Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire vol 5 (1897).djvu/504

 482 THE DECLINE AND FALL revolution, many partial calamities were inflicted by the carnal or religious passions of the enthusiasts ; some churches were profaned by the new worship ; some relics or images were con- founded with idols ; the rebels were put to the sword ; and one town (an obscure place between Cordova and Seville) was rased to its foundations. Yet, if we compare the invasion of Spain by the Goths, or its recovery by the kings of Castille and Arragon, we must applaud the moderation and discipline of the Arabian conquerors. Disgrace The exploits of Musa were performed in the evening of life, of Mtis& o ■' A.D. 714 though he affected to disguise his age by colouring with a red powder the whiteness of his beard. But in the love of action and glory his breast was still fired with the ardour of youth ; and the possession of Spain was considered only as the first step to the monarchy of Europe. With a powerful armament by sea and land, he was preparing to repass the Pyrenees, to extinguish in Gaul and Italy the declining kingdoms of the Franks and Lombards, and to preach the unity of God on the altar of the Vatican. From thence, subduing the barbarians of Germany, he proposed to follow the course of the Danube from its source to the Euxine Sea, to overthrow the Greek or Roman empire of Constantinople, and, returning from Europe to Asia, to unite his new acquisitions with Antioch and the provinces of Syria. ^^"^ But his vast enterprise, perhaps of easy execution, must have seemed extravagant to vulgar minds ; and the visionary con- queror was soon reminded of his dependence and servitude. The friends of Tarik had effectually stated his services and wrongs : at the court of Damascus, the proceedings of Musa were blamed, his intentions were suspected, and his delay in complying with the first invitation was chastised by an harsher and more peremptory summons. An intrepid messenger of the caliph entered his camp at Lugo in Gallicia, and in the presence of the Saracens and Christians arrested the bridle of his horse. His own loyalty, or that of his troops, inculcated the duty of obedience ; and his disgrace was alleviated by the recall of his rival, and the permission of investing with his two governments must be shut, and they must respect the name of Mahomet. I have not the original before me ; it would confirm or destroy a dark suspicion that the piece has been forged to introduce the immunity of a neighbouring convent. 220 This design, which is attested by several Arabian historians (Cardonne, torn. i. p. 95, g6), maybe compared with that of Mithridates, to march from the Crimea to Rome ; or with that of Caesar, to conquer the East and return home by the North. And all three are, perhaps, surpassed by the real and successful enterprise of Hannibal.