the hands of the Arab writers, a curious
metamorphosis. According to them, the expression Syd was employed, not
by tributary kings, but by certain chiefs of that creed whose pay the
Catholic hero was receiving in return for aid lent against the
Christians of Aragon.

They attribute, moreover, to this mirror of chivalry, on the surrender
of Valencia, a conduct by no means heroic--not to say worthy a
highwayman. He accepted, as they relate, the pay of the Emyr of Valencia
to protect the city against the Almoravides, who at that period were
extending their conquests all over Moorish Spain. The Cid was repulsed,
and the town taken. After this defeat he shut himself up in a castle,
since called the Pena del Cid (Rock of the Cid), and there waited his
opportunity. On the departure of the conquerors from the city, in which
they left an insufficient garrison, he hastened down at the head of his
campeadores, and speedily retook Valencia.

The Cadi, Ahmed ben Djahhaf, left in command of the place, had, however,
only surrendered on faith of a capitulation couched in the most
favourable terms. It was even stipulated that he should retain his post
of governor; but no sooner was the Cid master of the place than he
caused the old man to be arrested and put to the torture, in order to
discover from him the situation of a treasure supposed to be concealed
in the Alcazar; after which, finding he would not speak, or had nothing
to reveal, he had him burned on the public place.

The Citadel of Burgos, at present an insignificant fortress, was
formerly a place of considerable importance, and commanded the
surrounding country; especially on the side on which the town--placed at
the foot of the eminence--lay beneath its immediate protection, and
could listen unscathed to the whizzing of the deadly missiles of war as
they passed over its roofs. During the various wars of which Castile has
been the theatre at different periods, this citadel has, from its
important position, occupied the main attention of contending armies;
and, from forming a constant _point-de-mire_ to attacking troops, has
finally been almost annihilated. The principal portion of the present
buildings is of a modern date, but, although garrisoned, the fortress
cannot be said to be restored.

The extent of the town was greater than at present, and included a
portion of the declivity which exists between the present houses and the
walls of the fortress. At the two extremit