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From Count Lucanor; of the Fifty Pleasant Stories of Patronio, written by the Prince Don Juan Manuel and first done into English by James York, M. D., 1868;; Gibbings & Company, Limited; London; 1899; pp. 105-129.

stylized border print of flowers and interlacing vines

[105]



CHAPTER XVIII.

Relates what happened to a Moorish King, who had three Sons, and who desired to know which would become the best Man.

manuscript letter C OUNT LUCANOR, being one day in conversation with Patronio, said as follows: —

“Patronio, there are many young men who are being brought up at my court. Some are of high birth, some are not. Now I find their manners and dispositions so various that I am perplexed; and, knowing the strength of your 106 judgment, I pray you to tell me how I may be able to form an opinion as to which of them will become the best man.”

“My lord,” said Patronio, “the question which you place before me is very difficult to answer, for we cannot speak with certainty of that which is to come; and, as what you demand is hidden in the future, so must some uncertainty rest upon my opinion.

“But we may be able to form some idea by particularly observing their development internally as well as externally. As regards this latter, there is the form of the features, the grace of movement, the complexion, as also the growth of the body and development of its members; by the principal members, I mean those essential to good health, the heart, the brain, and the liver. Yet though all these signs may appear satisfactory, we can speak with no certainty as to the ultimate results, for seldom do they all accord long, one derangement influencing all the functions, or the contrary. But for the most part, according to the indications above named, may we judge of the future. Notice the form of the features, and particularly the eyes, with the grace of movement: these signs seldom deceive. do not, however, suppose that gracefulness is dependent upon beauty or ugliness, for there are many men who are handsome and well-formed, but without grace; while again, others, decidedly ill-made, have that gracefulness which entitles them to be 107 called fine men. Nevertheless, the development of the body and limbs should be taken as indications of valour and activity, although it may not be always so. It is, therefore, as I said before, very difficult to speak with certainty, for what appears favourable now may, by the force of circumstances, be entirely changed. Again, the condition of the mind is still more difficult to understand, when you seek through it for indications of what the young man is to become. You require that I should give you some certain signs whereby you can form an opinion of which of your young men will become the most manly. It will much please me to be permitted to recount to you how, upon a similar occasion, a Moorish king proved his three sons, to ascertain which of them would become the bravest man.”

“Relate to me,” said the Count, “what that was.”

“My lord,” said Patronio, “there was a Moorish king who had three sons. Now he, having the power to appoint which of them he pleased to reign after him, when he had arrived at a good old age, the leading men of his kingdom waited upon him, praying to be informed which of his sons he would please to name as his successor. The king replied, that in one month he would give them an answer.

“After eight or ten days the king said to his eldest son, ‘I shall ride out to-morrow, and I wish you to accompany me.’

“The son waited upon the king as desired, but 108 not so early as the time appointed. When he arrived, the king said he wished to dress, and requested him to bring him his garments. His son went to the Lord of the Bedchamber, and requested him to take the king his garments. The attendant inquired what suit it was he wished for; and the son returned to ask his father, who replied, his state robe. The young man went and told the attendant to bring the state robe.

“Now, for every article of the king’s attire it was necessary to go backwards and forwards, carrying answers and questions, till at length the attendant came to dress and boot the king. The same repetition goes on when the king called for his horse, spurs, bridle, saddle, sword, and so forth. Now, all being prepared, with some trouble and difficulty, the king changed his mind, and said he would not ride out; but desired the prince his son to go through the city, carefully observing everything worth notice, and that, on his return, he should come and give his father his opinion of what he had seen.

“The prince set out, accompanied by the royal suite and the chief nobility. Trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments preceded this brilliant cavalcade. After traversing a part of the city only, he returned to the palace, when the king desired him to relate what most arrested his attention.

“ ‘I observed nothing, sire,’ said he, ‘but the great noise caused by the cymbals and trumpets, which confounded me.’

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“A few days later, the king sent for his second son, and commanded him to attend very early the next day, when he subjected him to the same ordeal as his brother, but with a somewhat more favourable result.

“Again, after some days, he called for his youngest son’s attendance. Now this young man came to the palace very early, long before his father was awake, and waited patiently until the king arose, when he entered his chamber with that respectful humiliation which became him. The king then desired him to bring his clothes that he might dress. The young prince begged the king to specify which clothes, boots, etc., the same with all the other things he desired, so that he could bring all at the same time, neither would he permit the attendant to assist him, saying, if the king permitted him he would feel highly honoured, and was willing to do all that was required.

“When the king was dressed, he requested his son to bring his horse. Again the son asked what horse, saddle, spurs, sword, and other requisites he desired to have; and as he commanded so it was done, without trouble or further annoyance.

“Now, when all was ready, the king, as before, declined going. He, however, requested his son to go, and to take notice of what he saw, so that on his return he might relate to him what he thought worthy of notice.

“In obedience to his father’s commands, the 110 young prince rode through the city, attended by the same escort as his brothers; but they knew nothing, neither did the younger son, nor indeed anyone else, of the object the king had in view. As he rode along, he desired that they would show him the interior of the city, the streets, and where the king kept his treasures, and what was supposed to be the amount thereof; he inquired where the nobility and people of importance in the city lived; after this, he desired that they should present to him all the cavalry and infantry, and these he made go through their evolutions; he afterwards visited the walls, towers, and fortresses of the city, so that when he returned to the king it was very late.

“The king desired him to tell what he had seen. The young prince replied, that he feared giving offence if he stated all he felt at what he had seen and observed. Now the king commanded him to relate everything, as he hoped for his blessing. The young man replied, that although he was sure his father was a very good king, yet it seemed to him he had not done as much good as he might, having such good troops, so much power, and such great resources; for, had he wished it, he might have made himself master of the world.

“Now the king felt much pleased at this judicious remark of his son. So when the time arrived that he had to give his decision to the people, he told them that he should appoint his youngest son for their king, from the indications he had given him 111 of his ability, by certain proofs of fitness to govern, to which he had subjected all his sons, although he would have desired to appoint his eldest son as his successor; yet he felt it a duty to select the one who appeared best qualified for the station.

“And you, Count Lucanor, if you desire to know which of the young men is the most promising, you must reflect on what I have related to you, and, by the adoption of similar means, you will be enabled to form your opinion.”

The Count was much pleased with what Patronio had said; and, as Don Juan found this to be a good example, he ordered it to be written in this book, and made the following lines, which say: —

By ways and works thou mayest know
Which youths to worthiest men will grow.




NOTES.

This interesting narrative, evidently of Arabic origin, recalls to us the heroic tale related in the history of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, commonly called the Cid Campeador. This interesting tale is immortalized by Corneille in one of his best plays. The story is as follows. The old Count Diego de Vivar, after the gross insult he received from Count D’Orgaz, called his three sons to him, and forcibly pressed their hands within his own. Now the two elder ones, Fernando and Bermuda, shrieked out as if they had been seized by the grip of a lion, whilst Rodrigo, the younger, gave no indication of pain, but uttered an exclamation, and said, ‘If you were not my father I would strike you.” To which the old Count replied, “It would not be the first blow I have received. You now know the offence; see here is the sword; I have nothing further to add. With 112 my white hairs I go to weep over my insulted honour, leaving you, my son, the duty to avenge it.” The sentence uttered by the old Count, addressing his son, as written by Corneille, is truly beautiful, when with impassioned dignity he exclaims, “Rodrique, as-tu du cœur?” (“Rodrigo, have you a heart?”)

With more discernment, Don Manuel, who has probably taken this historical fact as the foundation of his own story, with this difference, however, that in his recital he relies, not as the Cid, upon physical indications, but after due investigations, as is shown in his narrative, places his reliance more upon the reasoning powers and mental development of, as in the case of Diego, the younger son.





CHAPTER XIX.

Of that which happened to the Canons of the Cathedral Church of Paris, and to the Friars of Saint Francis, called Minors.

manuscript letter C OUNT LUCNAOR, conversing one day with Patronio his counsellor, said as follows: —

“Patronio, I have a friend, with whom I have arranged to do a certain thing, which we anticipate will be to our mutual advantage and honour. An opportunity now presents itself to commence this undertaking; but, my friend being at present absent, I feel uncertain how to act until he returns. Now, as it has pleased God to bless you with a good understanding, I pray you to give me your advice.”

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“My lord,” said Patronio, “if you would act as it appears to me the most advisable for your interest, I should like you to know what happened to the canons of the cathedral church of Paris, with a convent of friars minors.”

The Count begged him to relate what it was.

“The canons of the cathedral said, that, as they were the superior order in the church, they had the right to toll the first morning bell. The friars contended that, as they were obliged to rise very early to study, and then to sing matins, they ought more properly to toll the first bell, and wait for no one. All this caused much contention and disputing, both parties expending large sums of money on lawyers and legal documents, the litigation continuing a very long time at the papal court.

“At length a mandate arrived, referring the matter to a cardinal, with an express command that he should promptly decide the question at issue.

“The cardinal ordered all the documents of the case to be placed before him: the multiplicity of these was enough to frighten any man. Now, after having arranged the papers in order, he cited the interested parties to appear before him on a given day to receive sentence. When they assembled before him, he, in their presence, burnt all the writings, and said, ‘Friends, the cause has gone on long enough, costing you both much trouble and money; I will therefore discontinue the suit, giving as a final 114 sentence, that they who rise first shall toll the morning bell.’

“And you, Count Lucanor, if the project is advantageous to both, and you are able to do it alone, I should advise you not to lose your opportunity, but act with promptness and decision. Things are often irretrievably lost by hesitation and uncalled-for delay, so that afterwards, when a man desires to act, he finds himself incapable of so doing.”

The Count, considering this to be very good advice, acted upon it, and found the results to answer well. And Don Juan, understanding that this was a good example, had it inscribed in this book, and composed the following verse: —

The good occasion — use it,
Lest, through delay, you lose it!





NOTE.

The above tale resembles not a little the facetious style generally adopted by the Archpriest of Hita, Juan Ruiz, famous for his satirical writings, and a contemporary of Don Juan Manuel, and by Rabelais. These two writers were particularly noted for their satirical allegories. The cardinal, in is refined satire, not only lanced a tacit condemnation against the indolence of the canons, but against also the arbitrary and unjust claim set up by them, in contesting with an inferior class that right to which industry and early rising clearly entitled them.



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CHAPTER XX.

Of that which happened to a Falcon and a Heron, and, more particularly, to a cunning Falcon, which belonged to the Infant Don Manuel.

manuscript letter C OUNT LUCANOR conversed one day with his counsellor, Patronio, in the manner following: —

“Patronio,” said he, “it has happened lately to me to have contentions with many men, and no sooner is one quarrel ended than I am by some one instigated to commence another; others again recommend me to rest and be at peace, while again, others wish me to renew the war with the Moors. Now, knowing that no one is better able than yourself to advise me, I pray that you will counsel me how best to act under these circumstances.”

“My lord,” said Patronio, “in order that you may the better act with judgment, it would be well that you should know what happened to a cunning falcon, belonging to the Infant Don Manuel.”

The Count begged that he would relate the circumstance.

“Count Lucanor,” said Patronio, “the Infant Don Manuel being one day at the chase in the country near Escalona let fly a cunning falcon at a 116 heron. Scarcely had he mounted above the heron, than he perceived an eagle approaching, when the falcon, being in great fear of him, left the heron and took to flight. The eagle, finding that he could not overtake the falcon, gave up the chase. As soon as the falcon saw that the eagle had departed he renewed his pursuit of the heron; which the eagle perceiving, turned again upon the falcon, when the falcon again took flight as before, pursued by the eagle, which soon gave up the chase, when immediately the falcon returned to chase the heron. This occurred three or four times, the eagle departing each time, as before, and each time returning to kill the falcon.

“The falcon, perceiving that the eagle rendered his killing the heron impossible, he mounted above the eagle and descended upon him with great fierceness, wounding him several times, until he drove him away. No sooner was he gone than he flew in pursuit of the heron and was engaged with it very high in air, which the eagle perceiving, again returned to attack him. The falcon, seeing that all his attempts were frustrated, left the heron, and mounted again above the eagle, descending upon him with such violence that he broke his wing. Seeing the eagle fall to the ground with the wing broken, the falcon then went in pursuit of the heron, and killed it this time, having freed himself from the hindrance of the eagle.

“And you, Count Lucanor, since you desire to know how best to act as regards your estate, your 117 honour, and your soul, and how best to devote yourself to the service of God, can anything in the world be more proper, considering your position, than going to war with the Moors, for the glory of the holy and true catholic faith? Therefore, as soon as you can liberate yourself from other parties, commence a war with the Moors, as much good must arise from it. Firstly, you are devoting yourself to the service of God in an honourable engagement, gaining renown, and not eating the bread of idleness, which should never be said of a powerful noble. And, moreover, those holding your position, and without occupation, are unable to appreciate the worth of those who surround them, who lose the reward which, if engaged, they might otherwise deserve. Idleness may also incline you to do that which might be better left alone. Since, therefore, it is good and profitable that you, holding the position you do, should be well employed, certain it is that nothing can be better, more honourable, and more to your advantage here and hereafter than a war with the Moors.

“Reflect, at least, on the example I gave you of the leap made by Richard, King of England, and how much he gained by it. And remember in your heart that you must die, and that God is all-seeing and of great justice, and that you cannot escape the great punishment due to you for those sins which you have committed unless indeed you should be fortunate enough to have an opportunity to do penance 118 for your sins. So if, being at war with the Moors, you were slain, being at the time truly penitent, you would have the good fortune of being a martyr; and if you were not killed in battle, your good works and your good intentions would save you.”

The Count considered this a good example, and determined in his heart to follow it. He prayed to God to direct him how best to carry out his wishes.

And Don Juan, understanding that this example was very good, ordered it to be written in this book, and made these lines, which say as follows: —

God’s guidance making thee secure,
Fight on to the end, of victory sure.





NOTE.

This original and amusing tale of Don Manuel appears to be written by the hand of an old hunter, and has not only a war-like but a political signification, illustrating the necessity of exercising our ingenuity, judgment, and steady resolution to overcome opposition, losing not the opportunity, if presented, to soar above, and, like the falcon, overwhelm by the force of well-directed determination what appeared invincible.



119

CHAPTER XXI.

Recounts what happened to Count Fernan Gonzalez, and the Reply which he gave to his Vassals.

manuscript letter C OUNT LUCANOR returned one day from a campaign, much wearied and quite overcome with fatigue, his treasury being also literally empty; and in this state, before he could enjoy any repose, he received intelligence that another attack was about to be made upon him. Now, the greater number of his vassals, hearing this, strongly advised him to rest and recruit his exhausted strength, and then act as circumstances might dictate.

Now the Count begged of Patronio to advise him, and this latter replied that, in his opinion, the best way to do this would be by relating to him the answer Count Fernan Gonzalez once gave to his vassals.

“The Count Fernan Gonzalez conquered Almarzon in Hacinas, and lost there very many of his troops, he himself and the survivors being badly wounded. Now, before they had recovered from their fatigues and wounds, the Count was informed that the King of Navarre had entered his dominions, and he immediately summoned his vassals to prepare themselves to attack those of Navarre. To this they 120 replied, that both themselves and their horses were too fatigued, and, although desirous to do their duty as usual, yet being wounded as well as the Count himself, they hoped they should be allowed to rest until they were recovered.

“When the Count saw they were all of the same mind, being himself more influenced by his honour than his sufferings, replied, ‘Friends, for the wounds which we have, let us not desert our duty; remember, those we may receive will serve but to make us forget the old ones.’

“His people, seeing that he was devoid of all personal considerations, and influenced only by a sense of honour and love of his country, went with him and gained the battle, after which they had a long continuance of peace.

“And you, Count Lucanor, if you are really desirous of doing that which you ought to do, seeing how much is required for the defence of your country, of your people, and of your honour, do not remain inactive because of your unhappy position, or your fatigue, or from a sense of danger, for the new enterprise will serve but to make you forget the troubles which are passed.”

And the Count, considering this to be a good example and very good advice, followed it, and found the result favourable.

And Don Juan, understanding that this tale was worthy of a place in this book, had it written therein, and composed the following verses: —

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Hold this for sure, for ’tis a truth well proved,
Honour and slothful ease are wide removed.




NOTES.

Don Manuel has in this tale exemplified the turbulence of the feudal system of the middle ages. The fable belongs to the tenth century, when every sovereign of lesser rank was little better than a party chief; and had full scope for the exercise of his virtues as well as his vices. The moral tone of society was reduced to so low an ebb that by force of opposition individual characters appear ennobled. The proximity of a race so inimical in their characters and religion to their Spanish neighbours ever increased the peril of these civil commotions. It was necessary to go continually from frontier to frontier to arrange, by the sword or otherwise, petty disputes. So each lord and chief was forced to a constant display of courage and activity. Where can we find anything nobler than the reply of Fernan Gonzalez, as given in this story, unless that of the French hero, Christian and philosopher of the 16th century, when he said, “La vie est une lutte, ne perdons pas un seul jour; nous nous reposerons dans l’éternité”?

The above story has been translated, as a specimen, by Ticknor, in his “History of Spanish Literature,” vol. i., pp. 62-68, and is, with one exception to be mentioned hereafter, the only portion of the work which had ever up to this time (as far as I am aware) appeared in English.



122

CHAPTER XXII.

Of that which happened to a King and his Favourite.

manuscript letter W HEN Count Lucanor was once in confidential conversation with Patronio, his adviser, he said, “Patronio, a man of rank, much honoured and of great influence, and who, you must know, is a particular friend of mine, a few days since informed me, in strict confidence, that, from circumstances which have occurred, he had determined upon leaving this country never to return; and, in testimony of the great regard which he has for me, he desires to leave me all his lands — those which he has purchased, as also those which he holds on tenure. It appears to be a great honour as well as very advantageous to me; yet I pray you to tell me what you think of it, and how I ought to act under such circumstances.”

“Count Lucanor,” said Patronio, “your own good sense needs but little of my advice; but, since you desire my opinion of the matter, let me caution you against being deceived. In the first place, I would say, that however much you may consider this man as your friend, I am of opinion his object is to deceive you; indeed, your position 123 calls to my mind that which, under similar circumstances, happened to a king and his favourite.”

Count Lucanor desired to be informed what that was; and Patronio related it as follows: —

“There was a king, who had a favourite in whom he had great confidence, which excited the jealousy of those around, so that they sought every opportunity to speak evil of him to the king, his lord. Nevertheless, with all their statements, the king could not be induced to suspect or doubt his loyalty. Seeing that they were in no way able to accomplish what they desired, they informed the king that his favourite was plotting to bring about his death, and as to a young son that the king had, as soon as he had him in his power, he intended to destroy him, and so possess himself of the kingdom.

“It was not until the king heard this that he entertained any doubt as to the loyalty of his favourite, but now he was sorely grieved, and was not without fear; for in such cases, where there is so much to lose and so much to be gained, no prudent man can hope to act rightly without proof; and therefore the king remained overwhelmed with doubt and suspicion and in great fear, not knowing how to act until he really knew the truth, for he knew there were those who sought evil against his favourite.

“The courtiers, seeing the king’s anxiety, came to him and informed him of an ingenious method, by which he would be enabled to prove the truth of what they had asserted.

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“After hearing them, the king thought well of their suggestions, and acted upon them. Some few days after, the king, conversing with his favourite, gave him to understand by degrees that he was much disgusted with the life of this world, in which all appeared as vanity; saying no more to him on this occasion. At the end of some days, while talking again with him, he remarked, as if by accident, that each day made him more dislike the life and manners of the world, and so often repeated the same thing until at last the favourite was impressed with the conviction that the king really had no enjoyment in the honours, or riches, or pleasures of this world. And when the king saw that he was fully impressed with this feeling, he said to him, one day, ‘I have been reflecting upon the subject which occupies my thoughts, and have come to the determination to resign my kingdom, and retire into a distant country, where I am not known and where I can enjoy the pleasure of retirement and peace, and where I can do penance for my sins, and so obtain the mercy and grace of God, fitting me for the glory of Paradise.’

“When the favourite heard these words of the king, he was much astonished, and used every argument to divert him from his intentions; and, among others, how unjustly he would be acting towards God, in leaving his people, amongst whom now there was peace and justice; for it was quite certain that as soon as he had departed the country would be torn by revolutions and contentions, doing great 125 injury to the cause of God, and to the kingdom, and, above all, said he, ‘you cannot with justice leave the queen and your son, who is still so young, exposed (as they certainly will be) to so much danger, both as regards their persons and their estates.’

“To this the king replied, ‘I have well considered in my mind how best I shall be able to leave my kingdom well protected, as also my wife and son, and maintain order in the land. You know that I have raised you to your present position, and have rendered you great service. In return, I have ever found you loyal; you have always served me well and with rectitude. For these reasons, I feel assured I can leave the queen and my son with you in greater safety than with any other man in the world. I therefore consign them to your care, with all the fortresses and provinces of my kingdom, convinced that no harm can come to them, or treachery to my son; and if I should ever return, I feel certain of finding safe all I have left in your charge; and if, perchance, I should die, I have equal confidence that you will guard and protect my son until the time comes when he is able to govern the kingdom. It is for these reasons that I feel I can leave well protected all that I possess.’

“When the counsellor found that it was impossible to divert the king from his intentions, and heard that the queen and her son were to be left in his charge, he could not conceal the gratification he felt in having full power to act as he pleased.

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Now he had in his house a captive, who was a very wise man and a philosopher, and whom he was accustomed to consult in all important matters. As soon, therefore, as he parted from the king, he sought his captive and recounted to him what the king had said, and how gratified he felt in the good fortune of having the queen, and her son, and all the kingdom placed under his entire control.

“When the captive philosopher heard all that had passed between his lord and the king, he blamed him very much for accepting the king’s proposals, saying that he felt certain he had placed himself and his possessions in great danger, ‘for, whatever the king may have said, it is not his intention to do so; his only object is to verify the suspicions which your enemies have impressed on his mind; and by letting him see that you are pleased by his proposal, you have placed yourself in great danger.’

“When the counsellor of the king heard this explanation he was in great trouble, for he now saw clearly that everything was as his captive had said. And when the wise man whom he kept in his house saw him in such great distress, he counselled him in what manner he might escape from the danger in which he was placed, and this was the way. He was that night to shave off his hair and beard and clothe himself in an old and patched garment, such as is worn by wandering beggars, and with a staff and a pair of old broken shoes well ironed and gaping open, and to put between the lining of his 127 clothes a quantity of gold pieces. In this way, at the break of day, he appeared at the gate of the king, and desired the porter who was there to inform the king secretly that he was prepared to depart with him, before the people were awake. The porter was astonished to see him come in that style to have an interview with the king, but did as he desired.

“The king marvelled much at this message, and desired his favourite to enter. When he saw him he was astonished, and requested to be informed why he presented himself in that style of dress.

“The counsellor replied that, knowing his determination to travel into a foreign country, and that he so desired it that no persuasion could alter his resolution; and, as all the honour and wealth which he possessed were derived from the king, and seeing the misery and expatriation he had determined to undergo, even to the leaving of his queen, his son, and his kingdom, he had resolved to travel with him, and to serve him with an unceasing fidelity. He had assumed the dress in which he presented himself in order that they might travel unknown, and having placed gold enough in his vest to serve both their lives, he ventured to suggest that they should immediately depart, before their intentions could be known.

“When the king heard what his favourite had said, believing in his true loyalty, he expressed himself much pleased, and related the manner in which he had been deceived, and that what he had said 128 was but to prove his sincerity. And the counsellor thanked God that he had taken the advice of his philosopher whom he held as a captive in his house.

“And you, Count Lucanor, must take care not to be deceived by this offer of your friend, for certain it is that he only makes it to test your feelings, as to your desiring to possess yourself of his honour and possessions. Assure him, to the contrary, that you desire neither the one nor the other; for without confidence, friendship cannot continue long.”

And the Count thought well of the advice which Patronio gave, and, following it, found the end beneficial.

And Don Juan, considering this example to be very good, caused it to be written in this book, and composed these lines: —

Do not believe that a man will descend
To dishonour himself for the good of a friend.

And these others which say: —

By the pity of God, and a good counsel in need,
A man shall from danger escape, and succeed.





NOTE.

In this example, the moralist and courtier, Don Manuel, gives us two distinct lessons, the principal of which is addressed to court favourites, and, we suspect, the fruit of his own experience, he having passed the greater part of his life in constant trouble and anxiety, caused by the perfidy of Alfonso XI, who was continually laying snares for him, though, being more enlightened than his master, he knew how to evade them. In 129 many Indian and Arabian tales we find examples of the constant struggle going on between kings and favourites. In those states where despotism reigned, ambition was always urging men to dangerous stratagems; the art exemplified in such cannot astonish us more than the multiplicity of plots arising from the natural distrust of the Asiatic character.





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