The regeneration of Spain did not come from the north

with the hordes of barbarians, but from the south with

the invading Arabs. At first they were few, but they

were sufficient to conquer Roderick and his corrupt

courtiers. The instinct of the Christian nationality

revolting against the invaders, and the gathering together

of the whole soul of Spain on the rocky heights of

Covadonga to fall once more upon their conquerors, was

all a lie. The Spain of those days gratefully welcomed

the people from Africa and submitted without resistance.
