Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/435

409 PERSECUTIONS IN GRANADA. 409 as the only legitimate means for accomplishing chapter their object. Accordingly, we find the various '. public ordinances, as low down as 1499, recog- nising this principle, by the respect which they show for the most trivial usages of the Moors, '^ and by their sanctioning no other stimulant to con- version than the amelioration of their condition. ^^ Among those in favor of more active measures ximenesin " Granada. was Ximenes, archbishop of Toledo. Having fol- lowed the court to Granada in the autumn of 1499, he took the occasion to communicate his views to Talavera, the archbishop, requesting leave at the same time to participate with him in his labor of love ; to which the latter, willing to strengthen himself by so efficient an ally, modestly assented. Ferdinand and Isabella soon after removed to 14 99. Seville ; but, before their departure, enjoined on the prelates to observe the temperate policy hith- erto pursued, and to beware of giving any occasion for discontent to the Moors. ^^ 11 In the fragmatica dated Gra- some inaccuracy. Hist, de I'lnqui- nada, October 30th, 1499, prohibit- sition, torn. i. p. 334. ing silk apparel of any description, 13 Bleda, Coronica, lib. 5, cap. an exception was made in favor of 23. — Gomez, De Rebus Gestis, the Moors, whose robes were usu- fol. 29. — Quintanilla, Archetype, ally of that material, among the lib. 2, p. 54.— Sumade la Vida de wealthier classes. Pragmaticas del Cisneros, MS. Reyno, fol. 120. Ferdinand and Isabella, accord- 12 Another law, October 31st, ing to Ferreras, took counsel of 1499, provided against the disin- sundry learned theologians and ju- heritance of Moorish children who rists, whether they could lawfully had embraced Christianity, and compel (he Mahometans to become secured, moreover, to the female Christians, notwithstanding the converts a portion of the property treaty, which guarantied to them which had fallen to the state on the the exercise of their religion. After conquest of Granada. (Pragmati- repeated conferences of this erudite cas del Reyno, fol. 5.) Llorente body, "il fut d6cid^," says the has reported this pragmatic with historian, " qu'on soUiciteroit la VOL. II. 52 Nov.