This monster was nearly thirty feet in length and thirteen feet in circumference, and the head alone weighed three hundred pounds. On opening him there were found, with other parts of the horse, three legs entire, torn off at the haunch and shoulder, besides a large quantity of stones, some of them of several pounds' weight.
A PARAPHRASE FROM THE POLISH OF MICKIEWICZ
Before Grenada's fated walls, Encamped in proud array, And flushed with many a victory, The Spanish army lay. Of all Grenada's fortresses But one defies their might: On Alphuara's minarets The crescent still is bright. Almanzor! King Almanzor! All vainly you resist: Your little band is fading fast Away like morning mist. A direr foe than ever yet They met on battle-plain Assaults life's inmost citadel, And heaps the ground with slain.
One onset more of Spanish ranks-- (And soon it will be made!) And Alphuara's towers must reel, And in the dust be laid. "And shall the haughty infidel Pollute this sacred land?" Almanzor said, as mournfully He marked his dwindling band. "Upon our glorious crescent Shall the Spaniard set his heel? And is there not one lingering hope? Can Heaven no aid reveal? Ay, by our holy Prophet, _One_ ally still remains! And I will bind him close to me,-- For better death than chains!"
The victors at the banquet sat, And music lent its cheer, When suddenly a sentry's voice Announced a stranger near. From Alphuara had he come. With fierce, unwonted speed, And much would it import to Spain The news he bore to heed. "Admit him!" cry the revelers; And in the pilgrim strode, And throwing off his mantle loose, A Moorish habit showed! "Almanzor! King Almanzor!" They cried with one acclaim: "Almanzor!" said the Moslem chief-- "Almanzor is my name.
"To serve your prophet and your king, Oh, Spaniards! I am here; Believe, reject me, if you will-- This breast has outlived fear! No longer in his creed or cause Almanzor can confide; For all the Powers above, 'tis clear, Are fighting on your side!" "Now, welcome, welcome, gallant Moor!" The Spanish chieftain said; "Grenada's last intrenchment now We speedily shall tread. Approach, embrace; our waning feast Your coming shall renew; And in this cup of foaming wine We'll drink to yours and you."