I saw at daybreak there were left with me

But hundreds against thousands. Then to save

The needless slaughter, I gave up my sword

Unto the Christian leader, Ferdinand

Of Portugal; nor ever had here returned

To speak of the disaster, but that prince,

Clement as valiant, questioned courteously

My name, and hearing it returned my sword,

And bidding me choose out from all his suite

What horse I fancied,—for my own was killed,—