Page:Cross, or, The Spanish champion.pdf/5



that period when the Moors, after extending their sway over the whole northern coast of Africa, tempted by the fertility of Spain, poured immense multitudes of ferocious warriors into that ill-fated country, Murad, a chief of the most intrepid valour and unbounded ambition, conducted a vast army of those pitiless invaders into the alluring kingdom of Mursia. In vain Sebastian, the Sovereign of this country, opposed the bravery, fidelity, and the utmost resources of his kingdom, to this ravening horde, stimulated alike by rapine and the glory of warlike exploits. Many, however, through succeeding years, were the conflicts which its brave inhabitants sustained, headed by a sovereign, whom they loved equally for his justice, humanity, and courage, against their veteran opponents, flushed with so many A