Juan de Bonavides, who commanded in Lorca, even made inroads in his
name into the territories of Almeria, Baza, and Guadix, which owned
allegiance to El Zagal.

The unfortunate Boabdil had three great evils to contend with--
the inconstancy of his subjects, the hostility of his uncle, and the
friendship of Ferdinand. The last was by far the most baneful: his
fortunes withered under it. He was looked upon as the enemy of
his faith and of his country. The cities shut their gates against him;
the people cursed him; even the scanty band of cavaliers who had
hitherto followed his ill-starred banner began to desert him, for he
had not wherewithal to reward nor even to support them. His spirits
sank with his fortune, and he feared that in a little time he should
not have a spot of earth whereon to plant his standard nor an
adherent to rally under it.

In the midst of his despondency he received a message from his
lion-hearted mother, the sultana Ayxa la Horra. It was brought by
the steadfast adherent to their fortunes, Aben Comixa. "For shame,''
said she, "to linger timorously about the borders of your kingdom
when a usurper is seated in your capital! Why look abroad for
perfidious aid when you have loyal hearts beating true to you in
Granada? The Albaycin is ready to throw open its gates to receive
you. Strike home vigorously--a sudden blow may mend all or make an
end. A throne or a grave!--for a king there is no honorable medium."

Boabdil was of an undecided character, but there are circumstances
which bring the most wavering to a decision, and when once resolved
they are apt to act with a daring impulse unknown to steadier
judgments. The message of the sultana roused him from a dream.