Berlanga © Mark Wade

Now it came to pass that while the King lay before Coimbra, there came a pilgrim from the land of Greece on pilgrimage to Santiago; his name was Estiano, and he was a Bishop.

And as he was praying in the church he heard certain of the townsmen and of the pilgrims saying that Santiago was wont to appear in battle like a knight, in aid of the Christians.

And when he heard this it nothing pleased him, and he said unto them, Friends, call him not a knight, but rather a fisherman.

Upon this it pleased God that he should fall asleep, and in his sleep Santiago appeared to him with a good and cheerful countenance, holding in his hand a bunch of keys, and said unto him, Thou thinkest it a fable that they should call me a knight, and sayest that I am not so: for this reason am I come unto thee that thou never more mayest doubt concerning my knighthood; for a knight of Jesus Christ I am and a helper of the Christians against the Moors.

While he was thus saying a horse was brought him the which was exceeding white, and the Apostle Santiago mounted upon it, being well clad in bright and fair armour, after the manner of a knight.

And he said to Estiano, I go to help King Don Ferrando who has lain these seven months before Coimbra, and tomorrow, with these keys which thou seest, will I open the gates of the city unto him at the hour of tierce, and deliver it into his hand.

Having said this he departed.

And the Bishop when he awoke in the morning called together the clergy and people of Compostella, and told them what he had seen and heard.

And as he said, even so did it come to pass; for tidings came that on that day, and at the hour of tierce, the gates of the city had been opened.