Several years after this event, the king of Castile summoned his
nobles to assist him in a campaign against the Moors. Don Munio Sancho
was among the first to answer to the call, with seventy horsemen,
all stanch and well-tried warriors. His wife, Dona Maria hung about
his neck. "Alas, my lord!" exclaimed she, "how often wilt thou tempt
thy fate, and when will thy thirst for glory be appeased!"
"One battle more," replied Don Munio, "one battle more, for the
honor of Castile, and I here make a vow, that when this is over, I
will lay by my sword, and repair with my cavaliers in pilgrimage to
the sepulchre of our Lord at Jerusalem." The cavaliers all joined with
him in the vow, and Dona Maria felt in some degree soothed in
spirit; still, she saw with a heavy heart the departure of her
husband, and watched his banner with wistful eyes, until it
disappeared among the trees of the forest.
The king of Castile led his army to the plains of Salmanara, where
they encountered the Moorish host, near to Ucles. The battle was
long and bloody; the Christians repeatedly wavered, and were as
often rallied by the energy of their commanders. Don Munio was covered
with wounds, but refused to leave the field. The Christians at
length gave way, and the king was hardly pressed, and in danger of
being captured.
Don Munio called upon his cavaliers to follow him to the rescue.
"Now is the time," cried he, "to prove your loyalty.
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