[217] “En lo que hubo Cid, no hay duda, ni menos Bernardo del Carpio; pero de que hicieron las hazañas que dicen, creo que hay muy grande.” (Parte I. c. 49.) This, indeed, is the good sense of the matter,--a point in which Cervantes rarely fails,--and it forms a strong contrast to the extravagant faith of those who, on the one side, consider the ballads good historical documents, as Müller and Herder are disposed to do, and the sturdy incredulity of Masdeu, on the other, who denies that there ever was a Cid. At a later period, all sorts of subjects were introduced into the ballads; ancient subjects as well as modern, sacred as well as profane. Even the Greek and Roman fables were laid under contribution, as if they were historically true; but more ballads are connected with Spanish history than with any other, and, in general, they are better. The most striking peculiarity of the whole mass is, perhaps, to be found in the degree in which it expresses the national character. Loyalty is constantly prominent. The Lord of Buitrago sacrifices his own life to save that of his sovereign.[218] The Cid sends rich spoils from his conquests in Valencia to the ungrateful king who had driven him thither as an exile.[219] Bernardo del Carpio bows in submission to the uncle who basely and brutally outrages his filial affections;[220] and when, driven to despair, he rebels, the ballads and the chronicles absolutely forsake him. In short, this and the other strong traits of the national character are constantly appearing in the old historical ballads, and constitute a chief part of the peculiar charm that invests them. [218] See the fine ballad beginning “Si el cavallo vos han muerto,”--which first appears in the “Flor de Romances,” Octava Parte (Alcalá, 1597, f. 129). It is boldly translated by Lockhart. [219] I refer to the ballad in the “Romancero del Cid” beginning “Llego Alvar Fañez a Burgos,” with the letter following it,--“El vasallo desleale.” This trait in the Cid’s character is noticed by Diego Ximenez Ayllon, in his poem on that hero, 1579, where, having spoken of his being treated by the king with harshness,--“Tratado de su Rey con aspereza,”--the poet adds,-- Jamas le dio lugar su virtud alta Que en su lealtad viniese alguna falta. Canto I. [220] On one of the occasions when Bernardo had been most foully and falsely treated by the king, he says,-- Señor, Rey sois, y haredes A vuestro querer y guisa. A king you are, and you must do, In your own way, what pleases you. And on another similar occasion, another ballad, he says to the king,-- De servir no os dejaré Mientras que tenga la vida. Nor shall I fail to serve your Grace While life within me keeps its place. * * * * *