Why, the very cause thou namest urges our sovereigns to the conquest of these Moors.

They are the blot upon a kingdom otherwise as fair and great as any other European land.
They thirst to raise it in the scale of kingdoms--to send down their names to posterity, as the founders of the Spanish monarchy--the builders and supporters of a united throne, and so leave their children an undivided land.

Surely this is a glorious project, one which every Spanish warrior must rejoice to aid.

But fear not a speedy summons, love; much must be accomplished first.

Isabella will visit this ancient city ere then, and thou wilt learn to love and reverence her as I do." "In truth, my husband, thou hast made me loyal as thyself; but say they not she is severe, determined, stern ?" "To the guilty, yes; even the weak crafty will not stand before her repelling glance: but what hast thou to fear, my love?
Penetrative as she is, seeming to read the heart through the countenance, she can read nought in thee save qualities to love.