cultural resources in henrik ibsen's early environment - Ibsen.net

X. Ferdinand and Isabella.
This is a translation of the account of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain from a history text
that was used in the Skien Latin school at the time Ibsen was a student in another school
in town.
From Nyere historie, vol. 2, by Hans A. Kofod. Kbh., 1811-12. Pp. 321-4.
FERDINAND THE CATHOLIC AND ISABELLA
There arose immediately a slight disagreement between the two rulers over which
of them was more nearly entitled to the throne of Castile; but it was settled in this
manner, that each should rule in his (or her) realm, even though Ferdinand's name would
stand first in all edicts. The struggle for succession with King Alphonse of Portugal was
ended to Spain's advantage with the agreement in Alcantara. The situation at this time,
especially in Castile, was not the best. Lawlessness and disorder upset the peace of the
citizens; but Ferdinand's wisdom finally taught them order. At every opportunity he
confiscated assigned crown lands, thereby increasing the royal income; also he gradually
won grandmastership of Spain's three most important knightly orders, and acquired
thereby significant influence on the aristocratic families. He established the Sacred
Brotherhood, whose duty it was to guard strictly the observance of law and order. This
certainly deserves great praise; but not the establishment of the frightening court of the
Inquisition. To be sure, in the beginning it was dependent on the court, but it was not
long before the court itself trembled at the name of the sacred executioners, who were
thought to make anyone by whom they believed they had been insulted into a heretic, and
from whose bloody hands no human power could rescue those unfortunate victims who
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