The Last Abencerrage Poem by Lynn W. Petty

The Last Abencerrage

It was an age that writers call "Of yore."
When honor, truth and chivalry were core
Ingredients of men of gallantry,
Whose oath reflected his integrity.
Surrounded by insignias of grand
And legendary regal sway, demand
Was placed upon them for their fealty,
Without regard they swore their loyalty,
Their duty and allegiance, by their sword,
Their blood and, by the merit of their word.

It was within those semi-brutal days,
When Spain fell captive to the Crescent ways,
This story of romance and trust begins.
Each knight of honor had his disciplines
Pertaining to his conduct, whether tilt
And tourney or at war, his actions built
The faith and admiration of his friends,
As well as enemies. Renown extends
Beyond one's own community by deeds
And acts of probity, which then precedes
The man and, so it was with these. Two creeds,
Two doctrines, both of which contained the seeds
Of bravery, justice, courtesy and firm
Reliance on integrity. A term
Not taken lightly by a man of worth,
A man of virtue and of higher birth.
A well-tried Christian warrior whose command,
As military governor, was stand
And hold the frontier post of Antiquera,
From within the castle of Allora.
Rodrigo de Narvaez, the Alcayde.
With fifty well trained men, a small cadre,
Whose charge was to maintain the peace along
The warlike kingdom of Granada. Long
Their adversaries were the cavaliers
Of Abencerrage who had for years
Devised heroic enterprises to
Harass the Christian garrison, who knew
The prominence of their opposing force.
The house of Abencerrage was source
Of pride and honor in the Moslem world.
With banners waving, Crescent flags unfurled,
Arrayed in noble splendor, Arab sons
Of Islam passed in proud parade. Legions
Of young would emulate their gallant grace,
Their art and skill of horsemanship, embrace
Their valor, both at combat and at games,
Pretend that they were knights and don their names.

It was a balmy, breezeless evening when
Rodrigo formed a small patrol of ten
Well-armed, well-mounted men who rode
With him along the by-ways and the road
Most traveled by the Moorish scouts. They kept
To the ravines and hollow ways. Adept
Were they at cautious silence, plus the moon
Revealed the glitter of their armor. Soon
They came upon the fork at roadway's end.
Rodrigo's orders were to split and send
Two groups of five to ride each branch. If they
Were set upon by hostile force, relay
Their danger by a signal, which would warn
The other with a loud blast from their horn.
Rodrigo and his four men rode the main
Branch, while the other group was to maintain
Surveillance from the shadows of a grove.
Not long in their concealment, where they strove
To hide themselves, they heard a murmured
Voice in song. Unto themselves they whispered,
"What fool is this who rides without affright
In such defiant times? " Then, in the light
Of the full moon, as he advanced, in awe,
Upon a dapple-gray, the Christians saw
A cavalier, a Moor, of gracious air
And poise. He wore a tunic with a flare
Of gold, an outer wrap of damask red,
And to his side a scimitar, the dread
Of every Spanish Christian knight who fought
The Moor since Roderick the Goth. Light caught
The shield upon his arm, the two pronged lance,
Held loosely at the ready, not a glance,
And still in song, he dropped the reins across
The horse's neck to drink at ease. The loss
Of lunar light, within the grove, had hid
The Christian group from view. The stream, amid
The rocks, had formed a pool from which to drink.
The Christians gave the Moor no time to think,
And thought by rushing him, by their surprise,
Surround him, they could take him as their prize.
No men were more mistaken in their act.
In seconds he was ready to react.
He gathered up the reins and wheeled his steed,
His buckler braced, he couched his lance, and freed
Himself from all obstructions, there he sat,
In fixed position ready for combat.
He bristled like a castle on his horse,
Awaiting them to take their fatal course.
With care they circled him; were loath to come
To an affray, or cause a great maelstrom,
Which might prove fatal to their treasured catch.
The Moor now spoke, "Not five of you are match
For me but, just to make it fair, if you
Are lurkers of the road you may review
Your situation and disperse yourselves,
Or come you all at once. For he who delves
In robbery shall die a robber's death.
Or if you are true knights and breathe a breath
Of honesty, who seek your fame, singly
I shall meet you in succession." Warily,
The cavaliers communed and then advanced.
One said, "I find that I am most entranced
By such excessive words of boast and pride,
When fairly in our power, if applied,
By virtue of our numbers, we could take
You in our custody. We undertake
To grant, as courtesy, and not refuse
Your right to your defense. Your boasts amuse
Us. So, I say, oh, valiant Moor, defend
Yourself." His scowl, like dark clouds that portend
Disaster, froze upon his face. He wheeled
And took his distance, couched his lance. The field,
Again, was lighted by the moon to see
The horse and outline of his enemy.
He put the spur unto his steed and made
Straight at his challenger. With buckler splayed,
The Christian fell, the Moor wheeled round and called
Out for another. Young, unbridled, galled
By what he saw, the younger of the troop
Rode forth to meet this brazen Moor. The group
Decried his youthful pride, as foolishness.
Determined to display his dauntlessness,
The lad cried out his challenge and his curse.
The answer to the youth was short and terse.
"Then, die, " the Moor replied, and leapt ahead
In full gallop, then veered to sweep, instead,
The boy from his own saddle. "Three are left! "
With injured pride, his mocking words had cleft
The hearts of those remaining. "Damn you, Moor."
He heard from in the shadows, "Be you sure,
That you shall not escape." From out the dark,
The Christian charged the Moor full on. An arc
Of light reflected from his unsheathed blade.
The Moor stood firm his ground. The Christian made
His first pass-by and missed the Moor by far.
The Moor swung round and, with his scimitar,
He met the knight in mid career. The clang,
The awful noise, of steel on steel that rang,
Throughout the grove and field, continued till
The Christian fell. The Christian knight lay still.

The two remaining of the five forgot
Their courtesy compact. They sought to plot
The Moor's demise by rushing him by two.
Both charged at once upon the Moor. He drew
Them in for close contact. He parried first,
The thrust of one, with buckler he dispersed
The lunges of the thirsty lance for blood.
Within the tight confusion he withstood
A wound inflicted by the other knight.
In shock he dropped his lance. Pretending flight,
He left the scene of battle. Hotly pressed,
He lured the two some distance. In their quest
To capture or to kill, they whipped their horse
To fullest stride. As if a single force,
The Moor and dapple-gray wheeled short about,
An act the Moorish horsemen called "rollout."
The gray rose up on two hind legs and turned
To face the other way. Before the two had learned
The Moor's intent, or time to turn around,
The Moor swung down, and lifted from the ground
His lance. He calmly took his stance and faced
The two. They realized they, not he, were chased,
Although they were behind him. Not to test
The unforeseen, they wisely thought it best
To sound a warning from the horn before
Their next encounter. Charging to the fore,
His knowing what the blast of horn would mean,
Engaged the knights. Arriving on the scene,
Rodrigo saw three men stretched out upon
The ground. The other two, committed on
The Moor's destruction. Stunned, in disbelief,
And struck with admiration, he held brief
Their confrontation, called upon his men
To cease combat, and asked that only when
The Moor recovered breath and strength that he
Accept a contest with the Alcayde.
The Moor accepted the more equal match,
And set upon his rival with dispatch.
Rodrigo's life, at times, was in some doubt.
The Moor kept up the challenge all throughout
The trial of battle. Calling on his skill
And strength the Moor raised up to make his kill,
But faltered in his saddle. Weary from
His past occurring fights, his body numb,
Impaired from loss of blood, he made his last
Assault, a violent thrust of lance, which passed
Through the Alcayde's shield. The lance and shield
Dropped to the ground. The Moor refused to yield.
With simple wield of blade the Captain caused
A wound upon the Moor's forearm. He paused
Just long enough to seize him by his arm
And dragged him from his saddle. To disarm
Him they, together, fell to earth. His knee
Upon his breast, the Captain made him see
Resistance was in vain, "The choice is yours,
To live or be a victim of these wars.
My dagger point is at your throat, your life
Is in my hands, submit, and end this strife,
For you are now my prisoner." " Rather I
Should lose my life than liberty. To die
Is far less grievous, " was the Moor's reply.
"Less grievous, yes, if you were captured by
Another, other than a man as I."
With clemency, the Captain bound his thigh
Wound, tied his arm with leather strap, upraised
Him to his saddle. Weak, fatigued, and dazed,
The Moor had acquiesced, without protest.
Riding side by side, riding two abreast,
The Captain braced the Moor upright. Impressed
Still with his fearlessness, the Captain dressed
His injuries with balm and fresh cut gauze.
Days passed, the Captain asked, "What might be cause
For such profound dejection. Judged are you
A friend, not as my captive. I must view
Your sad demeanor as an injury
To spirit and your heart. The luxury
To roam the castle grounds at your free will
Has not yet lifted you from gloom. Yet, still,
I think your loss of vigor could be grief
That preys upon your soul. You find relief
When you confide your secret in a friend.
You have no cause to fear, I will defend
What you disclose, and promise you my word,
Upon my faith, your words shall not be heard
By other than myself." "I shall disclose
What vexes me and of my fear that grows
The more with every night and day, " the Moor replied.
"My wounds are slight. Your kindness to provide
Me with all comforts, as an honored guest,
Denies the meaning of the word depressed,
And robs my heart and mind of all the gloom
Of my defeat and capture. I presume
That your civility is not alone,
Respect. It goes beyond what foes are known
To do to captive enemies. Before
I tell you more, I seek that we explore
What causes such gentility and why
It should apply to me." "Yes, to deny
My gratitude is to deny my son, "
The Captain said. "Recall, will you, the one
Who cursed and challenged you that fateful night?
You could have killed him by your skill and might,
The field of contact was so close and tight,
You could have pierced him with your lance, or smite
Him with your scimitar, instead, you swept
Him from his saddle. May I ask, what kept
You from completing his destruction? " "By
The timbre of his voice, I knew the lie
Of his bravado, just a youthful tongue.
What glory in the death of one so young? "
The Moor explained. "So, that is why you treat
Me as a guest? " he asked. "No. I entreat
You, noble Moor, believe me when I say,
My admiration goes beyond what may
Appear as gratefulness. Your chivalry,
Your daring, and of course your bravery,
Demands respect from me, as well, as all
My men. However, my dear friend, I call
Upon you to continue with your tale,
For I am curious. It seems, I fail
To understand your state of petulance,
Or your melancholy state of silence.
Your countenance tells me what you're about.
I ask you, please, that you do not leave out
A single word of it, " the Captain said.
"My state of mind is not because I dread
My obvious captivity. I seek
To make that clear. If I appear as weak,
It is because of what is in my heart.
I hardly know precisely where to start.
But, start I will with what lies in my soul.
To see my bride, Xarisa, was my goal.
Oh, that my blood were water, she athirst
How would I shed it gladly, if but first
It touched her lips, before it reached the sand,
If she and I were in some desert land.
Throughout these sleepless watches, when I lay
So wakeful, through those hours, dusk to day,
Desiring, only what I may not see,
In this one thing, Fate would be kind to me.
I shall commence when I was just a child.
Granada was where I was domiciled.
My name, Abendaraez. My family name,
Of noble but unfortunate acclaim,
Abencerrage. You doubtless heard the feigned
Indictment charged against my race. Arraigned,
But, ultimately proved to be untrue.
They nonetheless beheaded thirty, who,
By blood were all my kinship." Then, in tears
The Moor had dropped his head. " The years
Have not erased that terrible day from mind,
Though innocent, our name had been maligned.
Our plea for amnesty had been declined.
My father and my uncle were resigned
To banishment, for treasonable acts
Against the realm, regardless of the facts.
Assuring that his son was out of harm,
Dispatching me with haste beyond the arm
Of his political antagonist,
My father asked a friend that he assist
In my protection, raise me as his own.
Because he had no children, I was shown

All kindness and affection, treating me
As if I were his own, to the degree,
I grew up thinking he was really such.
I had a proper education, much
Of which was horsemanship and use of arms,
The classical, and all its subtle charms.
He was the Alcayde of Cartama,
A great warrior, whose name was Al-Kama.
It was a few years after I arrived
They had a child, who had survived
The hardships of a fortress life. I grew
Up thinking of her as a sister. Through
The years I watched her bloom unfolding, leaf
By leaf, protecting her from any thief
Of her affections. Like the morning rose,
The dew has kissed, each moment would disclose
A fresh naivety. I had never thought
The growing passion that I felt was fraught
With more than fondness or fraternal care.
Remember, as an infant, not aware
That I was not Al-Kama's son, I could
Not understand my sentiments. How should
I know, since we grew up to think that we
Were siblings? Then, one day, while secretly
In conversation, inadvertently,
I learned that I, that we, were joyfully,
Not of the same parental lineage.
The Alcayde had said the privilege
Of my continued residence must end,
That he would hope that I would comprehend
When he apprised me of the truth, as loath
As he would be to break his promised oath.
He spoke these words to his most trusted aid,
That I could not forever hide, evade
The fact of my proscribed, unlucky race.
At any other time, I could not face
The devastation he conveyed. But, now
The thought that we were not related, how
Like magic, were his words. With winged feet
I flew to find Xarisa. We would meet
Beneath the recess of the jasmine tree.
I ran to her with all alacrity,
For in an instant ardent love replaced
The brotherly affection I embraced
For her so many years. Now, all made sense.
No longer living under false pretense,
My heart was throbbing almost to excess,
I sought her in the garden to confess
The conversation I had heard. I found
Her waiting by the fountain side. The sound
Of one's own name as spoken through the lips
Of one's own love makes all of life's hardships
Seem frivolous. ‘Abendaraez, ' her voice,
Was sweetly soft. I had no other choice
But, sweep her in my arms. She responded
With a sisterly embrace, then chided
Me for my leaving her to sit alone.
In haste, I told her what I heard. Her tone
Of voice had changed. ‘Alas, ' she cried aloud,
‘Our happiness is at an end! ' A cloud
Of desperation overcame my soul.
Because we can no longer play the roll
Of brother, sister you will cease to have
A love for me? Her words were like a salve
To my already wounded heart. ‘Dear
Abendaraez, I too have been unclear
Of my affections.' Gently, she withdrew
From my embrace, ‘But, what if people knew
Of our new found relationship? It would
Be misconceived and not be understood,
No longer could we be permitted thus
To be together.' "Just the two of us
Now know, " I said. "Your father's aid was sworn
To silence; words sufficient to forewarn
Him of the consequence of his wrong deed,
Should he disclose a word of it." Indeed,
The fact remains there was a change of lives,
Our lives. When we did meet we hid ourselves
Beneath the hanging jasmine vines, for fear
A touch or smile to someone might appear
Beyond the limits of a sibling's love.
If I would sit beside her she would move
Away becoming silent and withdrawn.
My heart became a prey to doubts, all drawn
From fears attending all true love. Regret
Was what I had for telling her. The threat
Of losing her entirely would be worse
Than living as we were, and yet, adverse,
As it may seem, I would not make it true.
It seemed that matters would continue through
Between us, as they were, her father learned,
From orders from the king, that he had earned
Command of the great fort of Coyn, which lies
Along the Christian front; to analyze
The Christian army's strength, and to advise
The king; remove his family, and to mobilize
His troops with all dispatch. He signified
That I was to remain but I decried
His judgment. "Dare you question my resolve? "
In anger he demanded. "You involve
Yourself in my decisions? " I declared,
That I should not be left behind. He stared
At me, ferocious was his glare. "Concealed
Have I the secret of your birth. To shield
You from potential death, your father asked
Me for protection, as a friend I masked
Your true identity." "I know the truth, "
I said. "But know you too that since my youth
I loved Xarisa. Leaving me will not
Diminish my emotion. What you wrought
Is of your own conduct. Our hearts entwined
Themselves with our maturity. What kind
Of father would impede his daughter's joy? "
"Precisely, that is what I would destroy, "
He said, "by leaving you behind at this
Location I would cause her to dismiss
Her ill-considered thinking. I have been
Remiss, I will agree, I had not seen
These signs before. Not now, not ever
Will I allow you to be seen with her,
Nor to allow her to become enthralled
By one whose father's name will be recalled,
Throughout all time, as traitor. I have warned
You! " with his hand upon his sword, his eyes
Were slits and shown with hate. "I would advise
You not to follow, do you understand?
We leave within the week and I demand
That you refrain from further intercourse
With me or with my household. To enforce
This, I will stand a guard at your room's door."
"I understand your words, but I implore
You, fill your heart with kindness, do not tear
Our hearts asunder, have indeed no fear,
Of my respect or love for you. I plead
With you, " I said. "I speak no more, take heed, "
He said. Before he called the guard to post,
I slipped away to find Xerisa. Lost
In my depression, anguished, I revealed
This blow to her. "Our destiny is sealed,
We part forever. I shall never see
You more. His guards will guard you rigidly.
Your beauty and his wealth will soon attract
Some happy rival, I will be, in fact,
Forgotten." She reproached my want of trust
And pledged eternal constancy. "You must
Believe, " she said. "Between my doubting pain,
My hopelessness, not able to contain
My fears, Xarisa, moved by my despair,
Agreed to have a secret union. Dare
We do this, never entered in my mind.
With our espousals made, I was to find,
By warning of a trusted aid, the guards
Were ordered to my door. Love has rewards."
Returning undetected, to my room,
It soon became a stony silent tomb.
Our last departing words became a vow,
That should her father leave, and still avow
That I am yet unwelcome, she would write
Me word from Coyn and send it overnight
By messenger, so no one would suspect.
Her only thought to shield me and protect
Me from her father's wrath. The very day
That followed our espousals, an array
Of servants, footmen, aids and knights, began
Assembling in a line to caravan
Across the hostile frontier lines to Coyn.
Al-Kama's words were to my guards to join
The caravan when it was far beyond
Their view. What could I do, how to respond?
Remaining at Cartama, pacified
In spirit by our secret bond, denied
The presence of Xarisa, aimlessly,
I wandered through her chambers, anxiously
Awaiting word. I visited the well
In which we had delighted. With the smell
Of jasmine wafting through the air, it filled
My heart and soul with mournfulness. I willed
Myself to live and not lose hope. At length,
Before I lost control and all the strength
Of my resolve, Xarisa sent an aid,
In whom she had all confidence, who laid
Her letter in my hand. Then, like a ghost
He slipped out in the night, with utmost
Care. The note described a secret gate where,
I could find admittance. I should prepare
To leave at once. If ever you have loved,
You know. It was as if I were absolved
Of all my guilt and sins. I ran to dress
Myself appropriately. I profess,
I was beyond elation. I arrayed
Myself in gallant garments, while I played
The bold, the brave, courageous knight, to pay
Due honors to my bride. Then, to allay
My fears against some casual attack,
I armed myself, and left within the black
Of night. I rode the night and all next day,
Until I met your men, in that foray.
You know the rest, and by the tides of war,
I find that I am not a bridegroom, far
Away within the nuptial bower of
The castle Coyn but, prisoner hereof,
A vanquished, wounded prisoner within
Allora's walls. Xarisa wrote that in
Five days from her delivered note, his term
Of absence would conclude. I must affirm,
Two days of five I could not ride. Just three
More days and he returns. By his decree,
Our meeting will no longer be allowed.
I ask that you be judge, since I had vowed
To meet her, whether I have grief, without
A cause, or whether I may be about
The showing of impatience, under rule
Of your confinement. Life, at times, is cruel."
Rodrigo de Narvaez was greatly moved
By this recital for, though more, he proved
Himself in rugged war than scenes of deep
And amorous affection, he could weep
For those who hurt, for he was of a kind
And generous nature. "Abendaraez, I find
Your story grieves me so because, my wife
Was lost to me when we were young in life.
I did not seek your trust to gratify
An idle curiosity, or pry.
It grieves me much that my good fortune, which
Delivered you into my hands, could switch
And mar so fair an enterprise. I pose
A question, much of which I presuppose.
Give me your faith, as a true knight, return
To me within three days and I, in turn,
Will grant permission to accomplish your
Observance of your nuptials. To assure
That you return I call upon my knights.
Now, raise your right hand, Moor, recite the rites
Of all good cavaliers. You solemnly
Exclaim your promise and to openly
Commit your word. You hereby do declare,
That as a paladin of God, aware
Of all the consequences of a breach
Of promise, three days hence, to be in reach
Of the drawbridge by night of the third day.
Before my knights and me, you swear! What say
You? " Overwhelmed with gratitude, he swore
A promise to return and to restore
Himself as prisoner. "Then go, and may
Good fortune be your guide. Let it convey
You safely to the side of your new bride.
With armor and your steed, prepare to ride.
If you require safeguards, I will send
Along a few companions to attend
To you." "Attendants I shall never need."
The Moor replied. "Then go, I say, Godspeed."
The shades of night had fallen, when the tramp
Of hooves resounded on the drawbridge ramp.
Forthwith, there came the clatter of the light
Noise of the hooves along the road. Despite
The dark, the sound bespoke the fleeting pace
With which the youthful lover made his race,
Defying time, to see his bride again.
The Moor arrived at midnight at the main
Moat gate. He silently and guardedly
Had paced his panting steed, while ardently
He sought the secret portal in the wall,
Almost completing the circumference, all
Had seemed a loss, when in the shadows there
It was, as represented by the fair
Xerisa. Quietly he rapped three raps,
Observing he had not been seen. A lapse
Of time occurred, when timidly the gate
Was opened by Xerisa's duenna. "Wait, "
She said, "until I see if all is clear.
Alas, Senor, " said she, "the grand emir
Shall soon return, my lady has been sick
At heart with doubt and fear, almost frantic
With worry and concern." The pageboy led
The horse to food and drink. The duenna said,
"You hang your armor in the stairwell where
No one can see, now follow me." The air
Was like a golden vapor, fragrant with
The scented bloom of love. What is this myth
That man can live apart? Before him lay
The heart of his most whole of being. Clay
Is the material of man yet, love,
Like ether, bathed his soul, from God above,
With that most holy principle by which
He now exists. Through love he found that rich
Eternal calm, he found himself. The shade
Obscured their movement. He removed and laid
His lance, his shield and scimitar upon
The ground and climbed the winding staircase. Dawn
Was near upon them when he entered her
Unguarded door. Surrendering, eager,
Her arms outstretched, she yielded to his firm
Embrace. They nestled closely to affirm,
With lips of love and balmy breath, her soul
Shall never cease to worship him. The whole
Of love for him came formless through the air,
His fingers twined her perfumed, sable hair.
Ascending through the gateway of her eyes,
Immersed in love and all that truth implies,
His kisses fell upon her neck and head.
Together, they lay on her welcome bed.
Beneath her touch a thrill of wild desire,
Until his blood seemed more like molten fire.
Most sacred is that person love has kissed,
And joyful is that man whose soul is blessed.
The time flew swiftly by, the Moor had near
Forgotten he had made a promise. ‘‘Hear,
Xarisa, what I have to say." She saw
His altered look, and watched him try to draw
The courage to inform her of his plight.
She heard his story with alarm and fright,
Until she heard the cause and, then she smiled
And said, "Let not your spirit be defiled
By such a promise, " throwing her white arms
Around him. "There can be no pledge that harms
True love. In my possession are the keys
To our salvation. Treasures can appease
A man's demand, his warranty of word.
He is an unenlightened, cruel warlord,
Whose gratification is served by gold.
I have the keys to father's wealth, I hold
Them in my hands, behold, enough to free
You from your promise. Pay a ransom flee
His grasp, remain forever here with me."
"I have no choice, " he said to her. "You see,
A knight who swears his word of honor must
Fulfill his promised oath. It is a trust
That bears respect regardless of his creed.
The Alcayde Narvaez gave me, no freed
Me, for these past three days to have your kiss.
Without my word, I would not know such bliss.
I must return in person." "Then, " said she,
"We go with hand in hand. Confidently,
Together, we shall face the consequence
Of our return. Let us depart now whence
You came. You shall not be in custody,
And I remain alone, at liberty."
Transported to new heights by this event
Of her devotion, speedily he went
About the preparation for their leave
From castle Coyn. "Before tomorrow's eve
We must be at Allora's gates. We ride
At break of day, " he said. The two astride
The dapple-gray, they left the castle walls,
Nor did they pause until they reached the halls
Of the main house of de Narvaez. "You see,
My valiant knight, " said he, "The way that we
Abencerrages keep our word? I gave
My promise to return. I am no knave,
Who lacks the moral principles of his
Own knightly word and trust. It is with this
I bring my wife, whose honor I confide
Unto your hands. Behold, my lovely bride
And judge if I had reason to be grieved."
He lifted up her veils, "Have I deceived
You, Alcayde? Now, we together, rest
Our lives within the fortunes of conquest
And you may do with us as you may please."
Rodrigo de Narvaez, said, "Be at ease,
My friends. My castle is much graced, indeed,
And very honored by your presence. Proceed
To live within these walls, as if they were
Your own. You are my guests, and I prefer
That you consider me your host as long
As you deign to reside with me. Along
With you, enjoy your newfound love and let
Life pass in peace." "What measure of my debt
To you, could I, in this lifetime, repay?
My obligation seems to grow each day, "
So said the Moor, retiring to their suite.
For several days they stayed alone, complete
In their felicity, and in the friendship found
In de Narvaez. But, in the meantime, bound
By his deep admiration and esteem
For the intrepid Moor, and to redeem
The glory of Abendaraez's name,
Rodrigo wrote the Moorish king to claim
The innocence of the young Moor. He told
The king the whole event, and of his bold,
Courageous fight, extolled his strength, his acts
Of will, his strong resolve to learn the facts
Of his disparaged name. He asked the king,
On the behalf of the young Moor, granting
This noble youth a royal audience,
And craved for him the king's good countenance.
The king was stirred by this account, and pleased
By such an opportunity. He seized
Upon this happening to bring some peace
By these two warring factions, even cease
This senseless war, by his attention to
The wish of such a gallant warrior, who
Had often caused the king to undergo
The punishment of his prowess. To show
His admiration for this valiant knight,
He called the Alcayde of Coyn, the night
Before his act of leaving, to peruse
The content of the letter. "He continues
To disregard authority, my laws,
That I had set before him. He is cause
Of my outrage, " he trembled in his rage.
"Restrain your anger, " said the king. "Engage
Yourself in gratitude. Are not your young
Alive? Who else would honor them, among
The Christians, give protection, asking my
Forgiveness for Abencerrage. Apply
Compassion to the circumstance. It was
A mercy that no child was killed. Give pause,
And thank Rodrigo de Narvaez. What gain
Is there in anger when one may regain
His children, both in body and in love?
What has he asked of me that is above
My royal capacity to grant? Go seek
Your children at Allora. I shall speak
To this Abencerrage, when I command
Him to my court. Of this I do demand,
Take both your children home, and I shall grant
Great benefits upon you all. Supplant
Your anger with your pardon, leave at once."
His kindled ire appeased, his audience
Complete, the Alycade of Coyn made haste
To the stronghold of de Narvaez. He faced
His children with his love, and folded them
Unto his bosom, never to condemn
Them for their past behavior, but instead,
Suggested that when they return, they wed
According to the rites of their belief.
The Alcayde of Coyn, to his relief,
Assembled his two children and returned
To castle Coyn, upon arrival turned
The fortress and surrounding town into
A grand arena, to observe anew
Their nuptials with festivity and joy.
Rodrigo de Narvaez thought to employ
A small-armed group that rode with them to give
Defense against those highwaymen who live
By robbing travelers on the road. When all
Festivities were done, Rodrigo and his small
Cadre of troops returned to their own fort.
The Alcayde of Coyn gave his support
To the request of the young Moor to pay
A ransom to Rodrigo to convey
His gratitude for his release and for
His moral treatment of his bride. "Before
You both, I now declare, into your hands
I now confide my settlement of lands
And all my wealth, " their father said with pride.
"I charge you this, " he said, "You must decide,
Rodrigo de Narvaez will not accept
Your gold. It is, of course, my own precept,
That he would willingly receive a gift
Of six of our most beautiful and swift
Arabians, caparisoned in rich
And ornamental finery to enrich
Your friendship, which is all he asked from you.
But pay you must, to pay him his just due.
For magnanimity, one does not pay
In tangibles. You pay in kind. That day
Will come, " the father said. "Moreover, treat
His friendship as you would a gift, replete
With all its worth, as if he were your kin,
Though of a different faith. It is therein
That peace will find our doors." Abendaraez
Thanked him for his proposals. In all ways
They were accorded with his own true wish.
He chose his six Arabians, lavish
Their trappings. Saddles, shields, were all embossed
With gold. Six lances, eight feet long, crisscrossed
With points of silver and of gold, inlaid
With finest jewels. They, of course, displayed
His friendship, not for combat in the field.
Xarisa wrote a letter, which revealed
Her gratitude and friendship, it was sealed
Within a box of fragrant cypress-wood,
Containing linen of the best that could
Be found for his own person. In his way,
The Alcayde disposed of the array
Of gifts by sharing them with his own men,
Who had accompanied him that night when ten
Of his most worthy men had met the Moor.
He kept the cypress-wood, you may be sure,
And had the linen tailored for his needs.
His magnanimity had spread the seeds
Of peace and deep respect among the Moors.
Unto this day his gallantry mirrors
The quality of virtue found in those
Who stood for truth and verity, who chose
A higher level of morality.


From that day forward, all adversity
Had ceased between the offices of the
Two castles found in Spanish history.