undred lines, is divided into
two cantos-and was written about 1200. It is a compilation from extant
ballads in regard to the great Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar,
born between 1030 and 1040, whose heroic deeds were performed at the
time when the Christian kings were making special efforts to eject the
Moors, who had invaded Spain three hundred years before.

The first feat mentioned relates that Rodrigo's father, having been
insulted by Don Gomez, pined at the thought of leaving this affront
unavenged, until his son, who had never fought before, volunteered to
defend him. Not only did Rodrigo challenge and slay Don Gomez, but
cutting off his head bore it to his father as a proof that his enemy
was dead, a feat which so pleased the old gentleman that he declared
Rodrigo should henceforth be head of the family.

After thus signalizing himself, Rodrigo was suddenly called upon to
face five Moorish kings who had been making sallies into Castile. Not
only did he defeat them, but took them prisoners, thereby winning from
them the title by which he is commonly known, of "The Cid" or "The
Lord."

Shortly after this Donna Ximena, daughter of Don Gomez, appeared
before King Ferrando demanding satisfaction for her father's death,
and consenting to forego revenge only on condition that Rodrigo would
marry her. The young hero having assented, the couple were united in
the presence of the king, after which Rodrigo took his beautiful bride
to his mother, with whom he left her until he had earned the right to
claim her by distinguishing himself in some way.

It seems that Ferrando of Castile was then disputing from the king of
Aragon the possession of Calahorra, a frontier town. Both monarchs
decided to settle their difference by a duel, stipulating that the
town should belong to the party whose champion triumphed.

Ferrando having selected Rodrigo as his champion, our hero set out to
meet his opponent, delaying on the way long enough to rescue a leper
from a bog. Then, placing this unfortunate on his horse before him,
Rodrigo bore him to an inn, where, in spite of the remonstrances of
his followers, he allowed the leper to share his bed and board. That
night, while lying beside his loathsome bed-fellow, Rodrigo suddenly
felt a cold breath pass through him, and, on investigating, discovered
that his companion was gone. He beheld in his stead St. Lazarus, who
proclaimed that, since Rodrigo had been so charitable, he would meet