The renowned Cid Campeador may or may not have performed all the valorous feats ascribed to him, but it is certain that Spain yet holds his name in grateful remembrance. When his end drew nigh (knowing that a battle was imminent), he ordered that his corpse should be placed erect upon his war horse, his sword in hand, and taken forth to fight a last battle for his country:
“‘Bring in my Babieca’—the Cid a-dying lay—
‘That I may say farewell to him before I pass away.’
The good horse, strong and gentle, full quiet did he keep,
His large soft eyes dilating, as though he fain would weep.
‘I am going, dear companion, thy master rides no more,
Thou well deservest high reward, I leave thee this in store:
Thy master’s deeds shall keep thy name until earth’s latest day;’
And speaking not another word, the good Cid passed away.”
The ruined castle still stands, on a hill above the city of Burgos, in which Don Garcia was imprisoned in 958; where Alfonso of Leon was confined by the Cid, and where Edward I of England was married to Eleanor of Castile.