beasts of burthen, as they
anticipated the probability of a speedy retreat from their habitations.
They evinced no signs of sorrow or reluctance at the prospect of
abandoning their homes, for they had been too well enured to the
uncertainties of a wandering and predatory life, to betray marks of
impatience or anger at an event which necessity had taught them to look
upon with indifference.

El Feri, having placed himself at the head of a brave and chosen party,
boldly sallied from the town to meet the Christians, hoping that by a
courageous effort, he might check their course, and afford time to his
associate in command, the better to organise his means of resistance.
The Christians advanced gallantly to the attack, shouting their war cry
of _Santiago y cierra Espana_, which was answered by the Moors with the
sound of Allah! illah! allah!

Twice the Christians rushed onwards with impetuosity, and twice they
were repulsed with equal fierceness and courage. Again they closed in
the conflict, collecting new energies, and exerting their utmost
strength. Don Alonso de Aguilar now appeared conspicuous amongst his
companions, directing every movement with cool intrepidity, and
animating his followers with the example of valorous achievement; his
ponderous sword, reeking with blood, gleamed on high, a beacon of
victory; and death marked his progress as he waded through the field of
strife. The numbers and better discipline of the Spaniards, at length
began to prevail: the rebels wavered, and terror soon spread through
their ranks. In vain did El Feri exert his utmost powers to rally the
discomfited Moors; in vain did his flashing eye kindle; in vain did he
labour to animate their sinking hearts; fruitless was the strength of
his arm in stemming the torrent that overwhelmed them: his animating
voice, as he called to them the remembrance of their country, was lost
in the wild confusion which prevailed, and the few that adhered faithful
to him, sealed their devotion with their blood. The rest fled for
safety, and El Feri was at length compelled to retreat precipitately
into the town.

The Christians paused for a moment in their victorious career. They were
about to enter the lion's den; as, from the covert to which the rebels
had betaken themselves, they could spread destruction through the ranks
of their advancing enemies in comparative security. The Christians were
likewise aware that the Moors, although defeated, were not s