The Last Kingdom of Al Andalus (The Play)
Written by Lorient Montaner
Contents
Dramatis Personae ix
ACT I
ACT II
ACT III
ACT IV
ACT V
Dramatis Personae
MUHAMMAD–The last Nasrid sultan of the Emirate of Granada
FERDINAND–King of Aragón
ISABELLA–Queen of Castile
ABDULLAH AL ZAGAL–Uncle of the sultan
AISHA AL HURRA–The mother of the sultan
TOMÁS DE TORQUEMADA–A Castilian Dominican friar and first Grand Inquisitor
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS–A Castilian cardinal and confessor to Queen Isabella
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO–The Bishop of León
ABDULLAH–The Wattasid ruler of Morocco
TEODEMIRO–A Mozarabic merchant
MUSTAPHA–A loyal adviser to the sultan
ZORAIDA–The wife of Mulay Hasan, the father of the sultan
MORAIMA–The wife of the sultan
THE ROYAL GUARDS OF THE CATHOLIC MONARCHS
THE ROYAL GUARDS OF THE SULTAN
THE SPY–A spy for the Catholic Monarchs
THE KNIGHT–A Castilian knight
Scene: Granada, in the years 1491–1492 A.D.
ACT I
SCENE I
At the resplendent Court of the Lions.
The sultan is outside, pondering the imminent threat of the Castilian invasion. He is joined by his loyal adviser.
MUSTAPHA
I perceive an unsettling look in thine eyes, Sultan. What troubles thee, if I may ask?
MUHAMMAD
How shall I avert the downfall of the kingdom, when the Castilian armies are nigh and command our lands? Thou art my confidant and adviser.
MUSTAPHA
As thine adviser, I can but counsel thee — yet thou art the sultan.
MUHAMMAD
Then, what dost thou suggest I do amidst this terrible quandary that hath encompassed our realm?
MUSTAPHA
We can fight, my lord, and die as noble martyrs — God willing!
MUHAMMAD
Or we could surrender, and spare the slaughter of thousands of the citizens of Granada, as I have agreed to in our treaty with the Catholic Monarchs. After the fall of Málaga and Baza, Almuñécar, Salobreña, and Almería, we stand alone. Unless the Turkish Sultan or the Wattasid ruler of Morocco comes to our aid, we are doomed to inevitable defeat and the loss of our ancestral homeland.
MUSTAPHA
Dost thou wish for an emissary to be sent to the Wattasid ruler?
MUHAMMAD
I have sent him several letters requesting his assistance — yet not once have I had any direct reply from him.
MUSTAPHA
Perhaps 'tis better to acknowledge that we are forsaken, and must prepare to defend our homeland alone, if need be.
MUHAMMAD
If 'twere only my life at stake, I would die a martyr's death — but the truth is, a whole city and its inhabitants depend upon my decisions and actions.
MUSTAPHA
Could we not bribe the Catholic Monarchs to permit our continuance in the land of our forebears with further tribute?
MUHAMMAD
I have endeavoured to offer them more tribute, yet they shall not permit the enclave of a single Moorish kingdom to remain upon the Iberian Peninsula. 'Tis unfortunate that I was compelled to sign the treaty for the city's surrender — but I had no other choice.
MUSTAPHA
'Tis difficult to imagine our cherished homeland in their hands.
MUHAMMAD
I do not wish to fathom the thought — but we must. What more can we do?
MUSTAPHA
We should prepare the city for its eventual handover to the Christians.
MUHAMMAD
I must address the uneasy citizens of Granada, and inform them of the approaching Castilian armies and of the treaty I have signed on their behalf.
MUSTAPHA
Should we not delay that proclamation, until we are certain of the Castilian armies’ intent?
MUHAMMAD
Wherefore? We are certain of one thing — they shall not relent until we Muslims are exiled from the Iberian Peninsula.
MUSTAPHA
We are a proud people, born of an ancient culture and civilisation.
MUHAMMAD
We have given this land, over centuries, our knowledge, our wisdom, mathematics, science, art, language, and philosophy.
MUSTAPHA
In return, they repay us with ignorance and hypocrisy.
MUHAMMAD
We contend with a familiar foe — one that is greedy and resolute in its purpose.
SCENE II
At the spacious gardens of the Alameda.
The sultan is speaking with his mother amidst the wildflowers, roses, oranges, and myrtles.
AISHA AL HURRA
I shall miss the dense woods and towering mountains...the nightingales that sing to us at dawn.
MUHAMMAD
And I, the flowing waters — the fountains and cascades, the arcaded columns and pools that glide with such grace.
AISHA AL HURRA
I wonder if the legacy of the foundation laid by Emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar — who built the Alhambra's walls and palace — and its royal conversion under Yusuf I shall endure, even when we have departed from this place.
MUHAMMAD
That I cannot say, Mother. What shall remain visible of our ancestors shall be etched in our hearts and souls — God willing.
AISHA AL HURRA
I wonder also, when we are no longer within this royal palace, shall we one day return and see its grandeur preserved, as it was in our time?
MUHAMMAD
I should love nothing more than to witness that blest vision — but let us remember, no one can rob us of the memories we hold within.
AISHA AL HURRA
What shall become of us, when our kingdom is taken by the unbelievers?
MUHAMMAD
I fear my legacy shall be forever stained, should beloved Al Andalus be forgotten.
AISHA AL HURRA
Is there nothing we can do to prevent the loss of our homeland?
MUHAMMAD
I worry the Catholic Monarchs shall not be moved this time. Yet I have sent one final emissary to entreat them for the respectful continuation of our tributary kingdom.
AISHA AL HURRA
Can they be reasoned with?
MUHAMMAD
That we shall soon discover, Mother.
AISHA AL HURRA
Let us hope we are not doomed to total exile.
MUHAMMAD
I promise thee one thing — we shall not suffer absolute exile.
AISHA AL HURRA
The very thought of such a fate is unbearable — even to the shadowed memory of thy late father.
MUHAMMAD
Perhaps 'tis better to cherish days of joy than dwell upon days of sorrow.
AISHA AL HURRA
If only that were so easy, my son.
MUHAMMAD
Enough of sorrow — let us attempt to enjoy the wonders of nature that surround us still.
AISHA AL HURRA
Shalt thou walk with me awhile?
MUHAMMAD
Of course. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my beloved mother.
SCENE III
At the Palace of the Generalife.
The Sultan is accompanied by his beloved wife, Moraima.
MORAIMA.
I perceive a worrisome look in thine eyes, all of a sudden.
MUHAMMAD.
I am troubled...about the city falling into the hands of the Catholic Monarchs.
MORAIMA.
Dost thou believe the city can yet be spared or saved?
MUHAMMAD.
That I know not for certain, but I must hold to the hope that our city and kingdom shall not fall into Christian hands—even though there is a treaty signed.
MORAIMA.
I am thy devoted wife and queen. Whithersoever thou goest, I shall go with thee unconditionally.
MUHAMMAD.
I do not doubt for a moment that thy love and devotion are of the most genuine affection.
MORAIMA.
How I wish thy mother could love me, as truly as thou dost.
MUHAMMAD.
I sense that, despite thy doubts, her affection is indeed present.
MORAIMA.
Yet it is not visible to me. How can I be a daughter to thy mother when I am not accepted as a true sultana in her eyes?
MUHAMMAD.
I know my mother is difficult to understand—and at times contentious—but her intentions are noble and generous.
MORAIMA.
I do not enjoy being treated with such indifference by thy mother.
MUHAMMAD.
Hast thou forgotten the callous nature of my father?
MORAIMA.
I dread the thought that the relationship between thy mother and me could descend into such bitterness, as did thine with thy father.
MUHAMMAD.
I admit, my mother is not easy to win over, but I cannot afford now to endure inner conflicts that distract me—especially when the enemy is nigh. I have had enough of civil war and bitter strife amongst us Muslims.
MORAIMA.
I meant not to trouble thee with mine inquietude. I was only expressing a humble concern on my part.
MUHAMMAD.
I understand fully. But thou must be patient with my mother.
MORAIMA.
I shall endeavour to please thee in that earnest request.
MUHAMMAD.
Praise be to God! Thou must know thy place within the palace.
MORAIMA.
I give thanks to God. I am thy sultana!
MUHAMMAD.
No one shall dispute that. Remember—we are a proud nobility of a centuries-old tradition.
MORAIMA.
Verily, I am aware of that honourable truth.
MUHAMMAD.
Then forget it not!
SCENE IV
At the narrow corridor leading unto the Court of the Lions.
The mother of the Sultan sees Moraima speaking with her son.
MORAIMA.
Mother Sultana, I did not perceive thy presence.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I was taking a gentle stroll when I saw thee speaking with the Sultan.
MORAIMA.
I was offering him comfort in this time of uncertainty.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I wish thee to know that my distrust of thee is not solely based on who thou art, but on the plain truth that I trust no one. Ever since the betrayal of that vile woman, Zoraida, the kingdom hath lost its might and influence before our enemies.
MORAIMA.
But she is gone! She is no longer present within the palace, Mother Sultana.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Perhaps. But I do not believe her influence hath vanished. I warn thee—do not follow the path of that wicked woman. Do not become my bitter foe, for I shall not forget thy schemes.
MORAIMA.
I harbour no intention to quarrel with thee. I only wish to be the wife of my beloved husband, and to stand by him always, as needed.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Then involve thyself not with the public affairs of the Sultan and the kingdom.
MORAIMA.
'Tis not what I seek. Nevertheless, I am the wife of a Sultan—and 'tis my duty to be by his side, as I have stated. I am the Sultana.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
And I am the Mother Sultana—the mother of the Sultan.
MORAIMA.
That I acknowledge and respect dutifully.
She bows in reverence.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I too was once a young and defiant woman, as thou art now. Therefore, I know thee well enough.
MORAIMA.
That is true! We are women of strong character and pride.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
The difference is that I have earned my status and prestige, through the grudging praise of mine enemies. Thou hast not yet achieved that.
MORAIMA.
Nor do I wish to gain the many enemies thou hast.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Then prove thy loyalty. Appease thy Sultan at every moment and command.
MORAIMA.
I shall endeavour to satisfy him, as his devoted wife.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Thou must do more than that. Thou must show the people of Granada that thou art their Sultana as well.
MORAIMA.
I shall! The people shall cherish and respect me, as they do the Sultan.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Bear in mind—the people of Granada are not the Sultan.
MORAIMA.
I am fully aware of that visible distinction.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I shall be watching thee closely. Do not fail me.
SCENE V
At the Court of the Vestibule.
The mother of the Sultan speaks to her son’s adviser in private.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Mustapha, may I speak with thee for a few minutes?
MUSTAPHA.
Of course! Is aught amiss, Mother Sultana?
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I do not wish to encumber thy time with my query, yet I must know—what is the likelihood that we might save the city?
MUSTAPHA.
If I possessed the definite answer to that pressing question, I would respond to thee at once with unfeigned honesty. However, until we receive word from our allies in the Ottoman Empire and the Wattasid Empire, I can do naught but speculate.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
And what if they resolve not to aid us in our hour of dire need?
MUSTAPHA.
I cannot give reply to that particular question, save to say that our fate shall depend upon what the Catholic Monarchs ultimately choose to do.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
If such is the case, then we are most surely doomed.
MUSTAPHA.
Thou hast uttered it—not I.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Then our sole recourse is to attempt reasoning with the Catholic Monarchs. Thinkest thou they shall heed reason?
MUSTAPHA.
God willing—they shall!
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Thou must guide the Sultan, and I shall strive to persuade the Catholic Monarchs.
MUSTAPHA.
'Twill not be an easy task, my Sultana.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I am well aware of the difficulty, but we are faced with scarce—if any—alternatives. We must bide our time prudently and with wisdom.
MUSTAPHA.
That I do concur, though we are not guaranteed any sure success.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
If we can but delay the advance of their armies, then perhaps we shall have time to implore our Muslim allies for succour.
MUSTAPHA.
A logical premise indeed, yet time doth not wholly depend upon the actions of others.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Thou art a brilliant philosopher.
MUSTAPHA.
Philosophy oft findeth expression in the deeds we commit.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Let us then hope that our deeds may bring us triumph in halting the Christian armies.
MUSTAPHA.
God willing!
SCENE VI
At the upper chamber of the Alhambra.
The Sultan is alone in his bedchamber, meditating, until he is interrupted by one of the Royal Guards.
MUHAMMAD.
What hath compelled thee to intrude upon my quietude?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Forgive mine intrusion, O Sultan. We have intercepted an assassin upon the palace grounds.
MUHAMMAD.
Where is he? Is he yet alive?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Nay, he is dead.
MUHAMMAD.
Why was he slain and not brought before me at once?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
We were unable to seize him in time.
MUHAMMAD.
Explain thyself.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
As we moved to apprehend him, he took his own life with haste.
MUHAMMAD.
Spake he any words ere his death?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
None that were audible unto our ears.
MUHAMMAD.
Didst thou recover aught of significance from his person?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Only the weapon he bore in his hand.
MUHAMMAD.
And where is the weapon now?
The bloody weapon is handed to the Sultan.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Here it is, my Lord, for thee to behold.
MUHAMMAD.
This dagger is unknown to me. I have never seen a weapon of this fashion.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
It is the dagger of an assassin from Morocco.
MUHAMMAD.
An assassin, thou sayest?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Aye. But who would send such a man to murder thee?
MUHAMMAD.
Alas! I have no shortage of enemies.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
What wouldst thou have done with the assassin’s body?
MUHAMMAD.
Dispose of it forthwith!
THE ROYAL GUARD.
At once, my Sultan.
ACT II
SCENE I
The Royal Chamber of the Alcázar. The Catholic Monarchs are together, seated upon their palatial thrones. They have received the emissary of the Sultan and addressed him. He was dismissed and returned to the Royal Palace in Granada, but not before witnessing the torture chambers in the tower and the chamber of the Inquisition, which had horrified him.
ISABELLA.
What are we to surmise of the visit from the emissary of the last Nasrid ruler of the Emirate of Granada?
FERDINAND.
It appeareth that the Sultan doth attempt to obtain our grace and persuasion.
ISABELLA.
'Tis a desperate move on his part, I should think.
FERDINAND.
Desperate indeed—but it is his only recourse left.
ISABELLA.
Then am I to assume the Sultan is reasonable, and not merely desperate?
FERDINAND.
I am inclined to admit he is both, at present.
ISABELLA.
The question I have is: what shall he do next?
FERDINAND.
That is a most intriguing question.
ISABELLA.
And what is the answer to that question?
FERDINAND.
I believe the Sultan shall seek assistance from the Ottoman Turks and the Moors in Fez. We must not disregard their possible involvement in the matter.
ISABELLA.
Is that the underlying reason we have delayed the recapture of the city of Granada?
FERDINAND.
Partially so—but 'tis a tactic the Sultan employeth. I would have him believe so.
ISABELLA.
Yes, I do understand that. If we convince the Sultan we are cautious—or fearful—of their involvement, he may believe we shall postpone our assault.
FERDINAND.
We are merely biding time, as he is—yet with one vital distinction: we shall not delay the attack for much longer.
ISABELLA.
If we make the infidels believe we are willing to spare their kingdom, they shall become all the more susceptible to our eventual strike.
FERDINAND.
All that mattereth is that they capitulate in the end, as stipulated in the treaty.
ISABELLA.
We have waited so long to rid our lands of the Moors—and now, we are close to achieving our ultimate aim.
FERDINAND.
Soon, we shall be rid of the Moors from all our lands and dominions.
ISABELLA.
First Córdoba, then Seville, Málaga, Baza, Almuñécar, Salobreña, and Almería were reclaimed.
FERDINAND.
All that remaineth is the Moorish city of Granada.
ISABELLA.
And it shall be a prize most celebrated and justly won.
FERDINAND.
It shall be Christian once more!
SCENE II
In the courtyard of the Royal Palace. The Queen greets the Bishop of León, who has visited the monarchs in Córdoba.
ISABELLA.
’Tis always a tremendous pleasure to see thee again, Bishop. What bringeth thee to Córdoba?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
And for me, it is an honour to bask in thy noble presence, my Queen. As for what bringeth me hither: thou knowest we are eager to learn—when shall the city of Granada belong to us again?
ISABELLA.
Very soon. We, the Catholic Monarchs, shall rule over all of Hispania, as is our manifest destiny.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
We of the Holy Church who serve thee and thy loyal subjects are most grateful for thy unwavering dedication to the cause of the Reconquista.
ISABELLA.
Know this, Bishop: for more than five centuries mine ancestors have fought to rid these lands of the infidels.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
And the Holy Church is in thy debt for that noble and sacred endeavour.
ISABELLA.
The acquisition of Granada shall bring the Church great reward, and restore unto our brethren the prestige lost at the Battle of Guadalete in the year 711 of our Lord.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
The Church hath always stood at thy side, my Queen, through every trial and victory.
ISABELLA.
That I know, and I am certain Pope Innocent shall rejoice when he receiveth word of the infidels’ defeat and the city’s recapture.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Nothing would bring greater joy to our Holy Father. He may desire to visit—but we dare not risk his safety. It is not yet safe.
ISABELLA.
When the city is ours, then tell the Pope he is most cordially invited to visit Granada—and us, here in Córdoba.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
I shall convey thy words to him. He shall eagerly await thy triumph, I am certain.
ISABELLA.
Much shall be required, to indoctrinate the infidels to our Catholic faith.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
It would delight me to assume such a task. We of the Church are prepared to convert the ungodly to the true faith.
ISABELLA.
I have no doubt the Church shall not fail me—nor shall you, I trust.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Of course not, Your Majesty!
ISABELLA.
Thou must be weary from thy long journey from León.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Indeed, I am, my Queen. I am not accustomed to such travel these days, through the countryside so vast.
ISABELLA.
I shall have one of the servants prepare a chamber for thee within the palace. When thou hast rested, I should be pleased to hear more of thy travels.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
I am sincerely blest by thy kindness and hospitality!
SCENE III.
Reception Hall of the Royal Palace. Enter a Castilian Knight of nobility, who bows before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
FERDINAND.
Come forth! What tidings dost thou bring us?
THE KNIGHT.
I bow before thy presence, sovereigns. I come to inform thee that our most excellent army is now prepared to commence the final assault upon Granada, as hath long been planned.
FERDINAND.
That is joyous tidings indeed, and this revelation shall further enflame the hearts of our men.
THE KNIGHT.
Verily, my lord, the hearts of our men burn with valour already.
ISABELLA.
Tell me—how many men stand under our command?
THE KNIGHT.
We have twelve thousand strong in our ranks, your Majesty.
ISABELLA.
Is that force sufficient to overtake the Moors?
THE KNIGHT.
I believe so, my queen. Their number is but four thousand.
FERDINAND.
Hast thou ascertained how many yet guard the palace and city walls?
THE KNIGHT.
Alas, I have not, my lord. That knowledge eludes us still.
FERDINAND.
Then we must learn it forthwith—before we march to Granada.
THE KNIGHT.
What wouldst thou have me do, my liege?
ISABELLA.
May I speak, my king?
FERDINAND.
Proceed, my queen.
ISABELLA.
Perhaps a spy might be sent within, to infiltrate the city.
FERDINAND.
An excellent notion! I should have conceived it sooner.
ISABELLA.
Yet, we must choose our spy with care. It cannot be a stranger.
FERDINAND.
What dost thou imply?
ISABELLA.
Only one born of Granada, or long accustomed to its ways, may pass unseen within its gates.
FERDINAND.
Is that not a perilous course?
ISABELLA.
Aye, it is—but I am confident we shall find one suitable and true.
FERDINAND.
Then I shall dispatch thee, noble knight, to seek amongst the Granadans one fit for this task.
ISABELLA.
Bear in mind—the city is torn by strife and civil discord, whilst we, the Christians, stand united. 'Twas the Sultan who did break his vassalage and rise against us.
FERDINAND.
We must persist in our strategy of effective artillery, which hath spared us from enduring siege.
ISABELLA.
And let us not forget our strength in naval alliance, our stores of gunpowder, and the noble patrons who lend us their gold.
SCENE IV
At the chapel of the Alcázar.
The queen enters the chapel and finds the Bishop of León.
ISABELLA
I did not mean to interrupt thy prayers so abruptly.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
There is no need to apologise, my queen. I was merely praying for the poor souls of Granada and for the ultimate success of thy campaign.
ISABELLA
The Church hath much to be thankful for these days; ever since we diminished the power of the bourgeoisie and the nobility, the Catholic Church hath become a mighty entity that hath prospered well.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
And the Catholic Church is indebted to the Catholic Monarchs for their welcome generosity.
ISABELLA
I am sanguine that the Church shall be capable of converting the Moors into proper Christians.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
The conversion of the infidels is our foremost priority.
ISABELLA
We must not forget the faithful Christian community that remained during the Moorish occupation of our lands.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
If thou art referring to the so-called Mozarabic community, then we have not. And the Jews?
ISABELLA
Any infidel who doth not convert shall be exiled or executed, including the Jews.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
And the Inquisition?
ISABELLA
Thou hast inquisitorial power granted by the Catholic Monarchs, until determined otherwise. Therefore, the Inquisition shall continue its vital course.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
Thou knowest that we, the Catholic Church, are prepared to restore the Catholic faith in Granada. I speak for the Pope when I say that our faith in Christ must triumph over the infidels abroad as well.
ISABELLA
What art thou insinuating, Bishop?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
We have heard of the Portuguese adventures into Asia.
ISABELLA
I have heard the same tidings mentioned ere. What is thy point?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
Then thou knowest that we must not allow the Portuguese, our arch-enemies, to claim new territories in the name of Portugal.
ISABELLA
That is the last thing I desire. However, until Granada is truly liberated and the Moors are driven from Hispania, any foreign voyage of conquest must wait.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I am in full concurrence with that reasoning, my noble queen.
ISABELLA
There are countless treasures that await us abroad, but first, there are the treasures of Granada.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
Let us pray for that eventuality, in the name of Christ, our divine Saviour.
ISABELLA
Let us pray indeed.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
May God grant us victory over the infidels.
SCENE V
At the Reception Hall.
The Catholic Monarchs entertain the Bishop of León with a private gathering of the nobility of Córdoba upon that eventide.
FERDINAND
We are all gathered together to commemorate the victories against the Moors. Let us then enjoy this delightful night.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
With the grace of God, the land of Hispania shall be Catholic once more. When the city of Granada is Christian, then the might and main of the Catholic Monarchs shall be consolidated.
FERDINAND
Soon that accomplishment shall be effectuated. Rest assured, my bishop, I promise thee and all present that the next time we reunite, gentlemen, it shall be to celebrate our sensational triumph.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
The Catholic Church shall be at the forefront of that triumphant success, my king.
FERDINAND
Must I remind thee, Bishop, that without the power of the monarchs, the power of the Church is rendered devoid of any practical influence?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I would not dare to refute that claim or contradict thee, my king. However, the Catholic Church’s influence extendeth beyond thy kingdom and hath its origin in the sacred papacy of Rome.
ISABELLA
Pardon the king, Bishop, but the king was merely attempting to convey the point that through our sacrifice, the Catholic Church hath evolved as a strong presence in Western Europe, beginning with the holy Pope.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I understand, my queen, and the Catholic Church — in particular the Pope — is appreciative of its royal subjects.
ISABELLA
We do not mean to displease the Pope.
FERDINAND
The Pope must now heed our voices and our growing demands, given our salient contributions.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
With all due respect, my king, the Pope is beyond any demands that exceed his own in Rome.
FERDINAND
Rome, my good Bishop, is far removed from these lands. What belongeth to Hispania shall be governed by its royal subjects, the rightful inheritors of all these lands, including those reconquered from the oppressive Moors.
ISABELLA
The Moors’ reign over our lands shall come to an abrupt end.
FERDINAND
That I do not doubt in the least.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I hope to be present in Granada when the city is ours again.
ISABELLA
Be patient, Bishop.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I shall be, my earnest queen.
ISABELLA
Thou shalt be informed of the reconquest of Granada.
FERDINAND
Perhaps 'twould be best if the Bishop were escorted to the Tower of the Lions to question the infidels who have been charged with conspiracy against the Catholic Faith.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
By all means. I am committed to doing God's work.
ISABELLA
Thou shalt discover, in the dispositions given concerning the accused, that there are many people of Córdoba and its province who are secretly fervent Muslims and Jews.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
We of the Catholic Church are prepared to convert them into practising Catholics. The Inquisition hath proven to be the only means by which these poor misguided souls may find their spiritual path in life, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
ISABELLA
We too have reached the same conclusion. Art thou prepared for this undertaking?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I am prepared to perform the duty that hath been appointed unto me!
SCENE VI.
The Royal Chamber. Ferdinand awaits as Isabella enters.
ISABELLA.
I meant not to keep thee waiting long, my lord.
FERDINAND.
Our eager bishop is a fiery soul. What thinkest thou of our guest?
ISABELLA.
His manner may be somewhat austere and stern, yet he hath served our cause with pious zeal.
FERDINAND.
His boldness offends my taste, and I harbour doubt — both of his words and the pope’s true intent once we reclaim the peninsula.
ISABELLA.
I would not trouble myself too deeply over the bishop. Yet, I too do wonder what shadows lie within the pope’s designs.
FERDINAND.
We must steel ourselves for whatsoever trials shall rise as obstacles in our path.
ISABELLA.
We cannot deny the papacy’s mighty sway and power.
FERDINAND.
That I know full well — yet not all we’ve won shall be yielded up, not even to the pope in Rome.
ISABELLA.
Beware, lest thy words be taken for blasphemy.
FERDINAND.
Blasphemy! Dost thou forget? Soon shall we be sovereigns absolute of Hispania.
ISABELLA.
And what of the Church? A power allied to our righteous cause.
FERDINAND.
Aye, true! Yet our alliance is a bond of mutual gain. They lend moral strength and gold to our campaign; we offer them converts and the army of Christ.
ISABELLA.
Then our pact is one of mutual allegiance?
FERDINAND.
Exactly so, my dear. No alliance could be more fitting.
ISABELLA.
Yet much remains to be done when Granada is ours. The Moors and Jews shall not yield without resistance.
FERDINAND.
The choice will be simple: convert, be exiled, or endure prison for heresy.
ISABELLA.
We must still show mercy — at least in appearance — to the Moors and Jews.
FERDINAND.
Mercy! We have been merciful too long. Centuries have we laboured to unite ‘gainst the Moors. Now they lie within our grasp.
ISABELLA.
What our forefathers sought, we shall at last achieve.
FERDINAND.
And we shall witness the fall of the last Moorish kingdom within our bounteous realm.
ISABELLA.
When that day cometh, history shall mark the hour as monumental.
FERDINAND.
A glorious day indeed, one worthy of eternal record.
ACT 3.
SCENE I.
At the Hall of the Ambassadors at the Alhambra.
The emissary of the sultan has returned to Granada, bearing the immediate reply of the Catholic Monarchs. The tidings are not what the sultan had hoped for.
MUHAMMAD.
What tidings hast thou brought me from the Catholic Monarchs?
EMISSARY.
Unfortunately, the tidings are not good, my noble sultan.
The emissary hands the letter sealed by the Catholic Monarchs to the sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
There is no option but total capitulation, as stated in the treaty agreed. They insist that we hand them the keys of the city and offer exile nigh the Alpujarras Mountains.
EMISSARY.
That would seem to be the case. However, there is more. We are obligated to renounce our claim to Hispania.
MUHAMMAD.
In essence, renounce our past and historical attachment to the lands of the Iberian Peninsula that once were conquered by our forefathers.
EMISSARY.
Exactly!
MUHAMMAD.
The total ruination of our brethren and the elimination of our history, language, culture and religion. For what purpose?
EMISSARY.
There are written stipulations in the conditions offered by the Catholic Monarchs.
MUHAMMAD.
I have read those conditions in the treaty and am appalled by the lack of respect.
EMISSARY.
They shall allow safe passage to thee and naturally, all the residents of the city that are Muslim and Jew. Henceforth, any Muslim or Jew that remaineth shall be allowed to keep and practise their faith openly, without any aggressive pressure or unjustifiable intimidation.
MUHAMMAD.
They have betrayed our allegiance and everything that I have done on their behalf. I was a witless man to trust them so foolhardily!
EMISSARY.
I am only thine humble messenger, my sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
Is there anything else that thou must disclose to me?
EMISSARY.
The might of the Christian Army, with all due respect my sultan, is superior to our army. I have seen their strength in numbers and cringe in horror.
MUHAMMAD.
Regrettably, that I had expected beforehand.
EMISSARY.
But their horrific cruelty and disdain for our Muslim people, I have witnessed in person and I must attest that their mercy towards us is strictly political.
MUHAMMAD.
In what manner?
EMISSARY.
In the ineffable form of their brutal Inquisition.
MUHAMMAD.
I have heard of this effective measure of interrogation, yet I must admit that I am fascinated to know more.
EMISSARY.
They utilise every horrible form of human torture possible. I have written and drawn these images that I saw personally.
The sultan is shocked by what he reads and sees and remarks.
MUHAMMAD.
Now, I know the Machiavellian manoeuvres of the adversaries that I am facing.
SCENE II.
The Court of the Vestibule.
The Sultan and his mother Aisha al-Hurra speak in guarded tones about the recent attempt on Muhammad’s life.
AISHA AL HURRA.
I was told an assassin sought to end thy life. Is this true?
MUHAMMAD.
Who hath told thee this?
AISHA AL HURRA.
That matters not. What matters is that one dared to strike thee with bold intent.
MUHAMMAD.
Aye, an assassin did breach our walls, yet he took his own life ere we could seize him.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Mercy! I am grateful no harm came to thee, my son.
MUHAMMAD.
What I do not yet grasp is who sent this shadow upon me.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Could be any foe that loathes thee — even thine uncle Abdullah, banished as he is.
MUHAMMAD.
He dwells in exile. Why suspect him?
AISHA AL HURRA.
No proof lies in hand, yet his hatred of us is no secret.
MUHAMMAD.
Until I hold firm proof, none shall be lightly dismissed.
AISHA AL HURRA.
It seems trust is a currency now all but lost. Who stands with us? Who against?
MUHAMMAD.
How shall we bind past and future, when shadows cloud our path?
AISHA AL HURRA.
Perhaps we cannot. Yet stand and fight we must — for the present.
MUHAMMAD.
If only such resolve could suffice.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Thou art sultan — the living emblem of Islamic strength and grace.
MUHAMMAD.
Yet I fear our Muslim allies may yet abandon us.
AISHA AL HURRA.
If so, then steel thyself for the worst.
MUHAMMAD.
How prepare the city for its fall? How ready my soul for Al Andalus’ ruin?
AISHA AL HURRA.
Al Andalus is no more, my son. What remains is but the Emirate of Granada, a shadow of its former glory.
MUHAMMAD.
To speak such doom aloud rends the heart.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Whatever comes, our honour must remain untarnished.
MUHAMMAD.
I vow to thee, mother, I shall not disgrace thee nor our noble ancestors.
SCENE III.
At the Hall of the Abencerrajes.
The sultan speaks in seclusion with his loyal adviser about the response given by the Catholic Monarchs.
MUSTAPHA.
I came at once, my noble sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
I have received a disturbing letter from the Catholic Monarchs.
MUSTAPHA.
What was in the letter that hath unsettled thee presently?
MUHAMMAD.
The Catholic Monarchs have rejected the inducement to continue the prior agreement that we had established amongst each other. They have attached grave conditions to their terms and treaty.
MUSTAPHA.
What conditions, if I may query?
MUHAMMAD.
For three years, Muslims could emigrate and return freely. They shall be allowed to keep weapons, although not firearms. No one shall be forced to change religion, not even former Christians who had converted to Islam. They offer money and the rulership of a small principality in the mountainous Alpujarras, as my considerable consolation; although I know that they shall not keep their word for much time.
MUSTAPHA.
Why hast thou not accepted their demands of paying more tribute before?
MUHAMMAD.
Because lands that had been promised to me were being administered by Castile. That is the main reason that I broke off my vassalage with them, and moreover, they shall not accept the continuation of our tributary state.
MUSTAPHA.
Perchance, we should have thought things more prudently?
MUHAMMAD.
Art thou questioning my judgement?
MUSTAPHA.
Not at all, my noble sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
Then?
MUSTAPHA.
I am merely stating the other option.
MUHAMMAD.
Explain!
MUSTAPHA.
We know that the Catholic Monarchs only want Granada, for the purpose of obtaining the immense wealth of the city.
MUHAMMAD.
What immense wealth?
MUSTAPHA.
They have the general assumption that we conceal a massive wealth.
MUHAMMAD.
'Tis not enough that our city is being taxed daily by them?
MUSTAPHA.
How long shall the subterfuge continue its course?
MUHAMMAD.
Until the Catholic Monarchs realise that we are too weak to defend the city properly.
SCENE IV.
At the gallery of the Upper Alhambra.
The sultan has reunited with the sultana.
MORAIMA.
What is troubling thee, my loyal sultan?
MUHAMMAD.
I have received a letter from the Catholic Monarchs, indicating that they shall not be content with continuing our current agreement.
MORAIMA.
Then, what shall betide us and the citizens of the Emirate of the sultan?
MUHAMMAD.
I have not concluded yet that we are doomed to an inevitable fate.
MORAIMA.
What else can be done?
MUHAMMAD.
I have sent requests to our Muslim allies.
MORAIMA.
And what have they replied in return?
MUHAMMAD.
At the moment, I have not received an official reply, but I am sanguine that we shall be aided by our allies.
MORAIMA.
If not, my sultan?
MUHAMMAD.
I shall not allow our kingdom to be destroyed, without a gallant attempt to preserve it.
MORAIMA.
I worry that our way of living shall change sadly.
MUHAMMAD.
Whatever occurreth, know that we shall continue to be together, amidst all forms of adversity.
MORAIMA.
I shall go wheresoever thou goest, my sultan!
MUHAMMAD.
And I with thee, my sultana.
MORAIMA.
Let us pray that we shall never be apart.
MUHAMMAD.
God be willing!
MORAIMA.
What shall happen to our beloved palace?
MUHAMMAD.
If we are driven from our lands in the end, I shall construct another Alhambra, even more spectacular than the original, I promise.
MORAIMA.
I do not care, as long as I am with thee always.
MUHAMMAD.
And I with thee, my beautiful sultana!
SCENE V.
At the Hall of Justice.
A merchant named Teodemiro Panucea has been apprehended on suspicion of espionage. He is swiftly brought before the sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
State thy name and profession.
TEODEMIRO.
I am Teodemiro Panucea, a humble merchant, my noble sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
Thou wast arrested on the charge of spying. What hast thou to declare regarding this grave accusation against thee?
TEODEMIRO.
I am wholly innocent of these charges.
MUHAMMAD.
Then why art thou accused of being a spy?
TEODEMIRO.
That I know not.
MUHAMMAD.
What evidence hast thou to disprove these serious charges?
TEODEMIRO.
What evidence is there to prove my guilt?
MUHAMMAD.
What dost thou mean by those words?
TEODEMIRO.
I state the obvious, my noble sultan. I am but a merchant, not a spy.
MUHAMMAD.
Art thou a Christian or a Mozarab?
TEODEMIRO.
Yes, I am a Christian.
MUHAMMAD.
Thou speakest Arabic well.
TEODEMIRO.
Though my first language is Latinia, I have learnt Andalusian Arabic.
MUHAMMAD.
Thou art a merchant?
TEODEMIRO.
Indeed, my noble sultan.
MUHAMMAD.
Thou wast observed speaking to a Castilian merchant about the purchase of fine weaponry.
TEODEMIRO.
That I do not deny. However, the purchase was never completed.
MUHAMMAD.
Why?
TEODEMIRO.
Because I did not have the weaponry requested by the nobleman.
MUHAMMAD.
What was asked for by this nobleman?
TEODEMIRO.
Arquebuses and gunpowder.
MUHAMMAD.
How long hast thou lived in the city?
TEODEMIRO.
I was born in Granada; my family hails from this ancient city. I have lived all my life here and hope to be buried here, God willing.
MUHAMMAD.
I shall dismiss thee for now, but if it be proven that thou art conspiring with our enemies, thou shalt be executed. Is that fully understood?
TEODEMIRO.
Indeed, my sultan! I am a lawful citizen of Granada.
SCENE VI.
At the Palace of the Wattasid Ruler. The sultan of the Kingdom of Fez has just received the emissary of the sultan of Granada. Afterwards, he speaks to Abdullah Ez Zagal, the exiled uncle of the sultan.
ABDULLAH.
It appeareth the situation with thy nephew is grave indeed. Now he requesteth my direct involvement. The Catholic Monarchs are on the verge of taking the city of Granada.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
Since I was betrayed by his seditious act, it was only a matter of time before the kingdom fell to the unbelievers.
ABDULLAH.
What dost thou recommend I do?
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
I would forsake him to his fate, as he did me mercilessly.
ABDULLAH.
I agree! Any son who dethroneth his uncle is not worthy of mine aid.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
I cannot forget his abandonment of Málaga and the many men who died defending the garrison and city so bravely.
ABDULLAH.
What shall become of thy nephew?
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
That dependeth on what he decideth to do and what the Catholic Monarchs allow.
ABDULLAH.
I wonder if that humiliation will not lead him to a dishonourable death.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
Nothing would pleaseth me more than to see that traitor destitute and dethroned.
ABDULLAH.
We shall soon see the outcome.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
I only wish I were there to witness his eternal shame myself.
ABDULLAH.
His shame will be enough to cause his gradual ruin.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
It shall be retribution for the injustice done to me.
ABDULLAH.
I cannot risk the stability of my kingdom with a haunting defeat at Granada.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
Thou must not show weakness before thy foes in this region.
ABDULLAH.
I shall not! I cannot spare men to send abroad.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
The army of the Catholic Monarchs is too strong in numbers.
ABDULLAH.
I wonder if they will settle for Granada and not seek to expand into North Africa in their quest for glory.
ABDULLAH EZ ZAGAL.
They shall not dare invade the Kingdom of Fez, my sultan.
SCENE VII.
At the Court of the Myrtles.
The sultan grows more suspicious of his enemies, including his traditional foes. He speaks to his mother, perplexed and despondent.
MUHAMMAD.
Mother, I did not see thee approach.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Thy countenance beareth a pensive expression that troubleth me, my son.
MUHAMMAD.
The emissary hath returned with most terrible tidings.
AISHA AL HURRA.
What dost thou mean, my son? Please, inform me.
MUHAMMAD.
The Sultan of Egypt hath only mildly rebuked the Catholic Monarchs for the war on Granada. The Mamluks who rule Egypt are locked in constant war with the Ottoman Turks. Since the Catholic Monarchs are also enemies of the Turks, the Sultan hath no desire to break their profitable alliance against the Turks. As for my plea for aid from the Kingdom of Fez, the sultan has rejected it, citing turmoil. No reinforcements shall come. We are doomed to defend the Emirate alone.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Without aid from our Muslim allies, we seem doomed.
MUHAMMAD.
I shall defend the city with every last man, should we be attacked.
AISHA AL HURRA.
That shall not suffice! More men are required to defend the palace.
MUHAMMAD.
I shall offer any foreign soldier handsome reward for their service in defending the city.
AISHA AL HURRA.
We must send another emissary to the Catholic Monarchs. Perhaps I could go and persuade them not to attack.
MUHAMMAD.
Nay! Their terms of surrender were clear in their treaty and letter.
AISHA AL HURRA.
But I must try. Surely, as one queen to another, the Queen of Aragon shall be less inflexible than the King of Castile.
MUHAMMAD.
Under normal circumstances, I would consent. But the Catholic Monarchs cannot be reasoned with. They are determined to capture the city and expel us from our lands.
AISHA AL HURRA.
We cannot allow this to happen. There must be another way to convince them.
MUHAMMAD.
Regrettably, I sense there is no turning back. I shall prepare the city’s inhabitants.
AISHA AL HURRA.
The people shall be unnerved and dread the Christian armies. Their soldiers will carouse and loot, draining the city’s wealth.
MUHAMMAD.
That I do not doubt.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Forget not what befell Málaga, my son.
MUHAMMAD.
I have not forgotten! The memory burneth within me like an unquenchable flame.
AISHA AL HURRA.
We must be fully prepared—whatever befalleth the city, the palace, and ourselves.
MUHAMMAD.
I shall be prepared.
AISHA AL HURRA.
The servants of the Alhambra must be prepared as well.
ACT IV
SCENE I
The gardens of the Alcázar, surrounded by palm, cypress, orange, and lemon trees. The day before the harrowing capitulation of the city of Granada.
The Queen of Aragon is present, along with the Bishop of León.
ISABELLA
I have a matter of importance to disclose to you, Bishop.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I am eager to hear it, Your Majesty.
ISABELLA
We are resolute in our intention to reclaim the city of Granada and bring an end to the Moors’ long reign in Hispania.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
That hath long been our principal aspiration across the centuries.
ISABELLA
Soon, it shall be realised. We must now ensure its full accomplishment.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I pray the Good Lord shall hear our sacred supplication.
ISABELLA
I know our ambition is shared by the Church.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
The Holy Church shall offer every support required to bring Christ unto the infidels.
ISABELLA
We have striven to unite the Catholic kingdoms beneath the faithful banner of Christendom.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
And the Church is ever grateful for that blessed unity, Your Majesty.
ISABELLA
A new beginning lieth just beyond the horizon, Bishop.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I have already despatched a letter to His Holiness, apprising him of the situation in Granada.
ISABELLA
I am certain the Pope shall be most pleased to hear of Granada’s imminent recapture.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
Indeed, Thy Majesty. Nothing brings greater satisfaction to the Holy Mother Church than the return of Granada to Christian hands.
ISABELLA
Do thou intendest to remain in Córdoba much longer?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I have received direct instructions from His Holiness in Rome to remain in Córdoba until the city hath been fully reclaimed.
ISABELLA
Thou art a most welcome guest at the Alcázar, free to remain here until thy departure.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
I am grateful for thy noble kindness and hospitality.
ISABELLA
And we are thankful for the Church’s steadfast moral support. Now, I must retire to my chamber.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO
And I must resume the inquisitions of the prisoners.
SCENE II
The Tower of the Lions.
A Royal Guard enters to address the King of Castile.
ROYAL GUARD
Forgive the intrusion, Sire, but someone hath requested an audience with Your Majesty.
FERDINAND
Who is this curious individual?
ROYAL GUARD
That I know not, Sire. Only that he claimed the matter urgent and in need of thine immediate attention.
FERDINAND
Then bring him forth at once. Do not tarry!
ROYAL GUARD
As thou commandest, Sire. I shall bring him to thee without delay.
FERDINAND
I shall await him here in the tower.
The individual enters – it is the spy returned from Granada.
ROYAL GUARD
Here stands the man who requested audience, Sire.
FERDINAND
Excellent. Thou art dismissed.
ROYAL GUARD
Yes, Sire.
FERDINAND
Thou art the spy sent to Granada?
THE SPY
Indeed, Sire.
FERDINAND
What tidings dost thou bring that require such urgency?
THE SPY
I have it on authority from my source within the Moorish palace—the Alhambra—that the Sultan’s plea for aid from his Muslim allies hath been utterly rejected.
FERDINAND
Thou art certain the Mamluks in Egypt shall not send forces?
THE SPY
According to my source, the Mamluks shall abstain from the conflict entirely.
FERDINAND
And what of the Ottoman Turks?
THE SPY
It appeareth that Sultan Bayezid II is presently too entangled with the Venetians. His Holiness the Pope shall soon turn his attention to the Turkish threat once Granada hath fallen.
FERDINAND
We cannot afford to discount the possibility of Ottoman involvement.
THE SPY
With all respect, Sire, I assure you—the Turks hold Boabdil in the same contempt that thou dost.
FERDINAND
If that is true, then we must delay no longer in launching our final assault upon Granada. Yet thou hast not revealed the name of this source within the Moorish court.
THE SPY
I shall reveal the name in due course, but I dare not risk the entire stratagem. I can tell thee only that this individual is a loyal and trusted confidant of the Sultan himself. One must always be mindful of hidden ears—even here.
FERDINAND
Indeed. There could well be spies amongst us even now, eluding our vigilance.
THE SPY
The Moors are defenceless, Sire. The time to strike is now.
FERDINAND
Then the order shall be given to commence the siege. I have already despatched a letter to the Sultan, setting forth the terms of surrender. I pray he chooseth honour over battle and accepteth the treaty.
THE SPY
Should he resisteth, Sire, he shall surely be vanquished.
FERDINAND
There can be no doubt. Victory shall be ours.
SCENE III
At the Reception Hall.
The Catholic Monarchs receive an unannounced visitor—a woman of reputation whom both have heard mentioned. She is the widow and former Sultana of the late Mulay Hassan, father of the current Sultan.
FERDINAND
Am I to believe thou art the widow of Mulay Hassan, once Sultan of the Emirate of Granada?
ZORAIDA
I am Zoraida, the widow of the deceased Mulay Hassan.
ISABELLA
If thou art truly the widow of the late Sultan, why comest thou before us on this day?
ZORAIDA
I come before ye, for I must speak of a matter most urgent.
ISABELLA
And what is this urgent matter thou must declare?
ZORAIDA
It concerneth the Sultan, the son of my late husband.
FERDINAND
What exactly must we know regarding the Sultan?
ZORAIDA
I am come to tell ye that the Sultan is beset on all sides by enemies, and the city itself suffereth greatly.
ISABELLA
And why should that concern us?
ZORAIDA
Granada is under immense economic duress.
FERDINAND
We are already well aware of the city's condition.
ZORAIDA
What I entreat of ye is not on behalf of the Sultan, but for the sake of the many innocent inhabitants of the city, who play no part in this centuries-old conflict betwixt thy realms and his.
ISABELLA
And what dost thou propose we do?
ZORAIDA
I propose naught. I merely ask that the city and the palace be spared.
FERDINAND
That is all?
ZORAIDA
Aye! I do not presume to demand; I come in good faith to speak on behalf of the suffering people of Granada.
ISABELLA
And what dost thou stand to gain from this singular and modest request?
ZORAIDA
Believe me, noble Queen, when I avow that my sole desire is to save the good people of Granada.
FERDINAND
I could interpret thine entreaty as a formal demand.
ZORAIDA
It is no demand, my King.
ISABELLA
What gain is there for us in honouring thy words?
ZORAIDA
I cannot promise ye gold nor riches in return. I stand before ye as a queen and speak only with a queen’s honour.
FERDINAND
Who sent thee?
ZORAIDA
No one. I came alone, in peace—and I hope to leave the same way, of mine own accord.
ISABELLA
Then thou art free to go as thou camest. 'Tis our intent to spare the city and the palace. The question remaineth—shall the Sultan honour the terms of capitulation?
ZORAIDA
I pray that he shall, in the end.
SCENE IV
In the Royal Chamber of the Catholic Monarchs.
Two months have passed since a letter was sent to the Sultan, outlining the terms of Granada's capitulation. The Sultan’s reply is now received, delivered to King Ferdinand by a Royal Guard.
FERDINAND
At last—we have the assurance we required. The Sultan hath finally capitulated!
ISABELLA
That is wondrous tidings. But what meaneth it for us?
FERDINAND
The Sultan is vanquished. The Treaty of Granada, signed and ratified on the twenty-fifth of November, fourteen ninety-one, hath now been fully honoured. This letter confirmeth it. The War of Granada is ended! Though he hath made several requests.
ISABELLA
What sort of requests?
FERDINAND
He seeketh rights for the Moors—religious tolerance, and fair treatment in exchange for their surrender. The treaty includeth sixty-seven articles in total.
ISABELLA
I understood that the treaty was ratified on the twenty-fifth of November, fourteen ninety-one.
FERDINAND
Indeed, it was. This response merely confirmeth the Sultan’s acceptance of it. We have granted him ample time. His window of opportunity hath now closed.
ISABELLA
So thou hast decided to act?
FERDINAND
Aye, we shall take the city on the morrow. Soon we shall walk as rightful guests within the venerable halls of the Alhambra.
ISABELLA
It shall indeed be a momentous day for celebration.
FERDINAND
The eight-month siege of Granada hath been a complete triumph. The city's condition is dire—bribery rampant. Were it not for the incompetence of the Granadan government, wracked with division and tumult, we might have seized the city sooner.
ISABELLA
This was revealed by thy secret spy?
FERDINAND
Indeed. Yet there is one thing the Sultan knoweth not, though it may undo him more surely than our armies.
ISABELLA
And what is that, my noble King?
FERDINAND
That amongst his most trusted advisers, there is one who hath betrayed him from the very beginning.
ISABELLA
Who? Speak plainly—what is his name?
FERDINAND
I know it not—nor doth my informant. Not yet.
ISABELLA
Then how canst thou place thy trust in such a man?
FERDINAND
Because he hath proven himself a most reliable source.
ISABELLA
And if he is mistaken?
FERDINAND
I deem it unlikely, for I have paid him handsomely.
ISABELLA
But he is a Moor! How can we place our trust in a Moorish adviser?
FERDINAND
No more than we have trusted the pitiful advisers of our own who failed us during this long war, since it began in the year fourteen eighty-two.
ISABELLA
If this be true, then the Sultan is truly undone—blind to his own circle’s treachery, which is more lethal than our swords.
FERDINAND
As I have said—the Sultan is finished, and his once-proud kingdom shall be no more.
ISABELLA
Let it be so, as thou hast declared.
FERDINAND
We must ready our men for the triumphant entry into Granada.
ISABELLA
We must also inform the Bishop!
SCENE V.
At the Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition.
The Catholic Monarchs speak to the Bishop in private.
ISABELLA.
My dear Bishop of León, I did not mean to interrupt the proceedings of thine Inquisition.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Thou art never an interruption, my queen. Thou hast come at the most opportune moment.
FERDINAND.
What hath occurred, Bishop?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
We have succeeded in converting a hundred Moors to the doctrine of Catholicism since my arrival in the city.
FERDINAND.
I never thought the infidels could be brought into our faith.
ISABELLA.
How may we be certain that their conversions are genuine, Bishop?
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Trust me, my queen, when I say they are, unequivocally.
FERDINAND.
I require more than mere words. I must see tangible proof.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
With all due respect, my lord—dost thou doubt the divine power of our Lord Jesus Christ?
FERDINAND.
And dost thou question my supreme authority, good Bishop?
ISABELLA.
If I am not mistaken, I believe the Bishop’s point is one of reverence to our Lord’s power to convert infidels, rather than any suggestion of doubt.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Exactly, my queen! ’Twas not my intent to cast aspersion upon the king, nor to challenge his sagacious judgement.
FERDINAND.
Good! Now that we have settled that matter, we must turn our attention to more pressing concerns—namely, the surrender of Granada.
ISABELLA.
I am in complete agreement with that noble suggestion.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
What would you have of me, noble queen?
ISABELLA.
I shall defer to the gracious king to make the announcement.
FERDINAND.
We shall be departing the city of Córdoba for Granada.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
When, may I ask, my sovereign?
FERDINAND.
On the morrow. The conquest of Granada shall be finalised.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
Shall I be summoned to accompany ye?
FERDINAND.
Nay. We have requested the presence of Cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza, Bishop de Ávila, and the monk Hernando de Talavera to join us.
ISABELLA.
Thy task lieth with the Inquisition. Once thou returnest to León, the Castilian Dominican friar Tomás de Torquemada and Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros shall succeed thee. We have already sent word to His Holiness the Pope, explaining our decision. We deem thy mission in León yet unfinished.
ALFONSO DE VALDIVIESO.
I confess, I had hoped to join ye both, but I shall honour thy command, noble sovereigns.
ISABELLA.
Thou shalt be apprised of any further developments upon thy return. May thy return to León be a triumph resplendent.
SCENE VI.
At the General Court, within the Alcázar.
The Catholic Monarchs announce to the knights of the Royal Court their impending march on Granada. After the address, they speak privately with one another, full of solemn confidence.
FERDINAND.
Our men are ready! I am prepared for the challenge that lieth beyond the horizon.
ISABELLA.
I wonder what reception awaiteth us from the Sultan, and in what state shall we find the city of Granada?
FERDINAND.
My expectations are none but what was agreed upon in the treaty between our kingdoms.
ISABELLA.
And shall the citizens of Granada welcome us as liberators—or as invaders?
FERDINAND.
I imagine us as liberators, for the deplorable conditions they endure daily are surely the fault of their inept Sultan.
ISABELLA.
I cannot shake the notion of a possible revolt, once we assume governance of the city.
FERDINAND.
I would not concern myself with such fears. I have stationed ample men to defend Granada, should any unrest arise.
ISABELLA.
I pray that, for the sake of the inhabitants, the transition of power proceedeth peacefully.
FERDINAND.
I see no cause to deliberate on such a distant possibility.
ISABELLA.
Indeed—if the Sultan and his Moors prove themselves trustworthy.
FERDINAND.
Their trustworthiness mattereth not to me. Only their adherence to the treaty shall suffice.
ISABELLA.
I have oft reflected on the profound significance of this moment—and the unknown consequences it shall bear.
FERDINAND.
As have I. For centuries, our forefathers failed to unite and drive the Moors from our lands.
ISABELLA.
Thou speakest true! History shall record our glorious deed as one of the most praiseworthy achievements of two illustrious realms.
FERDINAND.
History, my queen, is forged by the hands of those who rule—and it reflecteth what we choose it to be.
ISABELLA.
Much must be done to cleanse Hispania of the Moorish influence.
FERDINAND.
That is where the Inquisition shall serve its final purpose—by eradicating the Moorish legacy from our beloved Spain.
ISABELLA.
Such is the purpose we must steadfastly uphold, if we are to succeed.
FERDINAND.
Our glory shall be our greatest triumph over the Moors.
ISABELLA.
May God grant us victory!
SCENE VII.
At the Reception Hall.
The Royal Monarchs greet the clergy who shall accompany them to the city of Granada, on the eve of its downfall and the appointment of the new inquisitors.
ISABELLA.
We are most grateful for thy presence, and trust that thy witness at Granada shall record the solemn act of its acquisition.
TOMÁS DE TORQUEMADA.
I am honoured that Thy Majesties have requested our company and counsel.
FERDINAND.
We would have the Church represented at Granada, in both spirit and authority.
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS.
For that, we are truly thankful, noble king. We shall strive not to disappoint Thy Majesties.
ISABELLA.
Thou art my confessor and hast earned my confidence—as hath the Grand Inquisitor.
TOMÁS DE TORQUEMADA.
May the grace of God be ever with Thy Majesties upon this righteous endeavour!
ISABELLA.
And may the Lord bless thee for thy devout service!
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS.
Have Thy Majesties deliberated upon the fate of the Moors, once the city is retaken?
FERDINAND.
Indeed. A treaty hath been brokered between our kingdom and the Sultan.
TOMÁS DE TORQUEMADA.
If I may ask, my sovereigns—what of those Moors who prove themselves disloyal?
FERDINAND.
By the treaty’s terms, they shall retain their religion and rights, so long as they willingly abide by the laws of our realm.
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS.
And what of the avaricious Jews?
ISABELLA.
They shall soon be expelled from our kingdom.
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS.
Then why not the Moors also? They are obstinate infidels, no less a threat!
FERDINAND.
Thou speakest not without reason. Yet we are hopeful that the Moors may be converted to the true faith—effectively and faithfully—with the diligent aid of the Holy Church at the fore.
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS.
If I may speak freely—I yet believe that a dead Moor is better than a living infidel. Still, whatever is required of us, we shall carry forth, my noble lieges.
ISABELLA.
’Tis why we summoned thee both. Ye are trusted servants, highly commended by the Holy See.
FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ DE CISNEROS.
We shall not falter when the hour of reckoning descendeth upon the infidels.
ISABELLA.
Let us hope that ere long, we dine joyfully in the grand hall of the stately Alhambra.
FERDINAND.
And sit enthroned upon the seat of the vanquished Sultan.
ACT V.
SCENE I.
The Royal Chamber of the Sultan in the Alhambra.
The Sultan and the Sultana awaken, unaware that this day shall mark the final time they are the sovereign custodians of the Alhambra.
MORAIMA.
I cannot silence the notion that soon our beloved palace shall pass into the hands of the Catholic Monarchs.
MUHAMMAD.
Nor can I fathom such an unthinkable fate.
MORAIMA.
If that day is today, what then shall become of us?
MUHAMMAD.
We shall find another haven. What matters most to me is that we remain together, and that our love bind us eternally.
MORAIMA.
Where shall we go?
MUHAMMAD.
Whithersoever it may be—God shall be with us.
MORAIMA.
I must confess, it shall pain me to depart so suddenly—from this palace, and from the land of our forebears.
MUHAMMAD.
Indeed, I would be remiss not to echo thy sorrow.
MORAIMA.
All that we have built and cherished here shall be enjoyed by others—strangers who are not its rightful stewards.
MUHAMMAD.
I share thy grief openly. Yet what they shall never possess are the myriad memories we have preserved—faithfully passed down from our ancestors.
MORAIMA.
I wince at the harrowing thought of abandoning this palace that hath been our sanctuary these many years.
MUHAMMAD.
The Alhambra shall forever guard the innermost secrets of our hearts, my beloved.
MORAIMA.
To lie within thine arms, here in our chamber, is the comfort I shall most miss—the splendour that shall be lost to me.
MUHAMMAD.
Thou art my splendour, and I need not the Alhambra to declare such a truth.
MORAIMA.
I know thou speakest sincerely. I see it clear within thine eyes, as thou utterest these words.
MUHAMMAD.
I speak the truth—and one day, by the mercy of God, I shall die as thy faithful companion.
MORAIMA.
I too shall die with that vow upon my lips—yet my sorrow shall linger, as though I have tasted death already.
MUHAMMAD.
Do not let sorrow become the echo of thy voice, my cherished sultana.
MORAIMA.
I shall strive to restrain it—whilst I remain in thy presence, my dearest lord.
MUHAMMAD.
Know this: my heart is thine, as thine is mine.
SCENE II.
At the Court of the Lions.
The Sultan is joined by his mother. A pall of dread settles upon them, for the loss of Granada and the Alhambra is imminent.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
What became of the messenger I sent to the Catholic Monarchs?
MUHAMMAD.
I know not, Mother.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Then surely, he was either slain or taken captive by the Christians.
MUHAMMAD.
Perhaps. But now is not the hour to dwell upon desperate gestures that shall not preserve our beloved Granada.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Hast thou no courage left to oppose our enemies?
MUHAMMAD.
Were courage all that I lacked, I would gladly die an honourable death. But I must consider, above all, the lives of the people of Granada. How many innocents must perish to defend a glorious throne or a crumbling palace?
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Hast thou forgotten thine ancestors? Thou dishonourest their legacy with thy cowardice!
MUHAMMAD.
If only honour were the sole purpose of my life.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I cannot bear the thought that history shall mark this day as the ruin of our once-glorious kingdom.
MUHAMMAD.
Aye—it may be so. Yet I cannot bear to imagine what the future shall demand of me.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I see now that thou art blinded by thine innocence and love for thy wife.
MUHAMMAD.
Mayhap I am. But I do not seek thy blessing.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Where then shall we go?
MUHAMMAD.
Southwards—until we may build our kingdom anew.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Thy father was a stubborn man, but he would never have consented to this disgrace without a fight!
MUHAMMAD.
Hast thou forgotten? 'Twas thee who drove him and the Sultana Zoraida from power and into exile.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
What I did, I did to make thee Sultan! And how ungrateful thou art now, as the Emirate trembles in its final hour. Where is thy valour? Where is the son I bore thirty years ago?
MUHAMMAD.
That child is no more, Mother. I am a man now—and not my father.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Nay, thou art not!
MUHAMMAD.
Better to die a coward in thine eyes than to be a heartless tyrant to my people.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
I pray I need not live to see such a day. But if it come to pass—do not rue what thou hast chosen.
MUHAMMAD.
I pray that God be merciful to our people.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Then pray earnestly, for our enemies shall not be so merciful as God.
MUHAMMAD.
Let us hope they prove otherwise—for the sake of our brethren and all who remain.
SCENE III.
At the Royal Chamber of the Sultan in the Alhambra.
A guard interrupts the Sultan and his mother to inform them that the Castilian army is present, and hands the Sultan a letter informing him that he shall receive no immediate assistance from the Ottoman Turks.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Pardon the interruption, my Sultan, but I must inform thee that the banners of the Crown of Castile, and the Castilian army, have been sighted beyond the city gates.
MUHAMMAD.
Where hast thou seen the Castilian army?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
From the Comares Tower, my Sultan. They have also taken the palace. We are surrounded both without and within the gates.
MUHAMMAD.
Let us go at once, that I may behold them with mine own eyes.
The Sultan and his mother ascend the tower. From there, they observe a spirited army of some 10 to 12 thousand men, assembled before them, as three cannons sound thunderously.
MUHAMMAD.
Behold the great and valiant Castilian army!
AISHA AL-HURRA.
They are but men of flesh, like thyself and thy soldiers.
MUHAMMAD.
If men perished as flesh alone, then their souls would not endure.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Thy soul—art thou not troubled by what shall be lost?
MUHAMMAD.
What is lost may yet be rebuilt, mother.
The Sultan opens and reads the contents of the letter.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
What doth the letter contain? Who hath sent it?
MUHAMMAD.
It is from the Great Ottoman Turks.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
And what do they declare?
MUHAMMAD.
We are alone. None shall come to our aid, mother.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Then what shall we do?
MUHAMMAD.
Surrender.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Surrender the palace and thy kingdom, as a coward would?
MUHAMMAD.
Alas, there is no alternative but to accept the finality of our fate and the terms of the treaty signed.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Shall I inform the men of thy decision?
MUHAMMAD.
Aye—but before thou dost, where is Mustapha, my adviser?
THE ROYAL GUARD.
That I do not know. I can command the guards to seek him out.
AISHA AL-HURRA.
Thou hast been blind to see the traitor in thy midst. Mustapha hath betrayed thee. The bitter rivalries amongst our own people have doomed thee—and our lineage—to perpetual disgrace.
MUHAMMAD.
Then blame them, not me! Had we been as united as the Christians, we might have mustered an army to defend the city and the emirate. But we were not.
SCENE IV.
At the small town of Santa Fé, a mile from the outskirts of Granada.
The Catholic Monarchs have arrived at Santa Fé with their retinue and are together in their bedchamber, on the eve of the famed recapture of Granada.
ISABELLA.
Today heralds a momentous victory, and the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ shall guide us to it.
FERDINAND.
None are more deserving of victory than we, my noble Queen.
ISABELLA.
Our triumph shall be lauded by the Christian world, and by the Pope in Rome.
FERDINAND.
I have no doubt that our conquests shall not end with Granada. Nay, they shall extend to the ends of the earth.
ISABELLA.
Dost thou believe it so assured?
FERDINAND.
We shall unite the kingdoms of Hispania under one banner—and beneath that banner, rule the world.
ISABELLA.
Then let it begin in Granada, the final Moorish stronghold.
FERDINAND.
The Moors shall become a matter of history. We must now concern ourselves with the future, my beloved Queen.
ISABELLA.
I pray only that thy vision of a united Hispania be as true as the conquest we now undertake.
FERDINAND.
And so it shall be!
ISABELLA.
’Tis a shame it hath taken centuries to realise this fateful goal.
FERDINAND.
What matter the centuries, so long as we now stand the rightful sovereigns of Granada? Together, Castile and Aragon shall rise to dominion.
ISABELLA.
Oft have I wondered what lieth beyond the seas.
FERDINAND.
Soon, we shall amass enough wealth to find the answer to that question.
ISABELLA.
Let us not forget that to govern well, we must show tolerance to our foes.
FERDINAND.
Tolerant only so far as it serveth our many yet-unrealised ambitions.
SPANISH ROYAL GUARD.
A man claiming to be an adviser to the Sultan seeks audience with Thy Majesties.
FERDINAND.
Bid him wait in the Reception Hall.
SPANISH ROYAL GUARD.
As you wish, Thy Majesty.
Enter Mustapha, the spy.
FERDINAND.
I summoned thee not to Santa Fé. Why comest thou here, and so unannounced?
MUSTAPHA.
I have come to claim that which is mine—the payment promised, noble King.
Ferdinand gestures to a guard, who gives Mustapha one hundred reals for his service as informant.
FERDINAND.
There—thy reals. Begone now. Should we have need of thee again, we shall find thee.
Mustapha bows low before the monarchs, then departs, never to be seen again.
MUSTAPHA.
My thanks. And may God be with thee!
ISABELLA.
I marvel—how can a man betray his own sultan so shamelessly?
FERDINAND.
I should think him a selfish man, one lacking all conscience—as, alas, too many men do in these times.
SCENE V.
At the edge of the town of Santa Fé, by the banks of the Genil, the Catholic Monarchs await eagerly the Moorish Sultan’s appearance before them in capitulation.
Slowly, the Sultan emerges from the horizon and approaches the Catholic Monarchs steadily, accompanied by eighty or a hundred men on horseback, richly attired in their splendid garments. The Sultan advances to kiss the hands of Their Highnesses, but they refuse the gesture — the last humiliation imposed upon him by the Sovereigns of Catholicism.
MUHAMMAD.
My noble Highnesses, I deliver unto ye the keys of the emirate, the city of Granada, and the palace of the Alhambra.
FERDINAND.
I thank thee for thy propriety, Sultan, and thou art free to leave Granada willingly, with thy family and servants, as per the treaty signed between our two kingdoms.
MUHAMMAD.
And what shall become of my people of Granada, if I may enquire?
ISABELLA.
They have nought to fear from us, so long as they respect our jurisdiction and remain lawful citizens of Granada.
MUHAMMAD.
They shall not be compelled to abandon their religion by force? How may I be assured that ye shall honour thy word in the end?
FERDINAND.
Know that we shall observe the terms of the treaty concurred, as stipulated.
MUHAMMAD.
Then, God be willing!
The Sultan departs afterwards with his men back to the palace, where he shall be granted four days before he must leave forever the glorious Alhambra of Al Andalus.
ISABELLA.
Now that Granada is ours, I wonder what we shall find upon our visit to the city and the Moorish Palace?
FERDINAND.
I suppose we shall witness the setting of the remarkable passage from an ancient past to a new and prosperous beginning, of which we are the sole participants in its grandeur.
ISABELLA.
Shall that grandeur be statelier than our beloved palace?
FERDINAND.
I doubt it truly, but I have heard tales that no palace can evoke such intense passion as the decorative Alhambra.
ISABELLA.
Those are but foolish tales of Moorish lore.
FERDINAND.
Even so, the thought doth provoke my curiosity.
ISABELLA.
I must confess that I too share this unique curiosity within me.
FERDINAND.
Soon, we shall have the great pleasure of satisfying that growing fascination.
THE ROYAL GUARD.
Shall we be returning to Santa Fé, my noble King?
FERDINAND.
Yes, let us return at once. The deed is done, and we have conquered Granada without the loss of a single man of our vast and superior army.
ISABELLA.
Indeed! Let us return to Santa Fé as worthy triumphers!
FERDINAND.
May the spirit and will of our Lord reign over these lands for centuries to come.
ISABELLA.
Granada is ours to establish the Gospel of the Lord. May the banners of Castile and Aragón stand over this city.
FERDINAND.
Hitherto, we are his fortuitous enforcers upon the kingdoms of men. At last, the Moors have been defeated!
SCENE VI.
At a rocky prominence of the Assabica Valley, outside the palace of the Alhambra.
The Sultan, his family, and loyal servants depart Granada for the last time. The expression upon the Sultan’s countenance is one of sorrow and regret that cannot erase the indelible image of the Alhambra.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Thou weepest now, having lost our beloved kingdom, lands, and above all, our beautiful Alhambra.
MUHAMMAD.
I mourn for all of that precisely.
AISHA AL HURRA.
Thou mournest as a coward what thou wert unable to defend with thy courage and blood.
MUHAMMAD.
I did what I had to do to spare our people, our kingdom, our lands, and our palace from absolute destruction.
AISHA AL HURRA.
At the cost of thy glory?
MUHAMMAD.
What is glory without defeat?
AISHA AL HURRA.
Then I would have preferred complete ruination to this disgraceful subjection.
MUHAMMAD.
Hast thou no pity for my soul in this hour of grief and remembrance?
AISHA AL HURRA.
Pity is a blind man’s susceptibility and failure of irrefutable acknowledgement.
MUHAMMAD.
Why dost thou forsake me, Mother? I did what thou wanted me to do when I ruled with dominion.
AISHA AL HURRA.
True, but I behold the coward who lost his kingdom without a fight. Thou hast forsaken thyself in obeisance to them!
MUHAMMAD.
We can govern from the principality afforded to us by the treaty and still remain in Granada, our homeland.
AISHA AL HURRA.
A useless confession! For how long? Dost thou believe the Catholic Monarchs, who have exiled us to the inhospitable mountains that shall be our prison, will allow us to remain freely amongst their lands, not as their subjects? Do not blind thyself with the pretence of their gentility. Under no circumstance shall they keep their deceitful word for long!
MUHAMMAD.
We shall live as we have always lived. We shall never be their subjects now or ever!
MORAIMA.
My dearest Sultan, and dashing husband. How my heart crieth for our irreversible losses. How can I assuage the sorrow of mine heart and soul with this sombre tragedy?
MUHAMMAD.
Know that no tragedy could replace or diminish our interminable bond and love.
MORAIMA.
And what shall I tell our child when he asketh for his home?
MUHAMMAD.
Tell him that we are a proud people who come from an incomparable lineage. Our new home shall be better than the Alhambra.
MORAIMA.
And Al Andalus? What shall become of it?
MUHAMMAD.
God be willing, Al Andalus shall forever dwell in our hearts and in our lasting memories until our deaths!
Shortly after his surrender, the last Sultan of Al Andalus, Abū 'Abdi-llāh Muḥammad ath-thānī 'ashar, sent a long letter to the Marinid rulers of Morocco asking for refuge. The letter begins with a long poem praising the Marinids, followed by a prose passage where he laments his defeat and asks forgiveness for past wrongdoings of his forefathers against the Marinids. The entire text was reported by the historian al-Maqqari.
...The lord of Castile hath proposed for us a respectable residence and hath given us assurances of safety, pledged by his own handwriting, enough to convince the soul. But we, as descendants of Banu al-Ahmar, did not settle for this, and our faith in God doth not permit us to reside under the protection of disbelief.
We also received many letters from the east, full of goodwill, inviting us to their lands and offering the best of advantages. But we cannot choose other than our home and the home of our forefathers. We can only accept the protection of our relatives, not from opportunism but to confirm the brotherhood between us and to fulfil the testament of our forefathers, which telleth us not to seek any help other than from the Marinids and not to let anything obstructeth us from coming to thee. So we traversed vast lands and sailed the tumultuous sea, hoping we would not be returned and that our eyes will be satisfied, and our hurt and grievous souls will be healed from this great pain...
THE END.