The Leonese did flee; and on and on, A standard rather than a warrior, I with my army compassed all the land, And won my vict'ries with my baby smile. These taught and nurtured me with loving care, And mother's milk flowed from their wounds for me. And so, while other princes call themselves The fathers of their people, I am son, For what I am, I owe their loyalty. MANRIQUE. If all that now thou art, most noble Sire, Should really, as thou sayest, spring from thence, Then gladly we accept the thanks, rejoice If these our teachings and our nurture, thus Are mirrored in thy fame and in thy deeds, Then we and thou are equally in debt. (_To the_ QUEEN.) Pray gaze on him with these thy gracious eyes; Howe'er so many kings have ruled in Spain, Not one compares with him in nobleness. Old age, in truth, is all too wont to blame, And I am old and cavil much and oft; And when confuted in the council-hall I secret wrath have ofttimes nursed--not long, Forsooth--that royal word should weigh so much; And sought some evil witness 'gainst my King, And gladly had I harmed his good repute. But always I returned in deepest shame-- The envy mine, and his the spotlessness.