"A curse upon thee," cries the king, "Who com'st unbid to me! But what from traitor's blood should spring, Save traitor like to thee? His sire, lords, had a traitor's heart,-- Perchance our champion brave May think it were a pious part To share Don Sancho's grave." --"Whoever told this tale, The king hath rashness to repeat," Cries Bernard, "here my gage I fling Before the liar's feet! No treason was in Sancho's blood-- No stain in mine doth lie: Below the throne what knight will own The coward calumny? "The blood that I like water shed, When Roland did advance, By secret traitors hired and led, To make us slaves of France; The life of king Alphonso I saved at Roncesval-- Your words, Lord King, are recompense Abundant for it all. "Your horse was down--your hope was flown-- I saw the falchion shine That soon had drunk your royal blood, Had I not ventured mine; But memory soon of service done Deserteth the ingrate; You've thanked the son for life and crown By the father's bloody fate. "Ye swore upon your kingly faith To set Don Sancho free; But, curse upon your paltering breath! The light he never did see; He died in dungeon cold and dim, By Alphonso's base decree; And visage blind and stiffened limb, Were all they gave to me. "The king that swerveth from his word, Hath stained his purple black; No Spanish lord will draw his sword Behind a liar's back; But noble vengeance shall be mine, And open hate I'll show-- The king hath injured Carpio's line, And Bernard is his foe!" --"Seize, seize him!" loud the King doth scream; "There are a thousand here! Let his foul blood this instant stream;-- What! caitiffs, do ye fear? Seize, seize the traitor!" But not one To move a finger dareth; Bernardo standeth by the throne, And calm his sword he bareth.