The Lay of the Cid. Folio 72r

Of my lord Cid the henchmen toward the Heirs of Carrion bore,
And Carrion'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 Vermudoz the challenge who delivered first of all,
Against Ferrand Gonzalvez there face to face he sped.
They smote each other's bucklers withouten any dread.
There has Ferrand Gonzalvez 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 Vermudoz 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 crave.
He dove 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 Ferrando, and the third was of avail.
Two were burst through, yet firmly held the third fold of mail.
Ferrando's shirt and tunic, with the unpierced iron mesh,
A handsbreadth by Per Vermudoz were thrust into the flesh.
And forth from his mouth straightway a stream of blood did spout.