n than whitest crystal e'en more clear,
A flood of sunshine in all seasons showers;
Nursing to fields their herbs, to herbs their flowers,
To flowers their smell, leaves to th' immortal trees:
Here by its lake the splendid palace towers,
On marble columns rich with golden frieze,
For leagues and leagues around, o'erhanging hills and seas."

_Wiffen's Tasso._

Amongst the many architectural remains which adorn the city, the palace
of the Alhambra is perhaps the most conspicuous. It was originally
founded by one of the Moorish kings, after the conquest of the kingdom
of Granada, and became, in process of time, the favorite residence of a
long line of princes, by whom it was enriched with the spoils of
conquest, and all the embellishments which wealth could supply. Nothing,
indeed, that imagination could devise, or human industry effect, was
omitted, to render it a retreat worthy of the Moorish sovereigns of
Granada.

Ages have gone by since its foundation, kingdoms have been overthrown,
and whole generations have passed away, but the Alhambra still remains a
proud record of the Moslem's power. It is the last monument of their
glory, amidst the changes that have long since taken place, and that
still proclaim their fall.

The city commands an extensive view of the surrounding country, and the
eye wanders with delight over the picturesque and varied scenery which
opens on every side. Far as the eye can reach, a fertile plain teeming
with life exhibits nature in her most lovely and fascinating forms;
large flocks and herds are seen browzing and disporting amongst the
luxuriant herbage, while the distant quiet villages interspersed
throughout the landscape, are thrown out in bold relief by the dark
green foliage in which they are embosomed. Here the orange-flower and
the jasmin of the gardens, decked in all the pride of cultivation, load
the air with their grateful perfume; and sparkling jets of limpid water,
thrown aloft from fountains of alabaster, impart a continual freshness
and beauty to the scene, whilst they contribute to dissipate the languor
which in this luxurious climate softly steals over the senses.

After dwelling with delight upon this living landscape of happiness and
tranquillity, the feelings of the beholder are aroused by the imposing
aspect of the _Sierra Nevada_. The never-varying hue, the sameness of
desolation exhibited by these gigantic mountains, offer a striking
con