Rello © Mark Wade

There is no doubt that the soul of the blessed Cid resteth and reigneth with the blessed in Heaven.

And men of all nations and at all times have come from all parts to see and reverence his holy body and tomb, being led by the odour of his fame, especially knights and soldiers, who when they have fallen upon their knees to kiss his tomb, and scraped a little of the stone thereof to bear away with them as a relick, and commended themselves to him, have felt their hearts strengthened, and gone away in full trust that they should speed the better in all battles into which they should enter from that time with a good cause.

By reason of this great devotion, and the great virtues of my Cid, and the miracles which were wrought by him, King Philip the Second gave order to his ambassador Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, to deal with the Court of Rome concerning the canonization of this venerable knight Rodrigo Diaz.

Now Don Diego was a person of great learning, and moreover, one of the descendants of the Cid; and being greatly desirous that this thing should be effected, he sent to the Monastery of St. Pedro de Cardena, and had papers and depositions sent from thence, and made a memorial of the virtues and miracles of the Campeador, showing cause why this blessed knight should be canonized.

But before the matter could be proceeded in, the loss of Siena took place, whereupon he was fain to leave Rome; and thus this pious design could not be brought about.

Nevertheless the Cid hath always been regarded with great reverence as an especial servant of God: and he is called the Blessed Cid, and the Venerable Rodrigo Diaz.

Certes, his soul resteth and reigneth with the blessed in Heaven.

Amen.

HERE ENDETH THE CHRONICLE OF THAT RIGHT FAMOUS AND GOOD KNIGHT THE BLESSED CID, RODRIGO DIAZ DE BIVAR,THE CAMPEADOR