with which we meet in
perusing the histories of other nations; perhaps in {xiv} consequence
of the peculiar colouring of originality lent them by their Oriental
characteristics; or perhaps because, in contrast with numerous examples
of barbarity, a noble action, an eloquent discourse, or a touching
expression, acquire an unusual charm.

It is not my intention to write the history of the Moors in minute
detail, but merely to retrace their principal revolutions, and attempt
a faithful sketch of their national character and manners.

The Spanish historians, whom I have carefully consulted in aid of this
design, have been of but little assistance to me in my efforts.
Careful to give a very prominent place in their extremely complicated
narratives to the various sovereigns of Asturia, Navarre, Aragon, and
Castile, they advert to the Moors only when their wars with the
Christians inseparably mingle the interests of the two nations; but
they never allude to the government, customs, or laws of the enemies of
their faith.

{xv}

The translations from the Arabian writers to which I have had recourse,
throw little more light upon the subject of my researches than the
productions of Spanish authors. Blinded by fanaticism and national
pride, they expatiate with complacency on the warlike achievements of
their countrymen, without even adverting to the reverses that attended
their arms, and pass over whole dynasties without the slightest notice
or comment.

Some of our _savans_ have, in several very estimable works, united the
information to be collected from these Spanish and Arabian histories,
with such additional particulars as they were able to derive from their
own personal observations.

I have drawn materials from all these sources, and have, in addition,
sought for descriptions of the manners of the Moors in the Spanish and
ancient Castilian romances, and in manuscripts and memoirs obtained
from Madrid.

It is after these long and laborious researches {xvi} that I venture to
offer a brief history of a people who bore so little resemblance to any
other; who had their national vices and virtues, as well as their
characteristic physiognomy; and who so long united the bravery,
generosity, and chivalry of the Europeans, with the excitable
temperament and strong passions of the Orientals.

To render the order of time more intelligible, and the more clearly to
elucidate facts, this historical sketch will be divided in fo