nd the Pope, gained the
greatest victory which any Castilian force had ever won over the troops
of the infidels.

Instead of the name received at his baptism, and the one which he owed to
his brother, that of Victor of Lepanto now adorned him. Not one of all
the generals in the world received honours even distantly approaching
those lavished upon him. And besides the leonine courage and talent for
command which he had displayed, his noble nature was praised with ardent
enthusiasm. How he had showed it in the distribution of the booty to the
widow of the Turkish high admiral Ali Pasha! This renowned Moslem naval
commander had fallen in the battle, and his two sons had been delivered
to Don John as prisoners. When the unfortunate mother entreated him to
release the boys for a large ransom, he restored one to her love with the
companions for whose liberty he had interceded, with a letter containing
the words, "It does not beseem me to keep your presents, since my rank
and birth require me to give, not to receive."

These noble words were written by Barbara Blomberg's son, the boy to whom
she gave birth, and who had now become just what her lofty soul desired.

After the conquest of Cyprus, the Crescent had seriously threatened the
Cross in the Mediterranean, and it was Don John who had broken the power
of the Turks.

Alas, that her father could not have lived to witness this exploit of his
grandson! What a happy man the victory of Lepanto, gained by his
"Wawerl's" son, would have made him! How the fearless old champion of the
faith would have rejoiced in this grandchild, his deeds, and nature!

And what honours were bestowed upon her John!

King Philip wrote to him, "Next to God, gratitude for what has been
accomplished is due to you." A statue was erected to him in Messina. The
Pope had used the words of Scripture, "There was a man sent by God, and
his name was John." Now, yes, now she was more than rewarded for the
sacrifice of Landshut; now the splendour and grandeur for which she had
longed and prayed was far, far exceeded.

This time it was gratitude, fervent gratitude, which detained her in
church. The child of her love, her suffering, her pride, was now happy,
must be happy.

When, two years later, Don John captured Tunis, the exploit could no
longer increase his renown.

At this time also happened many things which filled the heart of a woman
so closely connected with royalty sometimes with joy, sometimes