Robert South on Cantar de Mio Cid

“As the historian of manners, this poet, whose name unfortunately has perished, is the Homer of Spain.”

“It is unquestionably the oldest poem in the Spanish language. In my judgement, it is as decidedly and beyond all comparison the finest.”

“The Cid's speech at the Cortes is perfect eloquence of its kind. If it be remembered that all this was written in all probability before the year 1200..., I think it must be considered as one of the most curious and valuable specimens of early literature,— certainly as the most beautiful, beyond all comparison.”