be given to the Bishop Don Hieronymo, that he may hang them up in the
Church of St. Mary, Mother of God. This vow the Cid Campeador made. Now
the Moors began to enter the gardens which were round about the town,
and the watchman saw them and struck the bell. My Cid looked back and
saw Alvar Salvadores beside him, and he said, go now, take two hundred
horse, and sally upon yonder Moors who are entering the gardens; let
Dona Xiraena and her daughters see the good will you have to serve
them. Down went Alvar Salvadores in great haste, and ordered a bell to
be rung which was a signal for two hundred knights to make ready; for
the history saith, that the Cid, by reason that he was alway in war,
had appointed, such signals for his people, that they knew when one
hundred were called for, and when two, and so forth. Presently they
were ready at the place of meeting, and the gate was opened which was
nearest the gardens where the Moors had entered, without order; and
they fell fiercely upon them, smiting and slaying. Great was the
pleasure of the Cid at seeing how well they behaved themselves. And
Dona Ximena and her daughters stood trembling, like women who had never
seen such things before: and when the Cid saw it he made them seat
themselves, so as no longer to behold it. Great liking had the Bishop
Don Hieronymo to see how bravely they fought. Alvar Salvadores and his
companions bestirred themselves so well that they drove the enemy to
their tents, making great mortality among them, and then they turned
back, whereat my Cid was well pleased; but Alvar Salvadores went on,
hacking and hewing all before him, for he thought the ladies were
looking on, and he pressed forward so far, that being without succour
he was taken. The others returned to the city, falling back in brave
order till they were out of reach of the enemy: and they had done no
little in that exploit, for they slew above two hundred and fifty
Moors. When my Cid saw that they who eat his bread were returned, he
went down from the tower, and received them right well, and praised