Don Munio thanked his stars for sending him such a prize, and
exulted at the thought of bearing home to his wife the glittering
spoils of these infidels. Putting his hunting horn to his lips, he
gave a blast that rung through the forest. His huntsmen came running
from all quarters, and the astonished Moors were surrounded and made
captives.
The beautiful Moor wrung her hands in despair, and her female
attendants uttered the most piercing cries. The young Moorish cavalier
alone retained self-possession. He inquired the name of the
Christian knight, who commanded this troop of horsemen. When told that
it was Don Munio Sancho de Hinojosa, his countenance lighted up.
Approaching that cavalier, and kissing his hand, "Don Munio Sancho,"
said he, "I have heard of your fame as a true and valiant knight,
terrible in arms, but schooled in the noble virtues of chivalry.
Such do I trust to find you. In me you behold Abadil, son of a Moorish
alcayde. I am on the way to celebrate my nuptials with this lady;
chance has thrown us in your power, but I confide in your magnanimity.
Take all our treasure and jewels; demand what ransom you think
proper for our persons, but suffer us not to be insulted nor
dishonored."
When the good knight heard this appeal, and beheld the beauty of the
youthful pair, his heart was touched with tenderness and courtesy.
"God forbid," said he, "that I should disturb such happy nuptials.
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