THE CITY OF THE MOOR 19 



indirectly to one of the most serious disasters 

 that befell the latter during the campaign. For 

 an expedition against Malaga, headed by the 

 Marquis of Cadiz and the Grandmaster of Santiago, 

 while threading its way through the passes of 

 the Ajarquia, was attacked by the lieutenants 

 of the old lion, Abu-1-Hassan, and cut to pieces. 

 Eight hundred Spaniards were left dead on the 

 field. Boabdil, emulous of the glory his father 

 had acquired, marched out of Granada with 9700 

 men, and gave battle to the enemy under the 

 Count of Cabra, near Lucena. The Moors were 

 totally defeated, their bravest general, Ali Atar, 

 was slain, and Boabdil himself captured by a 

 private soldier, named Martin Hurtado. 



Had this unlucky prince been left in the hands 

 of his enemies, the war might have had a different 

 result, but his mother and followers at once made 

 proposals for his release. This was finally effected 

 by a most dishonourable treaty. Boabdil was 

 accorded a two years' truce, covering all places 

 that acknowledged his authority, and in return 

 bound himself, not only to pay a tribute of twelve 

 thousand golden ducats, but to assist with supplies 

 the Spanish troops passing through his dominions 

 to attack his own father. Having thus exchanged 

 his honour for his liberty, the miserable Sultan 

 returned to his capital, to find that the old 

 King had possessed himself of the Alhambra. 



