y thousand individuals, including the monks of all the neighbouring
monasteries, were assembled in the church of San Pedro, and were
listening to a sermon on the occasion of the annual festival in honour
of the patron saint. Guided by curiosity, a Moor entered the church and
mingled with the crowd. After remaining during a short time motionless,
he approached a pillar, against which was suspended a portrait of the
Cid, for the purpose of examining the picture. Suddenly the figure was
seen by all present, whose testimony subsequently established the fact,
to grasp with the right hand the hilt of its sword, and to uncover a few
inches of the naked blade. The Moor instantly fell flat on the pavement,
and was found to be lifeless.

You would be surprised at the difficulty of forming even here, in the
midst of the scenes of his exploits, a definite idea of this Hercules of
the Middle Ages. For those who are satisfied with the orthodox histories
of the monks, he is without defects--a simple unsophisticated demi-god.
But there have been Mahometan historians of Spain. These are universally
acknowledged to have treated of all that concerned themselves with
complete accuracy and impartiality; and, when this happens, it should
seem to be the best criterion, in the absence of other proof, of their
faithful delineation of others' portraits.

However that may be, here is an instance which will give you an idea of
the various readings of the Cid's history.

Mariana relates, that an Arab expedition, headed by five kings (as he
terms them) of the adjoining states, being signalized as having passed
the mountains of Oca, and being occupied in committing depredations on
the Christian territory, Rodrigo suddenly took the field, recovered all
the booty, and made all five kings prisoners. All this being done by
himself and his own retainers. The kings he released after signing a
treaty, according to which they agreed to pay him an annual tribute. It
happened, that on the occasion of the first payment of this, Rodrigo was
at Zamora, whither he had accompanied the King of Castile; and he took
an opportunity of receiving the Arab messengers in presence of the
court. This was at least uncommon. The messengers addressed him by the
appellation of Syd (sir) as they handed over the money. Ferdinand,
delighted with the prowess of his courtier, expressed on this occasion
the desire that he should retain the title of Syd.

This anecdote undergoes, in