Map of Burgos Area © Mark Wade

On the morrow in the morning, one of the knights who were in the town went upon the wall, and cried out with a loud voice, so that the greater part of the host heard him, King Don Sancho, give ear to what I say; I am a knight and hidalgo, a native of the land of Santiago; and they from whom I spring were true men and delighted in their loyalty, and I also will live and die in my truth.

Give ear, for I would undeceive you, and tell you the truth, if you will believe me.

I say unto you, that from this town of Zamora there is gone forth a traitor to kill you; his name is Vellido Dolfos; he is the son of Adolfo, who slew Don Nuno like a traitor, and the grandson of Laino, another traitor, who killed his gossip and threw him into the river; and this is as great a traitor as the rest of his race; look to yourself therefore and take heed of him.

I say this to you, that if peradventure evil should befall you by this traitor, it may not be said in Spain that you were not warned against him.

Now the name of this knight was Bernal Dianez de Ocampo.

And the men of Zamora sent also to the King to bid him beware of Vellido, and the King took their warning in good part, and sent to say unto them, that when he had the town he would deal bountifully with them, for this which they had done; nevertheless he gave no heed to the warning.

And Vellido, when he heard this went to the King, and said, Sir, the old Arias Gonzalo is full crafty, and hath sent to say this unto you, because he knows that by my means you would have won the town.

And he called for his horse, feigning that he would depart because of what had been said.

But the King took him by the hand and said, Friend and vassal, take no thought for this; I say unto you, that if I may have Zamora, I will make you chief therein, even as Arias Gonzalo is now.

Then Vellido kissed his hand and said, God grant you life, Sir, for many and happy years, and let you fulfil what you desire.

But the traitor had other thoughts in his heart.