Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/325

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
301
301

CAMPAIGNS OF GONSALVO. 301 and proficiency in all knightly exercises. He in- chapter dulged in a profuse magnificence in his apparel, '. — equipage, and general style of living ; a circum- stance, which, accompanied with his brilliant quali- ties, gave him the title at the court of el principe de los cavalleros, the prince of cavaliers. This care- lessness of expense, indeed, called forth more than once the affectionate remonstrance of his brother Alonso, who, as the elder son, had inherited the •mayorazgo, or family estate, and who provided lib- erally for Gonsalvo's support. He served during the Portuguese war under Alonso de Cardenas, grand master of St. James, and was honored with the public commendations of his general for his sig- nal display of valor at the battle of Albuera ; where, it is remarked, the young hero incurred an unneces- sary degree of personal hazard by the ostentatious splendor of his armour. Of this commander, and of the count of Tendilla, Gonsalvo always spoke with the greatest deference, acknowledging that he had learned the rudiments of war from them. ^ The Ions war of Granada, however, was the great nig briiiia.i O ... qualities. school in which his military discipline was per- fected. He did not, it is true, occupy so eminent a position in these campaigns as some other chiefs of riper years and more enlarged experience ; but on various occasions he displayed uncommon proofs both of address and valor. He particularly distin- guished himself at the capture of Tajara, Illora, 8 Pulgar, Sumario de las Ha- 1834,) p. 145. — Giovio, VitaMag- zanas del Gran Capitan, (Madrid, ni Gonsalvi, lib. 1, pp. 205 et seq.