The
day of the Baptist is a festival among the Mussulmans, as well as among
Christians.]
King Almanzor of Granada, he hath bid the trumpet sound,
He hath summonded all the Moorish lords, from the hills and plains
around;
From vega and sierra, from Betis and Xenil,
They have come with helm and cuirass of gold and twisted steel.
Tis the holy Baptist's feast they hold in royalty and state,
And they have closed the spacious lists beside the Alhambra's gate;
In gowns of black and silver laced, within the tented ring,
Eight Moors to fight the bull are placed in presence of the King.
Eight Moorish lords of valor tried, with stalwart arm and true,
The onset of the beasts abide, as they come rushing through;
The deeds they've done, the spoils they've won, fill all with hope and
trust,
Yet ere high in heaven appears the sun they all have bit the dust.
Then sounds the trumpet clearly, then clangs the loud tambour,
Make room, make room for Gazul--throw wide, throw wide the door;
Blow, blow the trumpet clearer still, more loudly strike the drum,
The Alcayde of Algava to fight the bull doth come.
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