CHAPTER XII.

THE ALHAMBRA.

The Paradise of the West.—Rivers of Eden.—New Damascus.—Granada.—Origin of the Name.—Fruits.—Mountains.—Skies.—Moorish Empire broken.—Zawi Ibu Zeyri.—Alhambra.—Meaning of the Name.—Extension of the Castle.— Original Grandeur.—Its first Prince.—His Improvements.—Roads.— Colleges.—Hospitals.—Canals.—Arts.—Sciences.—Degeneracy.—Intrigues and Murders.—Ruin.—Final Overthrow of Moorish Power.—Ferdinand and Isabella.—Columbus.—Fleas and Cake.—Blessing and Gold.—New World in the West.—Bookstore.—Irving’s Tales.—Gate of Judgment.—Plateau.— Desolation.—Court of Myrtles.—Court of Lions.—Boabdil.—Abencerrages.— Treachery.—Hall of Ambassadors.—Bensaken.—Walking Cyclopedia.— Prudence.—Washington Irving.—Dolores.—Queen’s Garden.—Hall of Two Sisters.—Harem.—Linderaka Gardens.—Queen’s Dressing-room.—Gypsies.— Perfume Bath.—Water Bath.—Governor’s Court.—Bowed Slab.—The Morning Star

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