Then the Archbishop snatched the crown from the head of the scarecrow king and roared, "Thus lose the royal dignity which you have guarded ill."
And one of the cavaliers roughly kicked the figure off its throne. There were cries and shouts and some gasps of horror. Alfonso was seated upon the throne and crowned King of Avila.
Petty wars, robberies, and murders followed. Part of the country was in favor of King Henry, while the rebels supported Alfonso. A terrible battle took place in Toledo. Houses were burned and people massacred.
A few days later, Alfonso arrived in the town.
Those who had burned and massacred bowed down to the young king, saying, "We will fight for your cause if you will approve this massacre."
| PARK IN MADRID, STATUE OF KING ALFONSO |
Alfonso replied, "God forbid that I should approve such horrors!"
The next thing he knew, Alfonso's country was plunged into war. The rebels were to meet the King's men in conflict.
The night before the battle Alfonso, rest-less and unhappy, paced his chamber. Why must men fight? Why must they kill one another? The Prince loved power; but better than power, he loved peace.
Wherever he went, he always took along some of his books. Now upon the table lay several, and among them was "The Odyssey." Alfonso laid his hand upon his favorite work and was about to take it up when he let it fall again.