their way thither by the populace, who were exasperated
at this insult to their sovereign and their faith.
The grand master of Alcantara could scarcely credit the tidings of
the maltreatment of his messengers; but the hermit rejoiced when
they were repeated to him. "God," said he, "has blinded this infidel
king for his downfall. Since he has sent no reply to thy defiance,
consider it accepted. Marshal thy forces, therefore; march forward
to Granada; pause not until thou seest the gate of Elvira. A miracle
will be wrought in thy favor. There will be a great battle; the
enemy will be overthrown; but not one of thy soldiers will be slain."
The grand master called upon every warrior zealous in the
Christian cause to aid him in this crusade.
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