--- title: Chapter XIV. — Legends of the conquest of Spain · full text with trees description: Chapter XIV., «Legends of the conquest of Spain» by Washington Irving: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: MARCH OF THE GOTHIC ARMY.—ENCAMPMENT ON THE BANKS OF THE GUADALETE.—MYSTERIOUS PREDICTIONS OF A PALMER.—CONDUCT OF PELISTES THEREUPON. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/15/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Legends of the conquest of Spain](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/) / Chapter XIV. # Chapter XIV. Chapter XIV. of «Legends of the conquest of Spain» by Washington Irving: the whole text, 42 sentences and 1275 words. 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MARCH OF THE GOTHIC ARMY.—ENCAMPMENT ON THE BANKS OF THE GUADALETE.—MYSTERIOUS PREDICTIONS OF A PALMER.—CONDUCT OF PELISTES THEREUPON.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") The hopes of Andalusia revived, as this mighty host stretched in lengthened lines along its fertile plains; from morn until night it continued to pour along, with sound of drum and trumpet; it was led on by the proudest nobles and bravest cavaliers of the land, and, had it possessed arms and discipline, might have undertaken the conquest of the world.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") After a few days’ march, Don Roderick arrived in sight of the Moslem army, encamped on the banks of the Guadalete\[23\], where that beautiful stream winds through the fertile land of Xeres.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") The infidel host was far inferior in number to the Christians; but then it was composed of hardy and dexterous troops, seasoned to war, and admirably armed.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") The camp shone gloriously in the setting sun, and resounded with the clash of cymbal, the note of the trumpet, and the neighing of fiery Arabian steeds.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") There were swarthy troops from every nation of the African coast, together with legions from Syria and Egypt, while the light Bedouins were careering about the adjacent plain.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") What grieved and incensed the spirits of the Christian warriors, however, was to behold, a little apart from the Moslem host, an encampment of Spanish cavaliers, with the banner of Count Julian waving above their tents.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") They were ten thousand in number, valiant and hardy men, the most experienced of Spanish soldiery, most of them having served in the African wars; they were well armed and appointed also, with the weapons of which the count had beguiled his sovereign; and it was a grievous sight to behold such good soldiers arrayed against their country and their faith.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") The Christians pitched their tents about the hour of vespers, at a short league distant from the enemy, and remained gazing with anxiety and awe upon this barbaric host that had caused such terror and desolation in the land: for the first sight of a hostile encampment in a country disused to war, is terrible to the newly enlisted soldier.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") A marvellous occurrence is recorded by the Arabian chroniclers as having taken place in the Christian camp; but discreet Spanish writers relate it with much modification, and consider it a stratagem of the wily Bishop Oppas, to sound the loyalty of the Christian cavaliers.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") As several leaders of the army were seated with the bishop in his tent, conversing on the dubious fortunes of the approaching contest, an ancient pilgrim appeared at the entrance.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") He was bowed down with years, his snowy beard descended to his girdle, and he supported his tottering steps with a palmer’s staff.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") The cavaliers rose and received him with great reverence as he advanced within the tent.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") Holding up his withered hand, “Woe, woe to Spain!” exclaimed he, “for the vial of the wrath of heaven is about to be poured out.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Listen, warriors, and take warning.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Four months since, having performed my pilgrimage to the sepulchre of our Lord in Palestine, I was on my return towards my native land.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Wearied and wayworn, I lay down one night to sleep beneath a palm tree, by the side of a fountain, when I was awakened by a voice saying unto me, in soft accents, ‘Son of sorrow, why sleepest thou?’[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") I opened my eyes, and beheld one of a fair and beauteous countenance, in shining apparel and with glorious wings, standing by the fountain; and I said, ‘Who art thou who callest upon me in this deep hour of the night?’[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") “‘Fear not,’ replied the stranger, ‘I am an angel from heaven, sent to reveal unto thee the fate of thy country.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") Behold the sins of Roderick have come up before God, and his anger is kindled against him, and he has given him up to be invaded and destroyed.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") Hasten then to Spain, and seek the camp of thy countrymen.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") Warn them that such only shall be saved as shall abandon Roderick; but those who adhere to him shall share his punishment, and shall fall under the sword of the invader.’”[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") The pilgrim ceased, and passed forth from the tent; certain of the cavaliers followed him to detain him, that they might converse further with him about these matters, but he was no where to be found.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") The sentinel before the tent said, “I saw no one come forth, but it was as if a blast of wind passed by me, and there was a rustling as of dry leaves.”[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") The cavaliers remained looking upon each other with astonishment.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") The Bishop Oppas sat with his eyes fixed upon the ground, and shadowed by his overhanging brow.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") At length, breaking silence, in a low and faltering voice, “Doubtless,” said he, “this message is from God; and since he has taken compassion upon us, and given us notice of his impending judgment, it behoves us to hold grave council, and determine how best we may accomplish his will and avert his displeasure.”[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") The chiefs still remained silent, as men confounded.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Among them was a veteran noble named Pelistes.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") He had distinguished himself in the African wars, fighting side by side with Count Julian, but the latter had never dared to tamper with his faith, for he knew his stern integrity.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Pelistes had brought with him to the camp his only son, who had never drawn a sword except in tourney.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") When the young man saw that the veterans held their peace, the blood mantled in his cheek, and, overcoming his modesty, he broke forth with a generous warmth: “I know not, cavaliers,” said he, “what is passing in your minds, but I believe this pilgrim to be an envoy from the devil; for none else could have given such dastard and perfidious counsel.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") For my own part, I stand ready to defend my king, my country, and my faith.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") I know no higher duty than this, and if God thinks fit to strike me dead in the performance of it, his sovereign will be done!”[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") When the young man had risen to speak, his father had fixed his eyes upon him with a grave and stern demeanour, leaning upon a two-handed sword.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") As soon as the youth had finished, Pelistes embraced him with a father’s fondness.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") “Thou hast spoken well, my son,” said he; “if I held my peace at the counsel of this losel pilgrim, it was but to hear thy opinion, and to learn whether thou wert worthy of thy lineage and of the training I had given thee.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Hadst thou counselled otherwise than thou hast done, hadst thou shown thyself craven and disloyal, so help me God, I would have struck off thy head with this weapon which I hold in my hand.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") But thou hast counselled like a loyal and a Christian knight, and I thank God for having given me a son worthy to perpetuate the honours of my line.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") As to this pilgrim, be he saint or be he devil, I care not; this much I promise, that if I am to die in defence of my country and my king, my life shall be a costly purchase to the foe.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Let each man make the same resolve, and I trust we shall yet prove the pilgrim a lying prophet.”[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") The words of Pelistes roused the spirits of many of the cavaliers; others, however, remained full of anxious foreboding, and when this fearful prophecy was rumoured about the camp, as it presently was by the emissaries of the bishop, it spread awe and dismay among the soldiery.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Terror of the Country.—roderick Rouses Himself to Arms.](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/14/) - next →: [Skirmishing of the Armies.—pelistes and His Son.—pelistes and the Bishop.](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/16/) - ↑ back to [Legends of the conquest of Spain](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/)