Then raising the heavy two-handed sword, which others laboriously managed
with both hands, he swung it around his head, using only his right hand,
in swift circles, until it fairly whistled through the air.

The soldiers shouted exultingly as they beheld the feat, and when he had
lowered the weapon and silence was restored, he continued, defiantly,
while his breath came quick and short: "And where do the talkers, the
parleyers seek to lead us? To cringe like dogs, who lick their masters'
feet, before the men who cheat us. Count Mannsfeld will come to-day;
I know it, and I have also learned that he will bring everything except
what is our due, what we need, what we intend to demand, what we require
for our bare feet, our ragged bodies; money, money he has not to offer!
This is so, I swear it; if not, stand forth, you parleyers, and give me
the lie! Have you inclination or courage to give the lie to Navarrete?
--You are silent!--But we will speak! We will not suffer ourselves to be
mocked and put off! What we demand is fair pay for good work. Whoever
has patience, can wait. Mine is exhausted.

"We are His Majesty's obedient servants and wish to remain so. As soon as
he keeps his bargain, he can rely upon us; but when he breaks it, we are
bound to no one but ourselves, and Santiago! we are not the weaker party.
We need money, and if His Majesty lacks ducats, a city where we can find
what we want. Money or a city, a city or money! The demand is just, and
if you elect me, I will stand by it, and not shrink if it rouses
murmuring behind me or against me. Whoever has a brave heart under his
armor, let him follow me; whoever wishes to creep after Zorrillo, can do
so. Elect me, friends, and I will get you more than we need, with honor
and fame to boot. Saint Jacob and the Madonna will aid us. Long live
the king!"