Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. I.djvu/547

MILITARY POLICY OF THE SOVEREIGNS. 401 XI. not wanting in the display of royal state and mag- chapter nificence on all suitable occasions. The Curate of Los Palacios has expatiated with elaborate minute- ness on the circumstances of an interview between Ferdinand and Isabella in the camp before Moclin, in 1486, where the queen's presence was solicited for the purpose of devising a plan of future opera- tions. A few of the particulars may be transcribed, though at the hazard of appearing trivial to readers, who take little interest in such details. On the borders of the Yeguas, the queen was met by an advanced corps, under the command of the marquis duke of Cadiz, and, at the distance of a league and a half from Moclin, by the duke del Infantado. with the principal nobility and their vas- sals, splendidly accoutred. On the left of the road was drawn up in battle array the militia of Seville, and the queen, making her obeisance to the banner of that illustrious city, ordered it to pass to her right. The successive battalions saluted the queen as she advanced, by lowering their standards, and the joyous multitude announced with tumultuous acclamations her approach to the conquered city. The queen was accompanied by her daughter, Royauog- the infanta Isabella, and a courtly train of damsels, mounted on mules richly caparisoned. The queen herself rode a chestnut mule, seated on a saddle- chair embossed with gold and silver. The hous- ings were of a crimson color, and the bridle was of satin, curiously wrought with letters of gold. The infanta wore a skirt of fine velvet, over others of brocade ; a scarlet mantilla of the Moorish fashion ; VOL. I. 51 tume. 'J