CHAPTER X.
ROYAL EXPEDITION AGAINST LOXA.
King Ferdinand held a council of war at Cordova, where it was deliberated what was to be done with Alhama.

Most of the council advised that it should be demolished, inasmuch as, being in the centre of the Moorish kingdom, it would be at all times liable to attack, and could only be maintained by a powerful garrison and at a vast expense.

Queen Isabella arrived at Cordova in the midst of these deliberations, and listened to them with surprise and impatience.

"What!" said she, "destroy the first fruits of our victories?
Abandon the first place we have wrested from the Moors?
Never let us suffer such an idea to occupy our minds.

It would argue fear or feebleness, and give new courage to the enemy.