aining years of her life in strict seclusion in a
lonely cloister.

In the last part of the eleventh century there were troublous times for
the Moors. For a number of years there had been no strong central power
among them, and the various emirs who were the rulers of the different
parts of the peninsula were so intent upon their own affairs, and so
consumed by greed and selfishness, that the general cause suffered
mightily and the Spanish Christians grew bolder and bolder in their
attacks. Alfonso VI. of Castile was their leader. The danger of total
extinction finally became so great that the emirs were induced to join
forces for their personal safety and to take measures to preserve their
own towns and cities. Realizing their helpless condition, they sent a
letter to Yousouf-ben-Tashfyn, Prince of the Almoravides, a Mohammadan
tribe of Africa, asking him to come with his hosts to help them do
battle against the infidel. Certain portions of this invitation reveal
so clearly the deplorable conditions of Moorish society at this time
that it is well worth while to spend a moment in their perusal:

"We, the Arabs of Andalusia, have not preserved our illustrious
tribes: we have dispersed and intermixed them, and have long had no
fellowship with our tribes and families who dwell in Africa. Want
of union has led to discord, and our natural enemies are prevailing
against us. Each day becometh more unbearable the fury of King
Alfonso, who like a mad dog enters our lands, takes our castles,
makes Moslems captive, and will tread us under foot unless an emir
from Africa will arise to defend the oppressed, who behold the ruin
of their kindred, their neighbors, and even of their law. They are
no more what they once were. Pleasures, amusements, the sweet
climate of Andalusia, delicious baths of fragrant waters, fountains
and dainty meats, have enervated them so that they dare not face
the toils of war. If thou art moved by desire of earthly wealth,
here wilt thou find rich carpets, jewels of gold and silver,
precious raiment, delicious gardens, and clear springs of flowing
water. But if thine heart seeks only to win eternal life in Allah's
service, here is the opportunity, for never are wanting bloody
battles, skirmishes, and fights. Here has Allah placed a paradise
that from the shadow of weapons thou mayest pass to the everlasting
s