Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical settingVaeth, Joseph Anthony
History
Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting
Vaeth, Joseph Anthony
Martorell, Joanot, -1468. Tirant lo Blanch
When Scariano heard that Maragdina had accepted the Christian faith,
he, too, wished to be baptized. But first he desired to be enlightened
in regard to the doctrines of that religion. Tirant confessed that
he was not too well versed in matters pertaining to the faith, but
would nevertheless give him instruction. And he did it so well that
Scariano was surprised that a knight could know so much concerning the
Trinity, and declared that the explanations given by him were more
comprehensible than those that he had once heard made by certain monks
when he was a youth. (Chaps. 326-327)
The baptism of Scariano took place in a beautiful square of the city.
Many of his officers and kinsmen witnessed the ceremony, and they,
too, were baptized. Tirant administered the sacrament of baptism to
more than six thousand Moors that day. A monk of the Order of Mercy
came opportunely, and he was requested by our hero to baptize the rest
of those who wished to become Christians. In all 44,327 Moors were
baptized. (Chaps. 329-330)
Several kings of Barbary, who were on their way with many men to
help Scariano, became indignant when they heard that he had become a
Christian, and they took possession of the kingdom of Tunis and placed
another king over it. Thereupon Scariano withdrew with his faithful
subjects to Tremicen, the inhabitants of which, following the example
of their queen, Maragdina, embraced the Christian faith. The queen made
another effort to induce Tirant to take her as his wife, but was again
unsuccessful. He spoke to her kindly, reasoned with her, and finally
persuaded her to marry Scariano. The marriage ceremony was performed
by the monk, and thus Scariano became the King of Tremicen. (Chaps.
330-333)
After the Moorish kings had subdued all the kingdom of Tunis, they
decided to make war against the kingdom of Tremicen in order to
exterminate the Christians. Tirant then began to gather and organize
an army which was to defend Tremicen against the combined forces of
those kings. He won the admiration, confidence, and love of the people,
and as he passed through the streets they greeted him with the cheer:
“Vixca lo magnanim Capita crestia.” (Chap. 334)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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