[773] The story and the ballad are found in Hita, “Guerras Civiles de Granada,” (Barcelona, 1737, 12mo, Tom. I. cap. 17,) and in Lope de Vega’s “Cerco de Santa Fe” (Comedias, Tom. I., Valladolid, 1604, 4to). But the tradition, I think, is not true. Oviedo directly contradicts it, when giving an account of the family of the poet’s father; and as he knew them, his authority is perhaps decisive. (Quinquagenas, Batalla I. Quin. iii. Diálogo 43, MS.) But, besides this, Lord Holland (Life of Lope, London, 1817, 8vo, Vol. I. p. 2) gives good reasons against the authenticity of the story, which Wiffen (Works of Garcilasso, London, 1823, 8vo, pp. 100 and 384) answers as well as he can, but not effectually. It is really a pity it cannot be made out to be true, it is so poetically appropriate.
[774] Sandoval, Hist. del Emperador Carlos V., Lib. V.,and Oviedo in the Dialogue referred to in the last note.
[775] Obras de Garcilasso, ed. Herrera, 1580, p. 234, and also p. 239, note.
[776] Soneto 33 and note, ed. Herrera.
[777] Elegía II. and the Epístola, ed. Herrera, p. 378.
[778] Obras, ed. Herrera, p. 18.
[779] Obras, ed. Herrera, p. 15. Sandoval, Hist. de Carlos V., Lib. XXIII. § 12, and Mariana, Historia, ad annum. Çapata, in his “Carlos Famoso,” (Valencia, 1565, 4to, Canto 41,) states the number of the peasants in the tower at thirteen; and says that Don Luis de la Cueva, who executed the Imperial order for their death, wished to save all but one or two. He adds, that Garcilasso was without armour when he scaled the wall of the tower, and that his friends endeavoured to prevent his rashness.
Tomando ora la espada, ora la pluma;
a verse afterwards borrowed by Ercilla, and used in his “Araucana.” It is equally applicable to both poets.