Don Fernando noted this, and said—
"May the malediction of heaven fall on the Cain who will take up arms against his brother!"
He then ordered the Cid to approach his bed, and said to him—
"Rodrigo, swear to me that you will never draw your sword against a son or daughter of mine, unless you see that such is necessary in order to protect one of them from the oppression of another, and that your strong arm must be used for that purpose."
"Sire, I swear it to you!" replied the Cid, with deep emotion, for his heart was pierced with grief when he saw that his king was near his last breath; he who had been so dear a friend to him, the old man whom he had loved so much, whom he had served so well, and from whom he had received so many proofs of affection.
"Breath is failing my breast!" said Don Fernando in a very weak voice.
Then his queen, his children, all present, indeed, knelt around the bed, exclaiming with sobs—
"Give us your benediction, sire, give us your benediction!"
The dying king blessed all of them; but when he heard their weeping, he made a strong effort to restore to his voice something of the energy which was rapidly departing from it, and said to them—