Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/462

436 436 RISING IN THE ALPUXARRAS. PART was as favorable to the Moors, familiar with all the '. — intricacies of the ground, as it was fatal to the Christians, who, bewildered in the mazes of the sierra, and losing their footing at every step, fell under the swords of their pursuers, or went down the dark gulfs and precipices which yawned all around. ^^ wonsode Amidst this dreadful confusion, the count of Aguilar. ' Urena succeeded in gaining a lower level of the sierra, where he halted and endeavoured to rally his panic-struck followers. His noble comrade, Alonso de Aguilar, still maintained his position on the heights above, refusing all entreaties of his followers to attempt a retreat. " When," said he proudly, " was the banner of Aguilar ever known to fly from the field ? " His eldest son, the heir of his house and honors, Don Pedro de Cordova, a youth of great promise, fought at his side. He had received a severe wound on the head from a stone, and a javelin had pierced quite through his leg. With one knee resting on the ground, how- ever, he still made a brave defence with his sword. The sight was too much for the father, and he implored him to suffer himself to be removed from the field. " Let not the hopes of our house be crushed at a single blow," said he ; " go, my son, live as becomes a Christian knight, — live, and cherish your desolate mother." All his entreaties '5 Abarca, Reyes de Aragon, 10. — Bernaldez, Reyes Catolicos, torn ii. fol. 340. — Zurita, Anales, MS., cap. 165. — Marmol, Rebel- tom. V. lib. 4, cap. 33. — Garibay, ion de Moriscos, lib. 1. cap. 28. Compendio, torn. ii. lib. 19, cap.