History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic, vol 2 | Page 8

export, while its
commodious port on the Mediterranean opened a traffic with the
various countries washed by that inland sea, and with the remoter
regions of India. Owing to these advantages, the inhabitants acquired
unbounded opulence, which showed itself in the embellishments of
their city, whose light forms of architecture, mingling after the eastern
fashion with odoriferous gardens and fountains of sparkling water,
presented an appearance most refreshing to the senses in this sultry
climate. [5]
The city was encompassed by fortifications of great strength, and in
perfect repair. It was commanded by a citadel, connected by a covered

way with a second fortress impregnable from its position, denominated
Gebalfaro, which stood along the declivities of the bold sierra of the
Axarquia, whose defiles had proved so disastrous to the Christians. The
city lay between two spacious suburbs, the one on the land side being
also encircled by a formidable wall; and the other declining towards the
sea, showing an expanse of olive, orange, and pomegranate gardens,
intermingled with the rich vineyards that furnished the celebrated staple
for its export.
Malaga was well prepared for a siege by supplies of artillery and
ammunition. Its ordinary garrison was reinforced by volunteers from
the neighboring towns, and by a corps of African mercenaries,
Gomeres, as they were called, men of ferocious temper, but of tried
valor and military discipline. The command of this important post had
been intrusted by El Zagal to a noble Moor, named Hamet Zeli, whose
renown in the present war had been established by his resolute defence
of Ronda. [6]
Ferdinand, while lying before Velez, received intelligence that many of
the wealthy burghers of Malaga were inclined to capitulate at once,
rather than hazard the demolition of their city by an obstinate resistance.
He instructed the marquis of Cadiz, therefore, to open a negotiation
with Hamet Zeli, authorizing him to make the most liberal offers to the
alcayde himself, as well as his garrison, and the principal citizens of the
place, on condition of immediate surrender. The sturdy chief, however,
rejected the proposal with disdain, replying, that he had been
commissioned by his master to defend the place to the last extremity,
and that the Christian king could not offer a bribe large enough to make
him betray his trust. Ferdinand, finding little prospect of operating on
this Spartan temper, broke up his camp before Velez, on the 7th of May,
and advanced with his whole army as far as Bezmillana, a place on the
seaboard about two leagues distant from Malaga. [7]
The line of march now lay through a valley commanded at the
extremity nearest the city by two eminences; the one on the sea-coast,
the other facing the fortress of the Gebalfaro, and forming part of the
wild sierra which overshadowed Malaga on the north. The enemy
occupied both these important positions. A corps of Galicians were sent
forward to dislodge them from the eminence towards the sea. But it
failed in the assault, and, notwithstanding it was led up a second time

by the commander of Leon and the brave Garcilasso de la Vega, [8]
was again repulsed by the intrepid foe.
A similar fate attended the assault on the sierra, which was conducted
by the troops of the royal household. They were driven back on the
vanguard, which had halted in the valley under command of the grand
master of St. James, prepared to support the attack on either side. Being
reinforced, the Spaniards returned to the charge with the most
determined resolution. They were encountered by the enemy with equal
spirit. The latter, throwing away their lances, precipitated themselves
on the ranks of the assailants, making use only of their daggers,
grappling closely man to man, till both rolled promiscuously together
down the steep sides of the ravine. No mercy was asked or shown.
None thought of sparing or of spoiling, for hatred, says the chronicler,
was stronger than avarice. The main body of the army, in the mean
while, pent up in the valley, were compelled to witness the mortal
conflict, and listen to the exulting cries of the enemy, which, after the
Moorish custom, rose high and shrill above the din of battle, without
being able to advance a step in support of their companions, who were
again forced to give way before their impetuous adversaries, and fall
back on the vanguard under the grand master of St. James. Here,
however, they speedily rallied; and, being reinforced, advanced to the
charge a third time, with such inflexible courage as bore down all
opposition, and compelled the enemy, exhausted, or rather
overpowered by superior numbers, to abandon his position. At the same
time the rising ground on the seaside was carried by the Spaniards
under the commander of Leon and Garcilasso de la