El Cid

In all of the peninsula
Of Spain and Portugal;
His name's revered by young and old.
His exploits known by all.

There never was a greater man
To ride a horse in mail.
In battle he was fearsome, brave,
And never known to fail.

But evil and convincing men
Persuaded Christian Crown;
That our fair knight with jealousy
Would soon the King bring down.

They warned that he be sent away,
Refused by all the land.
By royal proclamation, that
Intact the throne might stand.

So, banished by the Christian and
The enemy of Moor;
Oh my Cid wept, the fabled knight,
Without a home and poor.

But honor was his byword, and
True loyalty his creed.
He flew to conquer kingdoms,
Aboard his mighty steed.

And then the mighty treasures
He did share with his duped King:
Convincing him with kindness
That no danger would he bring.

Vast fortunes did he bring the King,
Much land and peoples too.
And for his strength and bravery,
The Moor from Spain withdrew.

Time honored now by Spaniard as
Protector from the Moor.
His Armor shining brightly, he -
El Cid, Campeador.