The combat continued, ever more obstinate, more bloody, more ferocious. Anger blinded Rodrigo, and gave advantage to his adversary, who remained much cooler. Martin observed this, and endeavoured to win the victory by enraging more and more the young cavalier; and, according to the "Chronicle of the Cid," he said to him—
"It was an evil day for you when you entered into this contest with me, for you shall never marry Doña Ximena Gome, whom you love so much. You shall not return to Castile alive."
To which Rodrigo answered, according to the same chronicle—
"Don Martin Gonzalez, you know, as a knight should, that such words are not for an occasion like this; we are here to fight with our swords and not with idle words."
"Then let us finish quickly," said Martin in a low voice, "for Ximena awaits me with open arms."
These words were scarcely uttered when the sword of Rodrigo was darted at his visage, and, breaking the front part of the helmet, it entered his mouth with such force that the point came out through the back of his neck.
A providential chastisement. The calumniator, Martin Gonzalez, was punished where he had most sinned.
Enthusiastic cries resounded on all sides.
"Calahorra for Don Fernando!" cried out the heralds three times; and no one came forward to maintain the contrary.