CHAPTER XVII.
THE CID.
[Sidenote: Ballads of the Cid.] The ballads of the Cid, which number about two hundred, and some of which are of undoubted antiquity, were not committed to writing until the twelfth century, when a poem of about three thousand lines was composed.

This poem, descriptive of a national hero's exploits, was probably written about half a century after his death.

The earliest manuscript of it now extant bears the date either 1245 or 1345.
The Cid was a real personage, named Rodrigo Diaz, or Ruy Diaz.

He was born in Burgos, in the eleventh century, and won the name of "Cid" (Conqueror) by defeating five Moorish kings, when Spain had been in the hands of the Arabs for more than three centuries.
"Mighty victor, never vanquish'd, Bulwark of our native land, Shield of Spain, her boast and glory, Knight of the far-dreaded brand, Venging scourge of Moors and traitors, Mighty thunderbolt of war, Mirror bright of chivalry, Ruy, my Cid Campeador!" _Ancient Spanish Ballads_ (Lockhart's tr.).
Rodrigo was still a young and untried warrior when his aged father, Diego Laynez, was grossly and publicly insulted by Don Gomez, who gave him a blow in the face.

Diego was far too feeble to seek the usual redress, arms in hand; but the insult rankled deep in his heart, preventing him from either sleeping or eating, and imbittering every moment of his life.
"Sleep was banish'd from his eyelids; Not a mouthful could he taste; There he sat with downcast visage,-- Direly had he been disgrac'd.
"Never stirr'd he from his chamber; With no friends would he converse, Lest the breath of his dishonor Should pollute them with its curse." _Ancient Spanish Ballads_ (Lockhart's tr.).
[Sidenote: Don Gomez slain by Rodrigo.] At last, however, Diego confessed his shame to his son Rodrigo, who impetuously vowed to avenge him.