softening effect upon the rude customs of the Welsh, and the first aspirations of this semi-barbarous nation for chris-tian refinement, date from the period in which they felt the winning influence of her gentle manners. But though Eleanora was thus happy in her domestic re-lations, blessed in the love of her subjects, and thrice bles-sed in the consciousness of exercising her power for the happiness of others, she did not forget the kindred ties that bound her to her native Spain. Indeed there seems to be this peculiarity, observable in the influence of the gospel on the character, a paradox in philosophy, but a fact in christian experience, that while it increases the intensity of the social affections, it expands the heart to the remoter, relations of life, awakening a cor-dial response to the command, " Thou shalt love thy neigh-bor as thyself." For Eleanora to know that she could render assistance to another, was sufficient motive to arouse her activity ; and constant habit made that an inspiring impulse, which had commenced in a rigid adherence to the requisitions of duty. When she learned, therefore, that her beloved brother Alphonso X. had been deposed by his undutiful son, Sancho, she besought her heroic husband to undertake the difficult task of his restoration. Edward, whose principles of government were of a very different character from those of the royal philosopher, lis-tened somewhat reluctantly to her anxious pleadings, but at last consented to accompany her into Castile. The royal progress was one of the utmost pomp and splendor. Their cousin Philip received them in Paris with the greatest distinction. They reposed some months among the elegancies of Bordeaux, and thence journeyed across the Pyrenees to Burgos. The brave Sancho welcomed them to his palace with un-affected pleasure, and listened with easy good-humor to, the questions and remonstrances of the queen. " My father," said he, " is happier in the retirement of his prison, than he was ever in the administration of public 418 HEROINES OF THE CRUSADES.