Count Lucanor | Page 6

name of the other I have forgotten. These three knights had, one day, a dispute among themselves as to who was the most daring and valiant; and, since they could not agree in any other manner, they each determined to reach the gate of Seville, and to strike it with their lances. The following morning they armed, and rode towards the city. Now when the Moors who were on the bastions and towers saw only three knights, they thought they came as envoys, so allowed them to pass the moat, and parapet, and arrive at the city gate. On reaching the gate, each knight struck it with his lance, and having done so, turned his horse's head towards the camp. When the Moors saw the knights returning without leaving any message, they concluded that they had come only to offer an insult, and so determined to pursue them. On opening the gate the Moors found that the knights had already gone some distance; nevertheless they followed them with fifteen thousand horse, and more than twenty thousand foot. Now when the three knights saw the Moors approaching, they turned their horses and waited their arrival; but, on their coming nearer, the knight, whose name I have forgotten, was the first to charge them, whilst Lorenzo Suarez and Garciperez remained quiet; but, on the Moors coming still nearer, Garciperez charged them also, Lorenzo Suarez still remaining stationary until the Moors forced him to the attack; when he threw himself among them and performed wonderful acts of valour. When the royal army saw their knights surrounded by the Moors, they hastened to their assistance, as they saw them in great danger; but, by the mercy of God, none of these knights were mortally (although severely) wounded. The conflict, however, between the Moors and Christians became so general that king Ferdinand was obliged to approach in person; and on that day the Christians displayed great valour.
"When the king returned to the camp, he ordered these three knights to be brought before him, telling them that they deserved death for having acted so foolishly, by having without his orders brought on a general engagement; thereby causing the loss of many brave soldiers. The chiefs of the army, however, interceded with the king for them, and they were liberated in consequence.
"Soon after, the king, hearing that the knights had acted from spirit of emulation, ordered them to attend again, and assembled all the most valiant men of his army; so that they might decide which was the bravest. The debate was animated, each bringing forth good reason for praising his own party -- some maintaining that he who first attacked the Moors displayed the greatest courage; -- others giving preference to the second; the decision, however, was given thus: --
"If the Moors who approached had not been so numerous, and could skill and courage have conquered, then the knight who first charged them only began that which he might have completed; but, since this was not the case, he must have approached, not to conquer, but, through shame of flight, and an inability to resist the influence of fear, therefore it was that he made the attack. The second had better hopes than the first, because he resisted acting in an hopeless cause and bore longer the emotions consequent upon his perilous position. But, Lorenzo Suarez Gallinato, who waited until the Moors attacked him, was judged to be the most valiant.
"And you, my lord, although you are kept in the state of alarm and suspicion of which you now complain, yet engage not in a struggle the end of which you cannot foresee
, continue to exercise you good sense, and do not suffer yourself to be led away by false reports. Your defences are good, so that, even from a sudden attack, you cannot receive much damage.
"I advise you now, my lord, to be of good cheer, since you cannot be seriously injured. Wait before you act, for perhaps you will see that the reports which annoy you are not true. Those who create these alarms seek only their own interest; and believe me, whether they be of your own or your enemy's people, they are indifferent whether it be war or peace; their object being only that they may be favoured with an opportunity during the commotion to gratify their wicked passions -- so that, during the conflict between you and your enemy, they may possess themselves, not only of that belonging to yourself, but of that which belongs to others, without fear of punishment.
"So that you are secured against any sudden attack, it is much better to wait until the wrong comes from the other side. Be patient -- all may yet end well -- God will be with you, which in such a