one after one
He gave the signal for retreat ; and to protect his troop , remained himself , alone and motionless , on his horse , like a statue of iron . Though not of large frame , he was esteemed the best swordsman , next only to Hernando del Pulgar and Gonsalvo de Cordova , in the army ; practised alike in the heavy assault of the Christian warfare , and the rapid and dexterous exercise of the Moorish cavalry . There he remained , alone and grim -- a lion at bay -- while his troops slowly retreated down the Vega , and their trumpets sounded loud signals of distress , and demands for succour , to such of their companions as might be within bearing . Villena 's armour defied the shafts of the Moors ; and as one after one darted towards him , with whirling cimiter and momentary assault , few escaped with impunity from an eye equally quick and a weapon more than equally formidable . Suddenly , a cloud of dust swept towards him ; and Muza , a moment before at the further end of the field , came glittering through that cloud , with his white robe waving and his right arm bare . Villena recognised him , set his teeth hard , and putting spurs to his charger , met the rush . Muza swerved aside , just as the heavy falchion swung over his head , and by a back stroke of his own cimiter , shore through the cuirass just above the hip-joint , and the blood followed the blade .