Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. I.djvu/542

ceiiaries. 396 WAR OF GRANADA. PART levies of a humbler description, by promising an en- ' — tire amnesty to those malefactors, who had left the country in great numbers of late years to escape justice, on condition of their serving in the Moorish war. Throughout this motley host the strictest discipline and decorum were maintained. The Spaniards have never been disposed to intemper- ance ; but the passion for gaming, especially with dice, to which they seem to have been immoder- ately addicted at that day, was restrained by the severest penalties. ^^ wissmcr- Xhc brilliant successes of the Spanish sovereigns diffused general satisfaction throughout Christen- dom, and volunteers flocked to the camp from France, England, and other parts of Europe, eager to participate in the glorious triumphs of the Cross. Among these was a corps of Swiss mercenaries, who are thus simply described by Pulgar. " There joined the royal standard a body of men from Swit- zerland, a country in upper Germany. These men were bold of heart, and fought on foot. As they were resolved never to turn their backs upon the enemy, they wore no defensive armour, except in front ; by which means they were less encumbered in fight. They made a trade of war, letting them- selves out as mercenaries ; but they espoused only a just quarrel, for they were devout and loyal Chris- tians, and above all abhorred rapine as a great sin."^^ The Swiss had recently established their 26 Pulgar, Reyes Catolicos, cap. tarum Decades, ii. lib. 2, cap. 10 31, 67, 69. — Lebrija, Rerum Ges- -^ Reyes Catxilicos, cap. 21.