--- title: Legend of Count Julian and His Family. — Legends of the conquest of Spain · full text with trees · page 2 description: Legend of Count Julian and His Family., «Legends of the conquest of Spain» by Washington Irving: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: In the preceding legends is darkly shadowed out a true story of the woes of Spain. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/39/page/2/) [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/) / Legend of Count Julian and His Family. # Legend of Count Julian and His Family. · page 2 [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/39/) **2** The Countess Frandina, as has already been shown, was of courageous heart; and danger made her desperate.[84](../../84/ "tree and pragmatics") There were fifty Moorish soldiers in the garrison; she feared that they would prove treacherous, and take part with their countrymen.[85](../../85/ "tree and pragmatics") Summoning her officers, therefore, she informed them of their danger, and commanded them to put those Moors to death.[86](../../86/ "tree and pragmatics") The guards sallied forth to obey her orders.[87](../../87/ "tree and pragmatics") Thirty-five of the Moors were in the great square, unsuspicious of any danger, when they were severally singled out by their executioners, and, at a concerted signal, killed on the spot.[88](../../88/ "tree and pragmatics") The remaining fifteen took refuge in a tower.[89](../../89/ "tree and pragmatics") They saw the armada of the emir at a distance, and hoped to be able to hold out until its arrival.[90](../../90/ "tree and pragmatics") The soldiers of the countess saw it also, and made extraordinary efforts to destroy these internal enemies, before they should be attacked from without.[91](../../91/ "tree and pragmatics") They made repeated attempts to storm the tower, but were as often repulsed with severe loss.[92](../../92/ "tree and pragmatics") They then undermined it, supporting its foundations by stanchions of wood.[93](../../93/ "tree and pragmatics") To these they set fire, and withdrew to a distance, keeping up a constant shower of missiles to prevent the Moors from sallying forth to extinguish the flames.[94](../../94/ "tree and pragmatics") The stanchions were rapidly consumed; and when they gave way the tower fell to the ground.[95](../../95/ "tree and pragmatics") Some of the Moors were crushed among the ruins; others were flung to a distance, and dashed among the rocks: those who survived were instantly put to the sword.[96](../../96/ "tree and pragmatics") The fleet of the emir arrived at Ceuta about the hour of vespers.[97](../../97/ "tree and pragmatics") He landed, but found the gates closed against him.[98](../../98/ "tree and pragmatics") The countess herself spoke to him from a tower, and set him at defiance.[99](../../99/ "tree and pragmatics") The emir immediately laid siege to the city.[100](../../100/ "tree and pragmatics") He consulted the astrologer Yuza, who told him that, for seven days, his star would have the ascendant over that of the youth Alarbot; but after that time the youth would be safe from his power, and would effect his ruin.[101](../../101/ "tree and pragmatics") Alahor immediately ordered the city to be assailed on every side, and at length carried it by storm.[102](../../102/ "tree and pragmatics") The countess took refuge with her forces in the citadel, and made a desperate defence; but the walls were sapped and mined, and she saw that all resistance would soon be unavailing.[103](../../103/ "tree and pragmatics") Her only thoughts now were to conceal her child.[104](../../104/ "tree and pragmatics") “Surely,” said she, “they will not think of seeking him among the dead.”[105](../../105/ "tree and pragmatics") She led him, therefore, into the dark and dismal chapel.[106](../../106/ "tree and pragmatics") “Thou art not afraid to be alone in this darkness, my child?” said she.[107](../../107/ "tree and pragmatics") “No, mother,” replied the boy, “darkness gives silence and sleep.”[108](../../108/ "tree and pragmatics") She conducted him to the tomb of Florinda.[109](../../109/ "tree and pragmatics") “Fearest thou the dead, my child?”[110](../../110/ "tree and pragmatics") “No, mother, the dead can do no harm,—and what should I fear from my sister?”[111](../../111/ "tree and pragmatics") The countess opened the sepulchre.[112](../../112/ "tree and pragmatics") “Listen, my son,” said she.[113](../../113/ "tree and pragmatics") “There are fierce and cruel people who have come hither to murder thee.[114](../../114/ "tree and pragmatics") Stay here in company with thy sister, and be quiet as thou dost value thy life!”[115](../../115/ "tree and pragmatics") The boy, who was of a courageous nature, did as he was bidden, and remained there all that day, and all the night, and the next day until the third hour.[116](../../116/ "tree and pragmatics") In the mean time the walls of the citadel were sapped, the troops of the emir poured in at the breach, and a great part of the garrison was put to the sword.[117](../../117/ "tree and pragmatics") The countess was taken prisoner and brought before the emir.[118](../../118/ "tree and pragmatics") She appeared in his presence with a haughty demeanour, as if she had been a queen receiving homage; but when he demanded her son, she faltered, and turned pale, and replied, “My son is with the dead.”[119](../../119/ "tree and pragmatics") “Countess,” said the emir, “I am not to be deceived; tell me where you have concealed the boy, or tortures shall wring from you the secret.”[120](../../120/ "tree and pragmatics") “Emir,” replied the countess, “may the greatest torments be my portion, both here and hereafter, if what I speak be not the truth\![121](../../121/ "tree and pragmatics") My darling child lies buried with the dead.”[122](../../122/ "tree and pragmatics") The emir was confounded by the solemnity of her words; but the withered astrologer, Yuza, who stood by his side regarding the countess from beneath his bushed eyebrows, perceived trouble in her countenance and equivocation in her words.[123](../../123/ "tree and pragmatics") “Leave this matter to me,” whispered he to Alahor; “I will produce the child.”[124](../../124/ "tree and pragmatics") He ordered strict search to be made by the soldiery, and he obliged the countess to be always present.[125](../../125/ "tree and pragmatics") When they came to the chapel, her cheek turned pale and her lip quivered.[126](../../126/ "tree and pragmatics") “This,” said the subtle astrologer, “is the place of concealment.”[127](../../127/ "tree and pragmatics") The search throughout the chapel, however, was equally vain, and the soldiers were about to depart, when Yuza remarked a slight gleam of joy in the eye of the countess.[128](../../128/ "tree and pragmatics") “We are leaving our prey behind,” thought he; “the countess is exulting.”[129](../../129/ "tree and pragmatics") He now called to mind the words of her asseveration, that her child was with the dead.[130](../../130/ "tree and pragmatics") Turning suddenly to the soldiers, he ordered them to search the sepulchres.[131](../../131/ "tree and pragmatics") “If you find him not,” said he, “drag forth the bones of that wanton Cava, that they may be burnt, and the ashes scattered to the winds.”[132](../../132/ "tree and pragmatics") The soldiers searched among the tombs, and found that of Florinda partly open.[133](../../133/ "tree and pragmatics") Within lay the boy in the sound sleep of childhood, and one of the soldiers took him gently in his arms to bear him to the emir.[134](../../134/ "tree and pragmatics") When the countess beheld that her child was discovered, she rushed into the presence of Alahor, and, forgetting all her pride, threw herself upon her knees before him.[135](../../135/ "tree and pragmatics") “Mercy! mercy!” cried she, in piercing accents, “mercy on my son—my only child\![136](../../136/ "tree and pragmatics") O emir! listen to a mother’s prayer, and my lips shall kiss thy feet.[137](../../137/ "tree and pragmatics") As thou art merciful to him, so may the most high God have mercy upon thee, and heap blessings on thy head!”[138](../../138/ "tree and pragmatics") “Bear that frantic women hence,” said the emir; “but guard her well.”[139](../../139/ "tree and pragmatics") The countess was dragged away by the soldiery, without regard to her struggles and her cries, and confined in a dungeon of the citadel.[140](../../140/ "tree and pragmatics") The child was now brought to the emir.[141](../../141/ "tree and pragmatics") He had been awakened by the tumult, but gazed fearlessly on the stern countenances of the soldiers.[142](../../142/ "tree and pragmatics") Had the heart of the emir been capable of pity, it would have been touched by the tender youth and innocent beauty of the child; but his heart was as the nether millstone, and he was bent upon the destruction of the whole family of Julian.[143](../../143/ "tree and pragmatics") Calling to him the astrologer, he gave the child into his charge with a secret command.[144](../../144/ "tree and pragmatics") The withered son of the desert took the boy by the hand, and led him up the winding staircase of a tower.[145](../../145/ "tree and pragmatics") When they reached the summit, Yuza placed him on the battlements.[146](../../146/ "tree and pragmatics") “Cling not to me, my child,” said he; “there is no danger.”[147](../../147/ "tree and pragmatics") “Father, I fear not,” said the undaunted boy; “yet it is a wondrous height!”[148](../../148/ "tree and pragmatics") The child looked around with delighted eyes.[149](../../149/ "tree and pragmatics") The breeze blew his curling locks from about his face, and his cheek glowed at the boundless prospect; for the tower was reared upon that lofty promontory on which Hercules founded one of his pillars.[150](../../150/ "tree and pragmatics") The surges of the sea were heard far below beating upon the rocks, the sea-gull screamed and wheeled about the foundations of the tower, and the sails of lofty caraccas were as mere specks on the bosom of the deep.[151](../../151/ "tree and pragmatics") “Dost thou know yonder land beyond the blue water?” said Yuza.[152](../../152/ "tree and pragmatics") “It is Spain,” replied the boy; “it is the land of my father and my mother.”[153](../../153/ "tree and pragmatics") “Then stretch forth thy hands and bless it, my child,” said the astrologer.[154](../../154/ "tree and pragmatics") The boy let go his hold of the wall, and, as he stretched forth his hands, the aged son of Ishmael, exerting all the strength of his withered limbs, suddenly pushed him over the battlements.[155](../../155/ "tree and pragmatics") He fell headlong from the top of that tall tower, and not a bone in his tender frame but was crushed upon the rocks beneath.[156](../../156/ "tree and pragmatics") Alahor came to the foot of the winding stairs.[157](../../157/ "tree and pragmatics") “Is the boy safe?” cried he.[158](../../158/ "tree and pragmatics") “He is safe,” replied Yuza; “come and behold the truth with thine own eyes.”[159](../../159/ "tree and pragmatics") The emir ascended the tower and looked over the battlements, and beheld the body of the child, a shapeless mass, on the rocks far below, and the sea-gulls hovering about it; and he gave orders that it should be thrown into the sea, which was done.[160](../../160/ "tree and pragmatics") On the following morning, the countess was led forth from her dungeon into the public square.[161](../../161/ "tree and pragmatics") She knew of the death of her child, and that her own death was at hand; but she neither wept nor supplicated.[162](../../162/ "tree and pragmatics") Her hair was dishevelled, her eyes were haggard with watching, and her cheek was as the monumental stone; but there were the remains of commanding beauty in her countenance; and the majesty of her presence awed even the rabble into respect.[163](../../163/ "tree and pragmatics") A multitude of Christian prisoners were then brought forth; and Alahor cried out—“Behold the wife of Count Julian; behold one of that traitorous family which has brought ruin upon yourselves and upon your country.”[164](../../164/ "tree and pragmatics") And he ordered that they should stone her to death.[165](../../165/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Christians drew back with horror from the deed, and said—“In the hand of God is vengeance, let not her blood be upon our heads.”[166](../../166/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon this the emir swore, with horrid imprecations, that whoever of the captives refused should himself be stoned to death.[167](../../167/ "tree and pragmatics") So the cruel order was executed, and the Countess Frandina perished by the hands of her countrymen.[168](../../168/ "tree and pragmatics") Having thus accomplished his barbarous errand, the emir embarked for Spain, and ordered the citadel of Ceuta to be set on fire, and crossed the straights at night by the light of its towering flames.[169](../../169/ "tree and pragmatics") The death of Count Julian, which took place not long after, closed the tragic story of his family.[170](../../170/ "tree and pragmatics") How he died remains involved in doubt.[171](../../171/ "tree and pragmatics") Some assert that the cruel Alahor pursued him to his retreat among the mountains, and, having taken him prisoner, beheaded him; others that the Moors confined him in a dungeon, and put an end to his life with lingering torments; while others affirm that the tower of the castle of Marcuello, near Huesca, in Arragon, in which he took refuge, fell on him and crushed him to pieces.[172](../../172/ "tree and pragmatics") All agree that his latter end was miserable in the extreme, and his death violent.[173](../../173/ "tree and pragmatics") The curse of Heaven, which had thus pursued him to the grave, was extended to the very place which had given him shelter: for we are told that the castle is no longer inhabited, on account of the strange and horrible noises that are heard in it; and that visions of armed men are seen above it in the air; which are supposed to be the troubled spirits of the apostate Christians who favoured the cause of the traitor.[174](../../174/ "tree and pragmatics") In after times a stone sepulchre was shown, outside of the chapel of the castle, as the tomb of Count Julian: but the traveller and the pilgrim avoided it, or bestowed upon it a malediction; and the name of Julian has remained a by-word and a scorn in the land for the warning of all generations.[175](../../175/ "tree and pragmatics") Such ever be the lot of him who betrays his country\![176](../../176/ "tree and pragmatics") Here end the legends of the conquest of Spain.[177](../../177/ "tree and pragmatics") \_Written in the Alhambra, June 10.[178](../../178/ "tree and pragmatics") 1829.[179](../../179/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/39/) **2** - ← previous: [page 1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/39/) - next →: [Note to the Preceding Legend.](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/40/) - ↑ back to [Legends of the conquest of Spain](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77685/)