[39] Crónica de Alvaro de Luna, tit. 128.--What a contrast to all this is afforded by the vivid portrait, sketched by John de Mena, of the constable in the noontide of his glory.
"Este caualga sobre la fortuna y doma su cuello con asperas riendas y aunque del tenga tan muchas de prendas ella non le osa tocar de ninguna," etc. Laberinto, coplas 235 et seq.
[40] Cibdareal, Centon Epistolario, ep. 103.--Crónica de Juan II., p. 564.--Crónica de Alvaro de Luna, tit. 128, and Apend. p. 458.
[41] Entitled "Doctrinal de Privados." See the Cancionero General, fol. 37 et seq.--In the following stanza, the constable is made to moralize with good effect on the instability of worldly grandeur.
"Quo se hizo la moneda que guarde para mis daños tantos tiempos tantos años plata joyas oro y seda y de todo no me queda sine este cadahalso; mundo malo mundo falso no ay quien contigo pueda."
Manrique has the same sentiments in his exquisite "Coplas." I give Longfellow's version, as spirited as it is literal.
"Spain's haughty Constable,--the great And gallant Master,--cruel fate Stripped him of all. Breathe not a whisper of his pride, He on the gloomy scaffold died, Ignoble fall! The countless treasures of his care, Hamlets and villas green and fair, His mighty power,-- What were they all but grief and shame, Tears and a broken heart,--when came. The parting hour!" Stanza 21.
[42] Cibdareal, Centon Epistolario, ep. 103.--Crónica de Alvaro de Luna, tit. 128.
[43] Crónica de Juan II., p. 576.--Cibdareal, Centon Epistolario, epist. 105.
There has been considerable discrepancy, even among cotemporary writers, both as to the place and the epoch of Isabella's birth, amounting, as regards the latter, to nearly two years. I have adopted the conclusion of Señor Clemencin, formed from a careful collation of the various authorities, in the sixth volume of the Memorias de la Real Academia de Historia, (Madrid, 1821,) Ilust. 1, pp. 56-60. Isabella was descended both on the father's and mother's side from the famous John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster. See Florez, Memorias de las Reynas Cathólicas, (2d ed. Madrid, 1770,) tom. ii. pp. 743, 787.
CONDITION OF ARAGON DURING THE MINORITY OF FERDINAND.--REIGN OF JOHN II., OF ARAGON.