THE SCENE: Even priests and religious men were not immune from the crusading desire for battle that characterized the Spanish reconquista.
THE TEXT: Then the bishop, Don Jerome, came along, fully armed, stood in front of the Campeador and said, “Today I have said Mass of the Holy Trinity for your success. I left my country and came here to join you for the desire I felt to kill a Moor or two. Wishing to honour myself and my order, I demand of you the privilege of striking the first blows. I carry a banner and a shield with emblem of roe deer emblazoned on them. I wish to essay my arms, as it may please God, to bring me joy and give you greater satisfaction. If you do not grant me this favour I shall leave you and go my way.” Then the Cid spoke, saying: “That is the right spirit. There are the Moors; attack them. We shall look on from here to see how the prelate fights.”
The bishop Don Jerome spurred forward to the charge and attached at the edge of their camp. By good fortune and the grace of God he killed two Moors at the first blows he dealt. When the shaft of his lance broke he laid hand on his sword. The bishop showed his mettle; heavens, how well he fought! Two he killed with his lance, five with his sword! A crowd of Moors surrounded him and heaved great blows, but they did not succeed in piercing his armour. The Cid stood watching the fight; then he embraced his shield, lowered his lance, put spurs to Babieca, his swift horse, and dashed into the fray, laying about him with heart and soul. The Campeador, bursting through the first ranks, overthrew seven and killed four. It pleased God to give the victory to the Cid and his men, for they put the Moors to flight. You should have seen how many ropes were broken and stakes torn up and how many tent poles, adorned with fine work, lay fallen on the ground! The Cid’s men drove Bucar’s men out of their tents.
– The Song of the Cid, 12th Century AD
