dispositions already made.

He now boldly sought the presence of the queen, and requested her
authority to embody a division to act under his command, a boon which
his reputation as a soldier fully justified him in demanding. Isabella,
to whom Don Lope's courtly manners and gallant bearing had always been
pleasing, was happy to afford him an opportunity of distinguishing
himself, and the cloud that obscured her brow was soon dispelled by a
gracious smile as she wished him success in his expedition. Indeed,
justice required that the request of Gomez Arias should not be denied,
for while most of the Spanish chiefs, his brothers in arms, were about
to share the dangers and glory of so honorable a war, it would have been
utterly inconsistent that Don Lope, who ranked amongst the foremost in
courage, should remain in obscurity.

Gomez Arias immediately made his arrangements with the usual ardour of
his character, stimulated by ambition and the desire of forcing upon
Leonor a conviction of his superior merits, by adding to his fame
without being indebted to the proud family of the Aguilars. He summoned
to his ranks all the friends over whom he possessed power, and the
retainers of various noble families with whom he was in alliance. But
these being volunteers, whom their zeal or hatred to the Moors had
instigated to take up arms, could not be put in a state to depart from
Granada with the regular army of Don Alonso de Aguilar.

The troops of this noble veteran were prepared to march. Previously,
however, to their departure from the city, they piously bent their
steps towards the cathedral, where divine service was performed with
great pomp, to propitiate heaven in favour of its servants. The
archbishop delivered an eloquent oration inculcating on the Christians
their duty, and the glory of their enterprize; pointing out fame and
honour to the survivors--an eternal crown to those who should fall in
defence of their country and religion. The banners of the army were then
blessed, and the various divisions directed their march towards the
gates of Elvira, by which they were to leave the city.

It was a clear and beautiful morning; no lowering cloud defaced the
serene brilliancy of the sky, and the sunbeams sporting on the polished
helmets and glittering trappings of the army, were reflected in a
thousand curious rays.

The trumpets, clarions, and other martial instruments, poured their
brazen voices in wild and animating st