uperior to that of the French, some
portion of the spirit of which, though extinct among every other
European nation, still lingers in Spain.

{170}

But, be this point decided as it may, it is not to be disputed that the
daughters of Grenada merited the devotion which they inspired: they
were perhaps the most fascinating women in the world. We find in the
narrative of a Moorish historian, who wrote at Grenada during the reign
of Mohammed the Old, the following description of his countrywomen:

"Their beauty is remarkable; but the loveliness which strikes the
beholder at first sight afterward receives its principal charm from the
grace and gentleness of their manners. In stature they are above the
middle height, and of delicate and slender proportions. Their long
black hair descends to the earth. Their teeth embellish with the
whiteness of alabaster, vermillion lips, which perpetually smile with a
bewitching air. The constant use which they make of the most exquisite
perfumes, gives a freshness and brilliancy to their complexions
possessed by no other Mohammedan women. Their walking, their dancing,
their every movement, is distinguished by a graceful softness, an ease,
a lightness, which surpasses all their other charms. Their
conversation is lively and sensible, and their fine intellects are
{171} constantly displayed in brilliant wit or judicious sentiments."

The dress of these elegant females was composed, as that of the Turkish
women still is, of a long tunic of linen confined by a cincture, of a
_doliman_ or Turkish dress with close sleeves, of wide trousers and
Morocco slippers. The materials of their clothing were of the finest
fabric, and were usually woven in stripes: they were embroidered with
gold and silver, and profusely spangled with jewels. Their waving
tresses floated over their shoulders; and a small cap, adorned with the
richest gems, supported an embroidered veil, which fell nearly to the
feet. The men were clothed in a similar manner: with them were carried
in the girdle the purse, the handkerchief, and the poniard: a white,
and sometimes a coloured, turban covered the head; and over the Turkish
doliman they wore in summer a wide and flowing white robe, and in
winter the _albornos_ or African mantle. The only change made in their
dress by the Moorish cavaliers when preparing for battle was the
addition of a coat of mail, and an iron lining within their turbans.

It was the custom of