This eBook was produced by David Widger
Corrected and updated text and HTML PG Editions of the complete5 volume set may be found at:
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/9761s/9761.txt
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/9761/pg9761-images.html
While this scene took place before the tribunal of Torquemada, Leila hadbeen summoned from the indulgence of fears, which her gentle nature andher luxurious nurturing had ill-fitted her to contend against, to thepresence of the queen. That gifted and high-spirited princess, whosevirtues were her own, whose faults were of her age, was not, it is true,without the superstition and something of the intolerant spirit of herroyal spouse: but, even where her faith assented to persecution, herheart ever inclined to mercy; and it was her voice alone that evercounteracted the fiery zeal of Torquemada, and mitigated the sufferingsof the unhappy ones who fell under the suspicion of heresy. She had,happily, too, within her a strong sense of justice, as well as thesentiment of compassion; and often, when she could not save the accused,she prevented the consequences of his imputed crime falling upon theinnocent members of his house or tribe.
In the interval between his conversation with Ferdinand and theexamination of Almamen, the Dominican had sought the queen; and hadplaced before her, in glowing colours, not only the treason of Almamen,but the consequences of the impious passion her son had conceived forLeila. In that day, any connection between a Christian knight and aJewess was deemed a sin, scarce expiable; and Isabel conceived all thathorror of her son's offence which was natural in a pious mother and ahaughty queen. But, despite all the arguments of the friar, she couldnot be prevailed upon to render up Leila to the tribunal of theInquisition; and that dread court, but newly established, did not dare,without her consent, to seize upon one under the immediate protectionof the queen.
"Fear not, father," said Isabel, with quiet firmness, "I will take uponmyself to examine the maiden; and, at least, I will see her removed fromall chance of tempting or being tempted by this graceless boy. But shewas placed under the charge of the king and myself as a hostage and atrust; we accepted the charge, and our royal honor is pledged to thesafety of the maiden. Heaven forbid that I should deny the existence ofsorcery, assured as we are of its emanation from the Evil One; but Ifear, in this fancy of Juan's, that the maiden is more sinned againstthan sinning: and yet my son is, doubtless, not aware of the unhappyfaith of the Jewess; the knowledge of which alone will suffice to curehim of his error. You shake your head, father; but, I repeat, I will actin this affair so as to merit the confidence I demand. Go, good Tomas.We have not reigned so long without belief in our power to control anddeal with a simple maiden."
The queen extended her hand to the monk, with a smile so sweet in itsdignity, that it softened even that rugged heart; and, with a reluctantsigh, and a murmured prayer that her counsels might be guided for thebest, Torquemada left the royal presence.
"The poor child!"