--- title: Expedition of Abdalasis Against Seville and the “land of T… — Legends of the conquest of Spain · full text with trees description: Expedition of Abdalasis Against Seville and the “land of Tadmir.”, «Legends of the conquest of Spain» by Washington Irving: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: After the capture of Merida, Muza gave a grand banquet to his captains and distinguished w --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/31/) [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/) / Expedition of Abdalasis Against Sevill… # Expedition of Abdalasis Against Seville and the “land of Tadmir.” Expedition of Abdalasis Against Seville and the “land of Tadmir.” of «Legends of the conquest of Spain» by Washington Irving: the whole text, 95 sentences and 2234 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. After the capture of Merida, Muza gave a grand banquet to his captains and distinguished warriors in that magnificent city.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") At this martial feast were many Arab cavaliers who had been present in various battles; and they vied with each other in recounting the daring enterprises in which they had been engaged, and the splendid triumphs they had witnessed.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") While they talked with ardour and exultation, Abdalasis, the son of Muza, alone kept silence, and sat with a dejected countenance.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") At length, when there was a pause, he turned to his father, and addressed him with modest earnestness.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") “My lord and father,” said he, “I blush to hear your warriors recount the toils and dangers they have passed, while I have done nothing to entitle me to their companionship.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") When I return to Egypt, and present myself before the caliph, he will ask me of my services in Spain; what battle I have gained; what town or castle I have taken.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") How shall I answer him?[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") If you love me, then, as your son, give me a command; intrust to me an enterprise; and let me acquire a name worthy to be mentioned among men.”[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") The eyes of Muza kindled with joy at finding Abdalasis thus ambitious of renown in arms.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") “Allah be praised!” exclaimed he; “the heart of my son is in the right place.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") It is becoming in youth to look upward, and be aspiring.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Thy desire, Abdalasis, shall be gratified.”[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") An opportunity at that very time presented itself, to prove the prowess and discretion of the youth.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") During the siege of Merida, the Christian troops which had taken refuge at Beja had reinforced themselves from Penaflor, and, suddenly returning, had presented themselves before the gates of the city of Seville.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") \[45\] Certain of the Christian inhabitants threw open the gates and admitted them.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") The troops rushed to the alcazar, took it by surprise, and put many of the Moslem garrison to the sword: the residue made their escape, and fled to the Arab camp before Merida, leaving Seville in the hands of the Christians.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") The veteran Muza, now that the siege of Merida was at an end, was meditating the recapture and punishment of Seville at the very time when Abdalasis addressed him.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") “Behold, my son,” exclaimed he, “an enterprise worthy of thy ambition\![18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Take with thee all the troops thou hast brought from Africa; reduce the city of Seville again to subjection, and plant thy standard upon its alcazar.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") But stop not there: carry thy conquering sword into the southern parts of Spain: thou wilt find there a harvest of glory yet to be reaped.”[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") Abdalasis lost no time in departing upon this enterprise.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") He took with him Count Julian, Magued el Rumi, and the Bishop Oppas, that he might benefit by their knowledge of the country.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") When he came in sight of the fair city of Seville, seated like a queen in the midst of its golden plain, with the Guadalquivir flowing beneath its walls, he gazed upon it with the admiration of a lover, and lamented in his soul that he had to visit it as an avenger.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") His troops, however, regarded it with wrathful eyes, thinking only of its rebellion and of the massacre of their countrymen in the alcazar.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") The principal people of the city had taken no part in this gallant but fruitless insurrection; and now, when they beheld the army of Abdalasis encamped upon the banks of the Guadalquivir, would fain have gone forth to make explanations, and intercede for mercy.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") The populace, however, forbade any one to leave the city, and, barring the gates, prepared to defend themselves to the last.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") The place was attacked with resistless fury.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") The gates were soon burst open; the Moslems rushed in, panting for revenge.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") They confined not their slaughter to the soldiery in the alcazar, but roamed through every street, confounding the innocent with the guilty in one bloody massacre, and it was with the utmost difficulty that Abdalasis could at length succeed in staying their sanguinary career.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") \[46\][30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") The son of Muza proved himself as mild in conquest as he had been intrepid in assault.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") The moderation and benignity of his conduct soothed the terrors of the vanquished, and his wise precautions restored tranquillity.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Having made proper regulations for the protection of the inhabitants, he left a strong garrison in the place to prevent any future insurrection, and then departed on the further prosecution of his enterprise.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") Wherever he went his arms were victorious; and his victories were always characterised by the same magnanimity.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") At length he arrived on the confines of that beautiful region comprising lofty and precipitous mountains and rich and delicious plains, afterwards known by the name of the kingdom of Murcia.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") All this part of the country was defended by the veteran Theodomir, who, by skilful management, had saved a remnant of his forces after the defeat on the banks of the Guadalete.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Theodomir was a stanch warrior, but a wary and prudent man.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") He had experienced the folly of opposing the Arabs in open field, where their cavalry and armour gave them such superiority; on their approach, therefore, he assembled all his people capable of bearing arms, and took possession of the cliffs and mountain passes.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") “Here,” said he, “a simple goatherd, who can hurl down rocks and stones, is as good as a warrior armed in proof.”[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") In this way be checked and harassed the Moslem army in all its movements; showering down missiles upon it from overhanging precipices, and waylaying it in narrow and rugged defiles, where a few raw troops could make stand against a host.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Theodomir was in a fair way to baffle his foes and oblige them to withdraw from his territories; unfortunately, however, the wary veteran had two sons with him, young men of hot and heady valour, who considered all this prudence of their father as savouring of cowardice, and who were anxious to try their prowess in the open field.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") “What glory,” said they, “is to be gained by destroying an enemy in this way, from the covert of rocks and thickets?”[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") “You talk like young men,” replied the veteran.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") “Glory is a prize one may fight for abroad, but safety is the object when the enemy is at the door.”[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") One day, however, the young men succeeded in drawing down their father into the plain.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") Abdalasis immediately seized on the opportunity, and threw himself between the Goths and their mountain fastnesses.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Theodomir saw too late the danger into which he was betrayed.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") “What can our raw troops do,” said he, “against those squadrons of horse that move like castles?[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Let us make a rapid retreat to Orihuela, and defend ourselves from behind its walls.”[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") “Father,” said the eldest son, “it is too late to retreat; remain here with the reserve, while my brother and I advance.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Fear nothing; am not I your son, and would I not die to defend you?”[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") “In truth,” replied the veteran, “I have my doubts whether you are my son.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") But if I remain here, and you should all be killed, where then would be my protection?[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") Come,” added he, turning to the second son.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") “I trust that thou art virtually my son; let us hasten to retreat before it is too late.”[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") “Father,” replied the youngest, “I have not a doubt that I am honestly and thoroughly your son, and as such I honour you; but I owe duty likewise to my mother, and when I sallied to the war she gave me her blessing as long as I should act with valour, but her curse should I prove craven and fly the field.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Fear nothing, Father; I will defend you while living, and even after you are dead.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") You shall never fail of an honourable sepulture among your kindred.”[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") “A pestilence on ye both,” cried Theodomir, “for a brace of misbegotten madmen\![59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") What care I, think ye, where ye lay my body when I am dead?[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") One day’s existence in a hovel is worth an age of interment in a marble sepulchre.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") Come, my friends,” said he, turning to his principal cavaliers, “let us leave these hot-headed striplings and make our retreat; if we tarry any longer, the enemy will be upon us.”[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon this the cavaliers and proud hidalgoes drew up scornfully and tossed their heads: “What do you see in us,” said they, “that you think we will show our backs to the enemy?[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Forward! was ever the good old Gothic watchword, and with that will we live and die!”[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") While time was lost in these disputes, the Moslem army kept advancing, until retreat was no longer practicable.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") The battle was tumultuous and bloody.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") Theodomir fought like a lion, but it was all in vain: he saw his two sons cut down, and the greater part of their rash companions, while his raw mountain troops fled in all directions.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") Seeing there was no longer any hope, he seized the bridle of a favourite page who was near him, and who was about spurring for the mountains.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") “Part not from me,” said he, “but do thou at least attend to my counsel, my son; and, of a truth, I believe thou art my son, for thou art the offspring of one of my handmaids who was kind unto me.”[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") And indeed the youth marvellously resembled him.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Turning then the reins of his own steed, and giving him the spur, he fled amain from the field, followed by the page; nor did he stop until he arrived within the walls of Orihuela.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Ordering the gates to be barred and bolted, he prepared to receive the enemy.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") There were but few men in the city capable of bearing arms, most of the youth having fallen in the field.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") He caused the women, therefore, to clothe themselves in male attire, to put on hats and helmets, to take long reeds in their hands instead of lances, and to cross their hair upon their chins in semblance of beards.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") With these troops he lined the walls and towers.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") It was about the hour of twilight that Abdalasis approached with his army, but he paused when he saw the walls so numerously garrisoned.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Theodomir took a flag of truce in his hand, and put a herald’s tabard on the page, and they two sallied forth to capitulate, and were graciously received by Abdalasis.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") “I come,” said Theodomir, “on the behalf of the commander of this city, to treat for terms worthy of your magnanimity and of his dignity.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") You perceive that the city is capable of withstanding a long siege, but he is desirous of sparing the lives of his soldiers.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Promise that the inhabitants shall be at liberty to depart unmolested with their property, and the city will be delivered up to you to-morrow morning without a blow; otherwise we are prepared to fight until not a man be left.”[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Abdalasis was well pleased to get so powerful a place upon such easy terms, but stipulated that the garrison should lay down their arms.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") To this Theodomir readily assented; with the exception, however, of the governor and his retinue, which was granted out of consideration for his dignity.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") The articles of capitulation were then drawn out; and, when Abdalasis had affixed his name and seal, Theodomir took the pen and wrote his signature.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") “Behold in me,” said he, “the governor of the city!”[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Abdalasis was pleased with the hardihood of the commander of the place in thus venturing personally into his power, and entertained the veteran with still greater honour.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") When Theodomir returned to the city, he made known the capitulation, and charged the inhabitants to pack up their effects during the night, and be ready to sally forth in the morning.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") At the dawn of day the gates were thrown open, and Abdalasis looked to see a great force issuing forth; but, to his surprise, beheld merely Theodomir and his page in battered armour, followed by a multitude of old men, women, and children.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") Abdalasis waited until the whole had come forth; then, turning to Theodomir, “Where,” cried he, “are the soldiers whom I saw last evening, lining the walls and towers?”[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") “Soldiers have I none,” replied the veteran.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") “As to my garrison, behold it before you.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") With these women did I man my walls; and this, my page, is my herald, guard, and retinue.”[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon this the Bishop Oppas and Count Julian exclaimed that the capitulation was a base fraud, and ought not to be complied with; but Abdalasis relished the stratagem of the old soldier, and ordered that the stipulations of the treaty should be faithfully performed.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") Nay, so high an opinion did he conceive of the subtle wisdom of this commander, that he permitted him to remain in authority over the surrounding country, on his acknowledging allegiance and engaging to pay tribute to the caliph; and all that part of Spain, comprising the beautiful provinces of Murcia and Valencia, was long after known by the Arabic name of its defender, and is still recorded in Arabian chronicles as “The land of Tadmir.”[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") Having succeeded in subduing this rich and fruitful region, and having gained great renown for his generosity as well as valour, Abdalasis returned with the chief part of his army to the city of Seville.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") \[47\][95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Muza Besieges the City of Merida.](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/30/) - next →: [Muza Arrives At Toledo.—interview Between Him and Taric.](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/32/) - ↑ back to [Legends of the conquest of Spain](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/)