Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/438

412 412 XIMENES. PART had hitherto respected the letter of the treaty, he ■ — now showed himself prepared to trample on letter and spirit indiiferentlj, when they crossed his designs. Among those most active in the opposition was a noble Moor named Zegri, well skilled in the learn- ing of his countrymen, with whom he had great consideration. Ximenes, having exhausted all his usual artillery of arguments and presents on this obdurate infidel, had him taken into custody by one of his officers named Leon, " a lion," says a pun- ning historian, " by nature as well as by name," ^^ and commanded the latter to take such measures with his prisoner, as would clear the film from his eyes. This faithful functionary executed his orders so effectually, that, after a few days of fasting, fet- ters, and imprisonment, he was able to present his charge to his employer, penitent to all outward ap- pearance, and with an humble mien strongly contrast- ing with his former proud and lofty bearing. After the most respectful obeisance to the archbishop, Zegri informed him, that " on the preceding night he had had a revelation from Allah, who had conde- scended to show him the error of his ways, and commanded him to receive instant baptism " ; at the same time pointing to his gaoler, he "jocular- ly " remarked, " Your reverence has only to turn this lion of yours loose among the people, and my word for it, there will not be a Mussulman left many days within the walls of Granada." ^^ 18 Gomez, De Rebus Gestis, lib. W Robles. Rebelion de Moriscos, 2, fol. 29. cap. 14. — Suma de la Vida de