More gallant men were never seen,
So bright their arms do shine.
Then follow their challenge to any two knights in Sancho’s camp (except the King himself and the Cid), its acceptance by the two Counts, the Cid’s mocking intervention, and the encounter:—
The Counts arrive; one clad in black,
And one in crimson bright;
The opposing ranks each other meet,
And furious is the fight.
The youth has quick unhorsed his man,
With sturdy stroke and true;
The Sire has pierced the other’s mail,