I have been thus minute in describing the change
of dynasty at Damascus, and the singular fortunes of
Abdu-r-rahmán, not because I was tempted by the
interesting and very romantic story, but that the
reader might know the sequence of causes and events
resulting in the establishment of an independent
Khalifate in Spain, which alone could render the con-
quest complete, and lay the broad and deep founda-
tions of an empire greater in dignity and influence
than any which existed in Europe during the Middle
Ages. History abounds in epics far more strange
and picturesque than those which shape themselves
in the minds of great poets. There is none stranger
or more picturesque than that which we have just
narrated. Wonderful as it is, it manifests the logic
and philosophy of truth; while without the details
presented it would appear like a legend full of fabu-
lous miracles.

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