portal stood the two ancient guardians of
the tower, laden with the keys appertaining to the locks.

The king alighted, and, approaching the portals, ordered the guardians to
unlock the gate. The hoary-headed men drew back with terror. 'Alas!' cried
they, 'what is it your majesty requires of us? Would you have the
mischiefs of this tower unbound, and let loose to shake the earth to its
foundations?'

The venerable archbishop Urbino likewise implored him not to disturb a
mystery which had been held sacred from generation to generation, within
the memory of man; and which even Caesar himself, when sovereign of Spain,
had not ventured to invade. The youthful cavaliers, however, were eager to
pursue the adventure, and encouraged him in his rash curiosity.

'Come what come may,' exclaimed Don Roderick, 'I am resolved to penetrate
the mystery of this tower.' So saying, he again commanded the guardians to
unlock the portal. The ancient men obeyed with fear and trembling, but
their hands shook with age, and when they applied the keys, the locks were
so rusted by time, or of such strange workmanship, that they resisted
their feeble efforts; whereupon the young cavaliers pressed forward and
lent their aid. Still the locks were so numerous and difficult, that with
all their eagerness and strength a great part of the day was exhausted
before the whole of them could be mastered.

When the last bolt had yielded to the key, the guardians and the reverend
archbishop again entreated the king to pause and reflect. 'Whatever is
within this tower,' said they, 'is as yet harmless, and lies bound under a
mighty spell: venture not then to open a door which may let forth a flood
of evil upon the land.' But the anger of the king was roused, and he
ordered that the portal should be instantly thrown open. In vain, however,
did one after another exert his strength; and equally in vain did the
cavaliers unite their forces, and apply their shoulders to the gate:
though there was neither bar nor bolt remaining, it was perfectly
immoveable.

The patience of the king was now exhausted, and he advanced to apply his
hand; scarcely, however, did he touch the iron gate, when it swung slowly
open, uttering, as it were, a dismal groan, as it turned reluctantly upon
its hinges. A cold, damp wind issued forth, accompanied by a tempestuous
sound. The hearts of the ancient guardians quaked within them, and their
knees smote together; but several of the youth