In Toledo ye contrived it, but ye did not wish this fray. Of my lord Cid the Campeador I brought these knights all three To Carrión's land, that under my safe-conduct they might be. Wait justice. Unto evil no wise turn your intent. Whoso desireth evil with force will I prevent; Such a thing throughout my kingdom he shall bitterly bemoan." How downcast were the spirits of the Heirs of Carrión! Now with the King the judges have marked the boundaries out. They have cleared all the meadow of people roundabout. And unto the six champions the boundaries have they shown-- Whoever went beyond them should be held for overthrown. The folk that round were gathered now all the space left clear; To approach they were forbiddden within six lengths of a spear. 'Gainst the sun no man they stationed, but by lot gave each his place. Forth between them came the judges, and the foes are face to face. Of my lord Cid the henchmen toward the Heirs of Carrión bore, And Carrión's Heirs against them who served the Campeador. The glance of every champion fixes on his man forthright; Before their breasts the bucklers with their hands have they gripped tight, The lances with the pennons now have they pointed low, And each bends down his countenance over the saddlebow; Thereon the battle-chargers with the sharp spurs smote they, And fain the earth had shaken where the steeds sprang away. The glance of every champion fixes on his man forthright. Three against three together now have they joined the fight. Whoso stood round for certain deemed that they dead would fall. Per Vermudóz the challenge who delivered first of all, Against Ferránd Gonzálvez there face to face he sped. They smote each other's bucklers withouten any dread. There has Ferránd Gonzálvez pierced don Pero's target through. Well his lance-shaft in two places he shattered it in two. Unto the flesh it came not, for there glanced off the steel. Per Vermudóz sat firmly, therefore he did not reel. For every stroke was dealt him, the buffet back he gave, He broke the boss of the buckler, the shield aside he drave. He clove through guard and armour, naught availed the man his gear. Nigh the heart into the bosom he thrust the battle-spear. Three mail-folds had Ferrándo, and the third was of avail. Two were burst through, yet firmly held the third fold of mail. Ferrándo's shirt and tunic, with the unpierced iron mesh, A handsbreadth by Per Vermudóz were thrust into the flesh. And forth from his mouth straightway a stream of blood did spout. His saddle-girths were broken; not one of them held out. O'er the tail of the charger he hurled him to the ground. That his death stroke he had gotten thought all the folk around. He left the war-spear in him, set hand his sword unto. When Ferránd Gonzálvez saw it, then well Tizón he knew. He shouted, "I am vanquished," rather than the buffet bear. Per Vermudóz, the judges so decreeing, left him there.