University of Virginia Library

22. XXII.

The opposition of Oppas and the nobles ceased,
rather in deference to the expressed will of Pelayo than
because of any diminution in their minds of the ground
of scruple. Still, cautiously avoiding all show of connection
with Melchior, they began their deliberations
freely, each suggesting his own view of the course
which should be taken. It happened here, as in most
cases where the counsellors are numerous, that much
difference prevailed among them. One party was for

secret corruption, the other proclaimed its sentiments
fearlessly in favour of an open warfare. The leader
of the former was Oppas—and this was by far the most
numerous body. Pelayo counselled the other. Many
were the reasons given by the archbishop in behalf of
his suggestions—reasons all highly politic had the cause
been less just and honourable than it was—reasons
wisely framed for the rebel, but not so moving for him
who claimed rightfully his throne from the hands of a
usurper. Pelayo saw through the designs of Oppas—
he saw that the plan suggested by his uncle would have
the effect of binding his followers to the guidance of a
secret and irresponsible authority, which, should the fate
of Egiza or himself prove unfortunate, would vest the
power in the hands of one, not less a usurper than was
he who now swayed the empire. He, therefore, resolutely
opposed it.

“My brother,” said he, “has a right in this, a sacred
right, left him by a thousand sires, each having it the
same. 'Tis not for him to hide it in a cloak, but, with
good argument, he well may lift his banner, and declare
his full resolve to make it good or perish.”

“'Tis not wise, my son—'twere better policy to move
in quiet. Let us not offend the eyes that watch us,
until we may defy them.”

“We may do so now, my Lord Oppas—we may do
so now. The people chafe already under the rule of
Roderick, and, with their wonted impulse, they will
gather to the banner of Egiza, when once they see it
waving. They love the change, for they are the
creatures of the common nature, and her element is
change. Give them a new cry—`Egiza, and close
ranks for Spain!'—and they will peal it from each
sierra under the blue arch of heaven.”

“Such is my thought,” cried Count Eudon. “And
mine,” “and mine,” cried others of the more daring
and restless—those in particular who had personal
wrongs to avenge at the hands of Roderick.

“I thank you, friends—I thank you. This is good
service, true. I love not this same cunning—this concealment.
Truth needs no bush for cover, and the good
cause has in itself a strength which virtue gives, shall
always make it mightiest in the end. What is your
force, Lord Aylor?”

“Twice two hundred—men good at spear and axe.”

“Bowmen, too?”

“But few—too few for note.”

“And you, Count Eudon?”

“As many more—some thirty bowmen—good at
close strife too. Stout, ready, daring.”

“Wherefore this, Pelayo?” cried the bishop, now
approaching. “Sure you press not the strife until your
brother speaks?”

“I speak for him, my Lord Oppas, even as I speak
for Spain and these assembled nobles. It is not more
the cause of Egiza than yours, and yours, and mine.
He but imbodies, in the name he bears, the rights of
those who make him. He is their king, 'tis true—king
for their good—no king for them, if not.”

“True—true! Our king, and not his own,” was the
ready cry, in response, of the nobles generally. Such
an expression had the effect of silencing Oppas for the
present, and the council then proceeded to deliberate
upon the farther action of the conspiracy. By careful
computation it was found that a force of six thousand
men or more, not including the three thousand promised
by Melchior, was at command—scattered, however, at
various and remote points, and requiring some time for
assembling. In addition to this difficulty, the present
want of money was suggested; and it was then that
Melchior again spoke, pledging the necessary sum.
This was one of the greatest obstacles to the enterprise,
for the nobles thus gathered were many of them destitute,
and hence much of their discontent. A small
party was designated for the purpose of procuring the
amount needed, by attending Melchior to his abode;

and the Hebrew, with a smiling scorn, which he did not
seek to hide, beheld the ready spirit with which they
now consented, having such an object, to seek the habitation
of one whose very contact, but a little before, they
had been so shocked to think upon. Having arranged
their next meeting, as a national council, to take place
in the Cave of Wamba—a huge cavern in one of the
neighbouring mountains, where they proposed to elevate
Egiza to the throne of the Goths—the assembly was
dissolved; Pelayo, with the small body of nobles appointed
to go with Melchior, moving off with him to his
secluded dwelling-place.