THE MOOR. Oh that the space of unrecorded time, Which has crept slowly, withering hope and life, In its devouring gulph, rise fresh and fair! The Wierd Wanderer of Jutland. PREFACE. IN submitting this Poem to the public, the Author has intended, however imperfectly, to illustrate the manners that prevailed in Spain towards the close of the fifteenth century. The contest for dominion, that had been carried on with alternate success for more than seven hundred years, was drawing to its termination; and the excitement produced by the close of such a struggle, combining with the chivalrous state of manners, gave the events of that period a marked and peculiar character. In no portion of their history does the Spanish character appear to greater advantage. The rights of the Commons had not yet been invaded; the nobles were no longer formidable, but were not subservient to the Crown. They were re b |