Armed with his father's cross-hilted sword, and encouraged by his solemn blessing, Rodrigo marched into the hall of Don Gomez, and challenged him to fight.

In spite of his youth, Rodrigo conducted himself so bravely in this his first encounter that he slew his opponent, and by shedding his blood washed out the stain upon his father's honor, according to the chivalric creed of the time.

Then, to convince Diego that he had been duly avenged, the young hero cut off the head of Don Gomez, and triumphantly laid it before him.
"'Ne'er again thy foe can harm thee; All his pride is now laid low; Vain his hand is now to smite thee, And this tongue is silent now.'" _Ancient Spanish Ballads_ (Lockhart's tr.).
[Sidenote: Defeat of the Moors.] Happy once more, old Diego again left home, and went to King Ferdinand's court, where he bade Rodrigo do homage to the king.

The proud youth obeyed this command with indifferent grace, and his bearing was so defiant that the frightened monarch banished him from his presence.

Rodrigo therefore departed with three hundred kindred spirits.