Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. I.djvu/483

SURPRISE OF ALHAMA. 337 won without danger. The present war was one chapter IX. ' of peculiar difficulties and danger, and these had '■ — been well calculated before entering upon it. The strong and central position of Alhama made it of the last importance, since it might be regarded as the key of the enemy's country. This was the first blow struck during the war, and honor and policy alike forbade them to adopt a measure, which could not fail to damp the ardor of the nation." This opinion of the queen, thus deci- sively expressed, determined the question, and kindled a spark of her own enthusiasm in the breasts of the most desponding. ^^ It was settled that the king should march to the Ferdinand " ^ _ raises the relief of the besieged, taking with him the most «'^e«- ample supplies of forage and provisions, at the head of a force strong enough to compel the retreat of the Moorish monarch. This was effected without delay ; and, Abul Hacen once more breaking up his camp on the rumor of Ferdinand's approach, the latter took possession of the city without op- position, on the 14th of May. The king was attended by a splendid train of his prelates and principal nobility ; and he prepared with their aid to dedicate his new conquest to the service of the cross, with all the formalities of the Romish church. 18 Bernaldez, Reyes Catolicos, as Bernaldez, whom I have follow- MS., cap. 53, 54. — Pulgar states ed, lived in Andalusia, the theatre that Ferdinand took the more of action, he may be supposed to southern route of Antequera, where have had more accurate means of he received the tidings of the Moor- information. — Pulgar, Reyes Ca- ish king's retreat. The discrepan- tolicos, pp. 187, 188. cy is of no great consequence ; but VOL. I. 43