Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/57

33 CONQUEST OF MALAGA. 33 the enemy established in their defences, and faint- chapter ing under exhaustion from a siege which had al- _- ready lasted more than three months, now began to murmur at the obstinacy of the garrison, and to demand a capitulation. Their magazines of grain were emptied, and for some weeks they had been compelled to devour the flesh of horses, dogs, cats, and even the boiled hides of these animals, or, in default of other nutriment, vine leaves dressed with oil, and leaves of the palm tree, pounded fine, and baked into a sort of cake. In cpnsequence of this loathsome and unwholesome diet, diseases were engendered. Multitudes were seen dying abput the streets. Many deserted to the Spanish camp, eager to barter their liberty for bread ; and the city exhibited all the extremes of squalid and disgusting wretchedness, bred by pestilence and famine among an overcrowded population. The sufferings of the citizens softened the stern heart of the alcayde, Hamet Zeli, who at length yielded to their impor- tunities, and, withdrawing his forces into the Gebal- faro, consented that the Malagans should make the best terms they could with their conqueror. A deputation of the principal inhabitants, with Proposals ^ ■*■ ■•■ ^ for surreii- an eminent merchant named Ali Dordux at their ^^"^ head, was then despatched to the Christian quar- ters, with the offer of the city to capitulate, on the same liberal conditions which had been uniformly granted by the Spaniards. The king refused to admit the embassy into his presence, and haughtily answered through the commander of Leon, " that these terms had been twice offered to the people VOL. II. 5