ans lined the square, whilst other
detached parties of horse patrolled the neighbouring places to prevent
any obstruction from the multitude. The hurry and agitation of the
people now became extreme; but when at last the tremendous knell from
the cathedral gave the mournful signal for Gomez Arias to set out for
the goal of his mortal career, a simultaneous murmur of horror rose from
the surrounding crowd. The dismal tolling of bells, accompanied at
intervals by the sad and hollow strains of trumpets, announced that the
procession was ready to move.

Gomez Arias had descended from his apartment perfectly composed. Indeed,
no other feeling could be descried in his features but stern pride and
resentment. He walked with a firm step towards the melancholy train that
awaited him. But when about to mount his horse, he perceived the
Countess de Tendilla bathed in tears, approaching to bid him farewell.
He kindly thanked this lady for all the attentions he had experienced at
her house during the time he had remained there, and having bidden her a
last adieu, he bounded on his favorite charger. The spirited animal
began to curvet and rear, as if proud of his burthen.

"Gently, gently, Babieca," said his master, caressing the noble steed:
"be not impatient, for this is the last time thou wilt carry thy
master."

He then looked around, and as he saw a party of his victorious troops,
chosen for his escort according to his desire, all plunged in the
deepest grief, in a soothing tone he bade them be of good cheer.

Don Lope being determined to set at defiance every appearance of
despondency, had assumed an air of martial and dignified composure. His
handsome figure never looked to greater advantage than at this
disastrous moment; he was attired in a most sumptuous suit, while all
the friends and relatives who accompanied him were habited in deep
mourning. The procession moved slowly on amidst the confused murmur of
the multitude, deeply lamenting the fate, and admiring the firmness of
the hero of the dismal tragedy. He was attended by a crowd of the
ministers of religion; but two friars of the order of St. Francis
attached themselves more particularly to his person. The whole presented
a most singularly contrasted scene; for in the same view appeared
mingled all the panoplies of war, stirring the soul to martial deeds,
and the solemn emblems of religion inviting the mind to abandon the pomp
of the world, and turn its thoughts tow