ks. 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 shadow where he
rewards the deserving."

Moved by such an appeal, Yousouf came with his armies, defeated the
Christians under Alfonso at the terrible battle of Zalakah, and would
have followed up his victory had he not been recalled to Morocco by the
death of his son. He returned to Spain soon after, however, and then
began a conquest in his own interests, having made up his mind that the
emirs could be easily dispossessed and that it would be good to rule as
the absolute master of all Andalusia. Beginning with Granada, he
attacked the emirs each in turn, and in the end subdued them all.