an of Egypt, delight of the world, and
rose-tree of the East, thus answers to the letters of Boabdil. He
grieves that he cannot send the succour thou demandest; and informing
himself of the condition of thy territories, he finds that Granada no
longer holds a seaport by which his forces (could he send them) might
find an entrance into Spain. He implores thee to put thy trust in Allah,
who will not desert his chosen ones, and lays these gifts, in pledge of
amity and love, at the feet of my lord the king."

"It is a gracious and well-timed offering," said Boabdil, with a
writhing lip; "we thank him." There was now a long and dead silence as
the ambassadors swept from the hall of audience, when Boabdil suddenly
raised his head from his breast and looked around his hall with a kingly
and majestic look: "Let the heralds of Ferdinand of Spain approach."

A groan involuntarily broke from the breast of Muza: it was echoed by
a murmur of abhorrence and despair from the gallant captains who stood
around; but to that momentary burst succeeded a breathless silence, as
from another drapery, opposite the royal couch, gleamed the burnished
mail of the knights of Spain. Foremost of these haughty visitors, whose
iron heels clanked loudly on the tesselated floor, came a noble and
stately form, in full armour, save the helmet, and with a mantle of
azure velvet, wrought with the silver cross that made the badge of the
Christian war. Upon his manly countenance was visible no sign of undue
arrogance or exultation; but something of that generous pity which brave
men feel for conquered foes dimmed the lustre of his commanding eye, and
softened the wonted sternness of his martial bearing. He and his train
approached the king with a profound salutation of respect; and falling
back, motioned to the herald that accompanied him, and whose garb,
breast and back, was wrought with the arms of Spain, to deliver himself
of his mission.

"To Boabdil!" said the herald, with a loud voice, that filled the whole
expanse, and thrilled with various emotions the dumb assembly. "To
Boabdil el Chico, King of Granada, Ferdinand of Arragon and Isabel of
Castile send royal greeting. They command me to express their hope that
the war is at length concluded; and they offer to the King of Granada
such terms of capitulation as a king, without dishonour, may receive.
In the stead of this city, which their Most Christian Majesties will
restore to their own dominion, as