Back in 16th century, Spain saw the ascension of Carlos to the throne and great was the divide between the wealthy royal class and the dirt poor serfs. The new king wanted more and levied the highest tax the country had ever seen. With no hope of relief in sight, a small band of thieves, “los pañuelos azules” (the blue bandanas), schemed how they might garner some of the royal treasure.
King Charles was no fool and devoted an entire regimine of soldiers to secure the gold. Try as they might, the thieves could find no way to get through without getting caught. Then something happened that would give them the chance they longed for. The King’s daughter was to be married and the suiter was to present “arras” (earnest money in gold coins).
The only catch was how to get close enough to the “arras” to get the coins. Luis suggested they could pose as minstrels for the wedding party. Pedro objected and asked “How is that even possible? We have no musical instrument.” They sat in silence pondering this dilemna when Mario suddenly stood up and said
“I have an idea. We still have a week so let’s meet back here in three days.”
It was the third day and the blue bandanas had waited so long they were on the verge of going to look for another color and Mario approached them with a small wagon being pulled by a donkey. “Come look,” he said. The gang looked inside the wagon and were puzzled by what they saw. “These look like lutes.” said Pedro. “Pero mas grande” (But bigger), added Luis. Mario explained that the lutes weren’t big enough to carry the gold coins so he had them redesigned for their needs. “I’m naming them guitarras because we will use them to get the arras.” He then told the group to practice with them so they could pass themselves off as real “Mariachi.”
The day of the festivities arrived and the band arrived wearing their bandanas and carrying their “guitarras.” They set up near the front so they would be in the best position to get the gold. Vows were made and rings exchanged. Next was the lasso and the thieves were beside themselves in anticipation. Royal weddings aren’t content with tokens, so when several strong men came forward with a heavy chest everyone just knew what was inside. Making their way as close to the chest as possible, the thieves began angling for just the right moment when, suddenly, the princess turned toward the men and said “Musicians, why don’t you play us something?”
Unable to proceed with their plan they only had one choice. They had to play and they had to play well. Which, amazingly even to themselves, they did. The instruments had a deeper, fuller tone and everyone was so impressed that they kept playing even to the dance in the end. So great was their success that they became famous and wealthy, not by stealing gold, but by stealing the hearts of their listeners. It was the dawn of a new era. It was the birth of the guitar which would eventually evolve into what it is today.
And now you know… the jest of the story! Paul Hervey. Good day!