Mercedes of Castile

ho list, unto

unt, what is o

learned wits an

isdom knew the

at warriors whi

onquest of their

e of th'earth and

s of

y were during the hurry, delight, and grief, of taking possession and departing; and as the politic and far from ill-disposed Ferdinand had issued strict orders that the Moors should not only be t

d already withdrawn, as far as her high rank and substantial authority would allow, from the pageantry and martial scenes of a warlike court, and was seeking, with her wonted readiness, the haunts of private affection, and that intercourse which is most congenial to

controlling them. While we are quick to detect blemishes of this sort among foreign nations, and are particularly prone to point out the evils that have flowed from the meddling of the Romish divines, we verify the truth of the venerable axiom that teaches us how much easier it is to see the faults of others than to discover our own; for no people afford stronger evidences of the existence of this control, than the people of the United States, more especially that portion of them who dwell in places that were originally settled by religionists, and which still continue under the influence of the particular sects that first prevailed; and perhaps the strongest national trait that exists among us at this moment-that of a disposition to

, when its owner rode forth, she might set an example of thrift to her admiring subjects; and with our own eyes, in these luxurious times, when few private ladies even condescend to touch any thing as useful as the garment that occupied the needle of Isabella of Castile, we have seen a queen, seated amid her royal daughters, as diligently employed with the needle as if her livelihood depended on her industry. But Do?a Isabella had no affectations. In feelings, speech, nature, and acts, she was truth itself; and matrimonial tenderness gave her a deeply felt pleasure in thus being occupied for a husband whom she tenderly loved as a man, while it was impossible she could entirely conceal from herself all his faults as a monarch. Near her sat the companion of her girlish days, the long-tried and devoted Beatriz de Cabrera. Mercedes occupied a stool, at the feet of the Infanta Isabella,

aid Isabella, arousing herself from the long silence, "hath aught been seen or heard of late o

n Mercedes and her guardian, betrayed the interest they felt in this question,

nt confessor, who journeyed all the way from his convent of Santa Maria de Rabida, in An

signs, then, great, D

nds of the church, and to confer honor and wealth on one's own country? My enthusiastic ward, Mercedes de Valverde, is so zealous in behalf of thi

rk, and she gazed at her, for an instant, with the expression of affection that was so wo

?" she said; "hath Colon so convinced thee

the queen, and she advanced a step or two near

"but I shall not deny that I feel deep concern for the success of the Se?or Col

I confess myself, Beatrice, almost as childish as any, on t

ately repented, for the inquiry was not made directly to herself; "I know of on

verely, her eye having turned again to the face of the girl

of a mighty effort to repress her feelings, the tell-tale bloo

atriz," she at length answered; for the love of truth was stronger

aim his alliances. It is only the obscure that the world doth not trouble itself about. Daughter-Marchioness," relieving Mercedes from a state scarcely less painful than the rack, by turning her eyes toward

repressed her zeal by a su

ak, Do?a Mercedes," gra

ss. It was improperly, as your ow

mara," said the queen, willing to lessen the effect of what had already passed. "Thou hast the blood

had to say was, that Don Luis de Bobadilla desireth exceedingly that the Se?or Colon might get the carav

s be so,

es. I have heard him ardently express his desire to be one of Colon's follower

t the feet of the Infanta. At length the queen arose, and, crossing the room, she approached the table where Don Fernando was still busily engaged with the pen. Here she paused a moment, as if unwilling to disturb him; but soo

taken toward the increase of his power-"I find we have left Abdallah many strongholds in the Apul

faith. "It is hard enough for those who control the affairs of men, always to obey God and their own consciences, without seeking occasions to violate their faith. I

king, playing with the shirt that his royal consort had unconsciously bro

that it came from a wish to parry the subject that was then uppermost in her thoughts. "I would do naught in this important concern, without thy fullest approbation, if that may be had; and I think it toucheth our

Granada," continued the wily king, who had as many politic arts as a modern patriot intently bent on his own advancement-"Archbishop of Granada, our royal consort hath a desire that this affair of Colon should be immediately inquired into, and reported on to ourselves.

s of his countenance, a meaning that his quick and practiced wits were not slow in interpreting. He signified his dutiful assent, however;

he king, when these preliminaries were settled, "and it shall be our care to see tha

urpose, should God prosper his present undertaking,

raised the cross, my wife, where the ensigns of infidelity were lately seen, and Granada is so near Castile that it wi

n be retained, it is wisest to seek, for we lose our labors in gaining things that Provide

who might argue against all attempts to recover the holy sep

well for all Christendom, to drive the Infidels from the Holy Land; but for Castile it is better to

ting a look of calm exultation out at a window, "as that yonde

. "For her worldly power better, perhaps, but not better for the souls

fe, and beloved con

added the

e expedient for the right. The queen did not return to her seat, but she walked up and down that part of the room which the archbishop had left vacant when he approached herself and her husband. Here she remained alone

ssed those she loved by this endearing term, "t

Se?ora, I most consider

on the pale features of the beautiful girl, and when the words just quoted were uttered,

nfit for the high trust that I have received from Providence, did I permit any of these obligations to lessen. It is not I that reign in Castile, but Providence, through its humble and unworthy instrument. My people are

queen paused, "I have not been so unfortunate as to displease

desty, and obedience. But we cannot permit thee to become the victim of the senses. Thou art too well tau

king herself, immediately, for she felt it

lla answered, after pausing for the frightened girl

is not virtuous, neither is all that is unpleasant to the

in it. Now, let us speak of other things. Thou appearest

ith the Queen of Castile, who can ask counsel of prelates and learned ch

of his project; or have

seemeth of that nobleness and grandeur that Providence would

rs can be found willing to embark with this

mpanion she perceived that her face was crimsoned and her eyes lowered. But the generous girl thought the mo

gs; "I think Don Luis de Bobadilla will embark with him; since his aunt hath conversed freely with him on the nature and magnitude of the

jeopard the goods of another. If Don Luis de Bobadilla persevere in this intention, and act up to his p

?or

ng my presence, and the king having already left us. Thy guardian and I will confe

dy the

It was freely given, and mu

the ladies; leaving the half-pleased and yet half-terrified Mercedes standing