He is seated at a table, in company with a monk, and is at that moment employed in turning over the leaves of an illuminated missal, on the value of which he is descanting. The same aged chamberlain, who so stoutly maintained the justice of the king’s conduct towards Doña Ximena, peaceably slumbers in a corner, his ivory wand of office in his hand. Suddenly the monotonous voice of the monk ceases, for, raising the arras which hangs before the entrance, Bernardo del Carpio stands in the doorway. His cap is in his hand, his eyes are turned on the ground, but his compressed lips and tightly knitted hands betray his agitation. Since the battle of Roncesvalles, Bernardo and the king have not met alone. The debt of gratitude he owes him has envenomed the king’s mind. His tenderness has turned to jealousy and suspicion. “How now, Bernardo,” he says in an angry voice, raising his eyes from the manuscript, “do you presume so much on your success that you dare to come unbidden into my presence?” “Perhaps I do,” replies Bernardo, advancing into the room and placing himself at the head of the table in front of the king, spite of the feeble efforts of the old chamberlain, who has waked up and endeavours to prevent it. “Perhaps I have the right.” “Ha! what right?” demands Alonso, gazing at him curiously from under the bushy fringe of his eyebrows. “The right of your nearest of blood,” answers Bernardo, his eyes fixed on the king. “Now curses on you!” exclaims Alonso rising, and stretching out his thin hands, as if to shut out the image of one who represented to him mortal sin. “It is a lie. Who can have told you?” “No matter,” answers Bernardo; “suffice it that I know.” “Talk not to me of kinship. You have no name save that of the traitor who bore you.” “Nay, drive me not too far, old man. You are my king and I have saved your life. Your horse was wounded under you, the sword of Roland was at your throat, your blood flowed like water when I ventured mine.” “Seize him, seize him!” shouts Alonso. “Guards where are you? What?” turning to the chamberlain, “do you favour this braggart?” But no one stirs. The monk glided out at the first entrance of Bernardo, and the old chamberlain, whose peaceful life has never led him into scenes of strife, stands with open eyes, transfixed with terror. “Now listen, Don Alonso,” cries Bernardo, [Illustration: A MOORISH GATEWAY. (Burgos.)] mastering the rage which, like a whirlwind, seized him at sight of the king. “Either on the instant you promise to give into my hand my father, Don Sancho of Saldaña, or I will fortify my castle of Carpio and take service with the Moor. I am at least near enough the throne in blood not to serve a liar and a hypocrite.” These words are spoken slowly. His voice has a strange ring in it. “Now, by this blade, which I have proved owes no lord but Heaven and me, King, Conde, or Grandeza, swear, King Don Alonso, to set my father free.”