It was a vast garden of delight, refreshed by numerous fountains and by the silver windings of the Xenil.

The labor and ingenuity of the Moors had diverted the waters of this river into thousands of rills and streams, and diffused them over the whole surface of the plain.

Indeed, they had wrought up this happy region to a degree of wonderful prosperity, and took a pride in decorating it as if it had been a favorite mistress.

The hills were clothed with orchards and vineyards, the valleys embroidered with gardens, and the wide plains covered with waving grain.

Here were seen in profusion the orange, the citron, the fig, and the pomegranate, with great plantations of mulberry trees, from which was produced the finest silk.