Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/249

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feared, respected, and admired. Of that mighty chain of fortresses by means of which England binds her Oriental conquests firmly to her island throne, Gibraltar is the grandest link. Slowly, almost respectfully, our ship approaches the place of anchorage.

CLOUD-CAPPED

Gibraltar was in ancient times regarded as one of the pillars of Hercules, and it then bore the name of Calpe. It takes its present name from the Arab conqueror Tarik, whose followers called it "Gebel-al-Tarik" or the "Hill of Tarik." The year 711 marked its passing into the hands of Moslem, who, by caprice of fate, were led to dedicate it to the "God of Peace," as is proved by an inscription found in their old castle mosque. In 1309 it was taken from the Moors; in 1333 recovered by them. A century and a half later the Spaniards again took possession, only to surrender