is just, they offer, O king, princely
territories in the Alpuxarras mountains to your sway, holding them by
oath of fealty to the Spanish crown. To the people of Granada, their
Most Christian Majesties promise full protection of property, life,
and faith under a government by their own magistrates, and according
to their own laws; exemption from tribute for three years; and taxes
thereafter, regulated by the custom and ratio of their present imposts.
To such Moors as, discontented with these provisions, would abandon
Granada, are promised free passage for themselves and their wealth.
In return for these marks of their royal bounty, their Most Christian
Majesties summon Granada to surrender (if no succour meanwhile arrive)
within seventy days. And these offers are now solemnly recorded in the
presence, and through the mission, of the noble and renowned knight,
Gonzalvo of Cordova, deputed by their Most Christian Majesties from
their new city of Santa Fe."

When the herald had concluded, Boabdil cast his eye over his thronged
and splendid court. No glance of fire met his own; amidst the silent
crowd, a resigned content was alone to be perceived: the proposals
exceeded the hope of the besieged.

"And," asked Boabdil, with a deep-drawn sigh, "if we reject these
offers?"

"Noble prince," said Gonzalvo, earnestly, "ask us not to wound thine
ears with the alternative. Pause, and consider of our offers; and, if
thou doubtest, O brave king! mount the towers of thine Alhambra, survey
our legions marshalled beneath thy walls, and turn thine eyes upon a
brave people, defeated, not by human valour, but by famine, and the
inscrutable will of God."

"Your monarchs shall have our answer, gentle Christian, perchance ere
nightfall. And you, Sir Knight, who hast delivered a message bitter for
kings to bear, receive, at least, our thanks for such bearing as might
best mitigate the import. Our vizier will bear to your apartment those
tokens of remembrance that are yet left to the monarch of Granada to
bestow."

"Muza," resumed the king, as the Spaniards left the presence--"thou hast
heard all. What is the last counsel thou canst give thy sovereign?"

The fierce Moor had with difficulty waited this licence to utter such
sentiments as death only could banish from that unconquerable heart. He
rose, descended from the couch, and, standing a little below the
king, and facing the motley throng of all of wise or brave yet left to
Granada,