60 WAR OF GRANADA. PART which seemed to derive additional sanctity from — '- — the spot in which it was exercised. The menacing import of the sultan's communication, however, had no power to shake the purposes of Ferdinand and Isabella, who made answer, that thej had uniformly observed the same policy in regard to their Mahometan, as to their Christian subjects ; but that they could no longer submit to see their ancient and rightful inheritance in the hands of strangers ; and that, if these latter would consent to live under their rule, as true and loyal subjects, they should experience the same paternal indul- gence which had been shown to their brethren. With this answer the reverend emissaries returned to the Holy Land, accompanied by substantial marks of the royal favor, in a yearly pension of one thousand ducats, which the queen settled in perpetuity on their monastery, together with a richly embroidered veil, the work of her own fair hands, to be suspended over the Holy Sepulchre. The sovereigns subsequently despatched the learn- ed Peter Martyr as their envoy to the Moslem court, in order to explain their proceedings more at length, and avert any disastrous consequences from the Christian residents. ^^ In the mean while, the siege went forward with spirit ; skirmishes and single rencontres taking place every day between the high-mettled cavaliers on both sides. These chivalrous combats, how- ever, were discouraged by Ferdinand, who would ^3 Piilgar, Reyes CatAlicos, cap. 112. — Ferreras, Hist. d'Espagne, torn. viii. p. 86.
