Note 272 — Chapter VIII · REBELLION OF THE MORISCOES.

Circourt quotes a remarkable passage from the Ordenanzas de Granada, which well illustrates the conscientious manner in which the government dealt with the Moriscoes. It forms the preamble of the law of February 24, 1571. "The Moriscoes who took no part in the insurrection ought not to be punished. We should not desire to injure them; but they cannot hereafter cultivate their lands; and then it would be an endless task to attempt to separate the innocent from the guilty. We shall indemnify them certainly. Meanwhile their estates must be confiscated, like those of the rebel Moriscoes."—Hist. des Arabes d'Espagne, tom. iii. p. 148.