Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/62

38 38 WAR OF GRANADA. PART among them were several belonging to the best I. families in Spain. On entering the presence, thej would have testified their gratitude by throwing themselves at the feet of the sovereigns ; but the latter, raising them up and mingling their tears with those of the liberated captives, caused their fetters to be removed, and, after administering to their necessities, dismissed them with liberal pres- ents. ^'' The fortress of Gebalfaro surrendered on the day- after the occupation of Malaga by the Spaniards. The gallant Zegri chieftain, Hamet Zeli was load- ed with chains ; and, being asked why he had per- sisted so obstinately in his Yebellion, boldly answer- ed, " Because I was commissioned to defend the place to the last extremity ; and, if I had been properly supported, I would have died sooner than surrender now ! " JiiTMaia^*^ The doom of the vanquished was now to be pronounced. On entering the city, orders had been issued to the Spanish soldiery, prohibiting them under the severest penalties from molesting either the persons or property of the inhabitants. These latter were directed to remain in their re- spective mansions with a guard set over them, while the cravings of appetite were supplied by a liberal distribution of food. At length, the whole popu- lation of the city, comprehending every age and 27 Carbajal, whose meagre an- September. An ales, aiio 1487. — nals have scarcely any merit be- Marmol, Rebelion de Moriscos, yond that of a mere clironolopical lib. 1, cap. 14. table, postpones the surrender till gans.