he middle of its career, and its master, being obliged to deviate from
his intended aim, would have offered an easy victory to his antagonist.
The knight, however, generously refused to take advantage of this
accident, and, making a demi-volte, returned to await the _Mantenedor_'s
leisure. But the latter, overcome by the courteous behaviour of his
adversary, declined a second encounter, and retired to the castle.

Don Manuel Ponce de Leon next advanced, happy in the opportunity which
chance offered him of gathering the laurels, which his principal had
forgone. This knight, in the opinion of many, was the most formidable of
the five challengers--the repeated single combats in which he had
engaged against the Moors, and other feats of arms, having won for him
very great reputation. He came therefore into the lists, as if conscious
of his powers, and fully confident of success. In the first shock,
there was a slight advantage on his part, having succeeded in striking
his lance so forcibly, and directly on the breast-plate of his
adversary, that the incognito knight was observed somewhat to stagger;
while Don Manuel remained immoveable as a rock--however, as no decided
advantage could be claimed, the two champions prepared to renew the
engagement. Again the swift-footed steeds fly over the lists, and again
the combatants meet with a terrific clash. It proved unfortunate for
Ponce de Leon, who was dealt such a severe blow, that had it not been
for the extreme goodness of his armour, the queen would have lost one of
her most gallant warriors. As it was, the saddle girths broke, and the
horse, unable to withstand the shock, staggered backward--tottered, and
rolled over, throwing his rider, with a tremendous fall, into the middle
of the lists. Ponce de Leon with difficulty arose, having received a
sore contusion, and was assisted back to the castle, from whence the
Alcayde de los Donceles soon issued forth, intent upon revenging the
disgrace of his companion. He offered, however, a faint resistance; for
the incognito knight, at every encounter, appeared to acquire new
strength. The opposition afforded by Count de Cifuentes was still
weaker; the unfortunate knight being fairly unhorsed in such a manner,
that he seemed for a moment to be carried on the point of his
antagonist's lance to the ground. The shouts of the spectators, and the
peal of instruments redoubled at every new proof of strength and skill
thus manifested, and the