THE LAY OF THE CID

CANTAR III

Online Medieval and Classical Library Release #30

80 THE AFFRONT OF CORPES

CXII The Cid lay in Valencia with all his men beside;
With him the Heirs of Carrion his sons-in-law abide.
Upon his couch to slumber lay the good Campeador.
There fell a hard occasion, a thing they looked not for.
From his cage came forth the lion, from his bonds he broke away.
All men throughout the palace in mighty dread were they.
'Neath the arm the Campeador his men their mantles up have ta'en,
About his couch they gathered, and beside their lord remain.
As for Ferrand Gonzalvez the Heir of Carrion,
He saw no place to hide in; chamber or tower was none.
Beneath the seat he crouched him so mighty was his dread.
And Didago Gonzalvez out through the doorway fled,
Crying aloud: "Wo! Carrion no more shall I behold."
Beneath a wine-press timber he hid in fear untold.
Thence he brought cloak and tunic all filthy and forlorn.

With that he woke from slumber, who in happy hour was born,
And saw his good men round his couch in a close ring that stood.
"Now what is this my henchmen ~ What is it that ye would?"

"Ha, worthy lord! The lion gave us a fearful fright."
The Cid leaned on his elbow, on his feet he leaped upright.
He flung his cloak on shoulder. Straight for the beast he made.
The lion when he saw him, so sorely was afraid
That before the Cid, low cowering, to earth his head he bent.
Hy lord Cid don Rodrigo him by the neck has hent.
He drew him and he dragged him and within his cage shut fast.

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As many as heheld it thought it a marvel vast.
And then through the palace they returned unto the hall,
Of his sons the Cid made question, but found them not at all.
Though they shouted for them loudly, none answered to the hail.
And when at last they found them, oh, but their checks were pale !
Such mirth as in the palace was ye never saw before;

But to plague them was forbidden by the lord Cid Campeador.
Many thought that but for cowards themselves the twain had shown.
Sore grieved at what befell them were the heirs of Carrion.

CXIII While thus the affair standeth wherein they had such shame,
A host out of Morocco to besiege Valencia came.
Their camp within the Quarter Field have they arrayed aright.
For fifty thousand chieftains pavilions have they pight.
'Twas the King Bucar if perchance of him ye e'er heard tell.

CXIV The Cid and all his henchmen, it pleased them passing well,
For so by the lord's favor their gain should grow the more.
But know the Heirs of Carrion at heart were very sore,
For they saw of the Moriscos many and many a tent,
Which liked them not. The brothers forthwith apart they went.
"We would keep in mind our profit, nor for the loss have care.
And now within this battle we must needs do our share."
"Such a thing well may keep us from seeing Carrion more.
Widows will be the daughters of the good Campeador."

But Munoz Gustidz heakened how in secret they conferred.
To the Cid Campeador he came with the tale of what he heard:
"The two Heirs thy sons-in-law, their courage is so strong,
Because they go to battle, for Carrion they long.
As God cherishes and keeps them, go bid them have good heart,


82 THE LAY OF THE CID

That they in peace may tarry, nor in battle have a part.
But with that we shall conquer, and God shall be our stay."

My lord Cid don Rodrigo with a smile went his way.
"My sons, the Heirs of Carrion. God have you in his care.
In your arms rest my daughters that as the sun are fair.
And as I yearn for battle, so of Carrion are ye fain.
In pleasance in Valencia to your hearts desire remain!,
For as for the Moriscos, them well enough I know,
And by grace of the Creator have courage to o'erthrow."

While they spoke thus, King Bucar sent word and commanded
The Cid to quit Valencia and go his way in peace

At this point a lacuna occurs in the text of the poem. The prose passage is
supplied from the
Chronicle of the Twenty Kings, an emendation due to Pidal,

Othelwise Bucar would exact payment for all that the Cid had done in
The city. The Cid said to him who bore the message: "Go thou and say to Bucar,
that son of an
enemy, that before three days are past, I will give him all that he asks." The
next day the Cid
ordered all his men to take up their weapons, and marched out against the
Moors. The Heirs of
Carrion on that occasion sought the van of him. After the Cid had marshalled
his men in order of
battle, don Ferrando, one of the Heirs, went forth to attack a Moor who was
called Aladraf. The
Moor, when he beheld don Ferrando, came forward likewise to attack him.
Thereupon the Heir of
Carrion, being overcome with fear of the Moor, wheeled his horse and fled
before him.
Single-handed he dared not await the Moor's coming.

When Pero Vermudoz, who was hard by, beheld this, he attacked the Moor, fought
with him and
slew him. Then he

83 THE LAY OF THE CID

took the Moor's horse and went in quest of the Heir who was in full flight.
"Don Ferrando," he
said to him, "take this horse and tell all men that thou didst slay the Moor,
his master. I will be thy
witness " And the Heir replied: "Don Pero Vermudoz, I thank thee greatly for
what thou sayest.


"May I see that time when payment I shall make to thee twice o'er
For all that thou deserves". The twain turned back once more.
Don Pero there bore witness to Ferrando's brag and lie.
The Cid and all his vassals were gladdened much thereby.

"If God our Father wills it, in Heaven that doth dwell,
My sons-in-law in battle shall both acquit them well."

So they spake. And the two armies now the advance began.
In the Moorish host resounded of the drums the rataplan.
It was among the Christians a marvel sore to some,
For never had they heard it, since but newly were they come.
On Diego and Ferrando greater wonder yet did fall,
And of their free will thither they would not have come at all.
To what he said who was brought forth in happy hour give ear:
"Ho! now don Pero Vermudoz, who art my nephew dear,
Didago and Ferrando now keep them well for me,
For in mine eyes my sons-in-law are dear exceedingly.
By God's help the Moriscos shall hold the field no more."

CXVI "In the name of every charity I tell thee, Campeador,
That today to be their keeper I never will remain.
To me they matter little -- let him keep them who is fain.
I with my men about me against their van will smite;
Do thou with thine hold firmly the rearward of the fight.

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Then canst thou aid me lightly if peril should arise." 

Minaya Alvar Fanez came then to him likewise. 
"Oh, Cid, give ear, and hearken, Oh faithful Campeador ! 
For surely in this battle shall God himself make war, 
And He will make thee worthy with Him therein to share. 
Where 'er thou deemest fitting bid us attack them there. 
Each man must do his duty. Upon them let us thrust. 
On God and on thy fortune now hangeth all our trust." 
My lord Cid said: "Then prithee tarry here yet awhile." 
Lo ! don Jerome the Bishop who was armed in gallant style, 
He stopped before the Campeador. Fair fortune had he aye. 
"The Mass of holy Trinity I sang for thee this day. 
For this cause from mine own country did I seek thee and ensue, 
Since in the slaughter of the Moor such great delight I knew. 
And I am fain to honor both mine order and mine hand. 
In the forefront of the battle it is my desire to stand. 
And crosses on my pennant, and blazoned arms have I. 
If it be God his pleasure, I am fain mine arms to try, 
That so at last my spirit in perfect peace may be, 
And thou mayst be, my lord the Cid, better content with me. 
If thou cost me not this honor, from thy side I will retire." 

The lord Cid gave him answer: "I am pleased with thy desire. 
Of the Moors go make a trial, lo, where they are in sight. 
From hence we shall behold it, how the Abbot fights the fight." 

CXVII And don Jerome the Bishop went spurring thence away. 
'Gainst the cnd of the encampment lie guided forth the fray. 
By his good hap and God's mercy who ever loved him well, 
At the first stroke he delivered two Moors before him fell. 
When in twain his lance was broken, he set hand upon the blade. 

85 THE LAY OF THE CID 

Well was he tried. And Name of God! what a fair fight he made ! 
Two with the lance, and with the sword five of the foe he slew. 
The Moors are very many. Around him close they drew, 
They did not pierce his armour, though they laid on strokes of power. 

His eyes beheld the Bishop, who was born in happy hour, 
He caught his shield, the battle-spear he laid it low along, 
He spurred Bavieca the well-paced steed and strong, 
He went to smite against them with all his soul and heart. 
The foremost ranks of battle did the lord Cid dispart: 
Of the Moors he struck down seven, and five of them hath slain. 
God was well pleased, the battle it was granted him to gain. 
My lord Cid and his henchmen in hot pursuit they went. 
There had you seen the stakes uptorn and may a tent-rope rent, 
And all the ten-poles falling that were wrought so rich and brave. 
From the tents, my lord Cid's vassals King Buicar's henchmen drave. 

CXVIII Out of the tents they drave them; on them in pursuit they flew. 
Many arms and many a hauberk, had you seen there cloven 
And many a head well helmed in the battle fallen low, [through, 
And many a steed masterless that galloped to and fro. 
For seven miles together they followed up the flight. 
As he followed, on King Bucar the Cid my lord did light: 
"Turn hither, Bucar. thou hast come from the land over sea. 
The Cid whose beard is mighty thou shalt meet with presently. 
Let us greet, and in fast friendship let each to each be bound." 
To the Cid answered Bucar: "Such a friendship God confound. 
A sword in hand thou bearest, and I see thee spur amain, 

86  THE LAY OF THE CID 

Seemeth well that thou upon me to try that blade art fain. 
If my horse keep from stumbling and falleth not with me. 
Thou shalt not overtake me till we ride into the sea." 
My lord Cid answered: "With the truth that word no faith shall keep. " 
A good steed had Bucar that sprang off great leap on leap. 
But the Cid's Bavieca upon him fast did gain. 
Three fathoms from the water was Bucar overta 'en. 
He has lifted up Colada. A great stroke did he smite. 
The carbuncles upon his heml he has smitten through forthright. 
He cut straight through the helmet, all else in twain he crave, 
And slashing to the girdle of the King came down the glaive. 
Bucar the King from oversea the Cid hath overthrown. 
Well worth a thousand golden marks was the great sword Tizon, 
That he took there. 'Twas a victory most marvelous and great. 
Here my lord Cid got honor and all that on him wait. 

CXIX And now with all that booty, homeward again they wheeled. 
And be it known that steadfastly they plundered all the field. 
With him who in good hour was born to the fonts they came once more; 
My lord the Cid Roy Diaz, the famous Campeador, 
With two swords he greatly cherished through the carnage swiftly passed. 
O'er his brow his cap was wrinkled, back was his mail-hood cast, 
And but a little ruffled was the cap upon his hair. 
On every side his henchmen came thronging to him there. 
My lord the Cid saw somewhat and was well pleased thereby, 
For he looked forth before him lifting up his eyes on high. 
And Diego and Ferrando he beheld, that near him drew. 
Of the Count don Gonzalvo the children were the two. 

87 THE LAY OF THE CID 

My lord the Cid smiled beautifully, for a glad man was he. 

"Are ye come here, my sons-in-law? Ye are both sons to me. 
I know that with the fighting ye are right well content. 
To Carrion fair tidings that concern you shall be sent, 
How by us the King Bucar unto defeat was thrust. 
As sure as unto the Lord God and all his saints I trust, 
With the rout of the foeman shall we all we be satisfied. 
Minaya Alvar Fanez came now unto his side. 
Hacked with the swords was all the shield that at his neck he wore. 
The strokes of many lances had scarred it furthermore. 
They that those strokes had stricken, had reaped therefrom no gain. 
Down the blood streamed from his elbows. More than twenty had he slain. 
"To God and to the Father on High now praises be, 
And Cid who in good hour wast born so likewise unto thee. 
Thou slewest the King Bucar, and we ha' won the day. 
To thee and to thy vassals belongeth all the prey. 
And as for thy two sons-in-law they have been proved aright, 
Who got their fill of Moorish war upon the field of fight." 

Said my lord Cid in answer, I therefore am right glad. 
Since they are proved, hereafter in esteem shall they be had." 

In honesty he said it, but a jest the thing they thought. 
The prey unto Valencia they gathered and they brough't. 
My lord the Cid was merry and his vassals with him there. 
Six hundred marks of silver were allotted to his share. 

The sons-in-law of my lord Cid, when they had ta'en away 
Their war-prize, when the booty safe in their hand had they, 
Took care that no decrease thereof should in their time be made. 
In the city of Valencia they were splendidly arrayed, 
Feeding well, and wearing noble cloaks and gallant capes of fur. 
The Cid and all his henchmen exceeding glad they were. 

88  THE LAY OF THE CID 

CXS 'Twas a great day in the palace of the Cid Campeador, 
When he had slain King Bucar and they won the field of war. 
He raised his hand, he plucked his beard: "To Christ now glory be, 
Who is the Lord of all the Earth, for my desire I see, 
That with me in the battle my two sons should front the foe. 
Of them most noble tidings to Carrion shall go: 
How they are greatly honored, and what renown they gain." 

CXXI It was a mighty booty that the Cid his host had ta 'en. 
Part is their own. In safety they kept the rest aside. 
My lord the Cid gave orders who was born in a good tide, 
That to all men of that conquest his true share they should allot, 
And that the fifth of my lord Cid should nowise be forgot. 
And all mcn did according, being prudent one and all. 
For his fifth, six hundred horses to my lord Cid did fall, 
And there were many camels and, moreover, mules as well. 
Of them there were so many, that their number none might tell. 

CXXII All of this prey was captured by the great Campeador: 
"Now unto God be glory who is Lord the whole world o'er. 
Before I was in poverty who have grown rich and great, 
For now I have possessions, gold, honor, and estate; 
And the two Heirs of Carrion my sons-in-law are they. 
And since it is God's pleasure I win in every fray; 
And the Moors and the Christians they have great dread of me. 
And over in Morocco, where many mosques there be, 
Where all men are in terror lest upon them I descend 
On some fine night. That venture in no way I intend -- 
I shall not go to seek them. In Valencia I shall stay. 
By God's aid, to me their tribute they shall render up and pay. 

89 THE LAY OF THE CID 

To me or unto whom I will, they shall pay the money down." 

Very great was the rejoicing in Valencia the town 
That rose in all the levies of the Cid Campeador, 
That God's will hath vouchsafed them to triumph in the war. 
Likewise of both his sons-in-law excelling was the mirth, 
For each of them won booty five thousand marks in worth. 
Themselves they deem right wealthy, those Heirs of Carrion twain. 

And they with all the others to the palace came again. 
With my lord the Cid the Bishop don Jerome standeth here. 
And the good AIvar Fanez, the fighting cavalier. 
Of the Campeador his household are many others by. 
When the heirs of Carrion entered, they were given greeting high. 
By Minaya for the sake of my lord Cid Campeador: 
"Come, brothers, by your presence now are we honored more." 
When they were come the Campeador was merry of his cheer: 
"Lo! now behold, my sons-in-law, my faithful wife and dear, 
With Dame Sol and Dame Elvira that are my daughters twain, 
Now nobly may they serve you and nobly entertain. 
Now glory to Saint Mary, Mother of our Lord! God's name! 
You are like from these your marriages to win abundant fame. 
Unto the land of Carrion fair tidings shall be sped." 

CXXIII Out spake the Heir Ferrando when all the word was said: 
"Glory to the Creator, and, noble Cid, to thee. 
We have so many riches that numberless they be. 
Through you we have much honor, and we have fought for you; 
We conquered the Moriscos in the battle, and we slew 
King Bucar, proven traitor, so pray you have a care 
Now for some other matter; well marcheth our affair." 

My lord the Cid his henchmen spake smiling round about 
Of whoso fought most fiercely or best pursued the rout. 

90  THE LAY OF THE CID 

But Diego and Ferrando mid such men they did not find. 
And now in all the japing the henchmen had designed 
Both day and night together they mocked sore the Heirs again. 
A very evil counsel together took the twain. 
Verily they are brothers, forthwith apart they turn 
To the thing that they have spoken, let us have no concern. 
"Let us return to Carrion. Here overlong we wait. 
The riches wc have gathered are excellent and great. 
We cannot hope to spend them in the mountance of our lives. 

CXXIV "Now of the Cid the Campeador let us demand our wives. 
Let us say that we will bear them to the lands of Carrion. 
The place where they are heiresses shall unto them be shown. 
We shall take them from Valencia, from the Campeador his reach. 
And then upon the journey we shall work our will on each, 
Ere the matter of the lion for a sore reproach and scorn 
They turn to our discomfort who are heirs of Carrion born. 
We shall bear with us of treasure nigh priceless a fair stock. 
Of the daughters of the Campeador we two shall make our mock. 
We shall be rich men always who possess such valiant things, 
And fit to marry daughters of emperors or kings, 
Who art the Counts of Carrion by virtue of our birth. 
The Campeador his daughters we shall mock at in our mirth. 
Ere the matter of the lion they throw at us in disdain." 

When this they had decided the two returned again. 
Ontspake Ferrand Golzalvez for silence in the Court: 

"Cid Campeador, so may our God abide thy strong support, 
May it please Dame Ximena, but first seem good to thee, 
And Minaya Alvar Fanez and all men here that be 
Give us our wives. By marriage are they ours in very deed. 
Unto our lands in carrion those ladies we will lead. 

91 THE LAY OF THE CID 

With the dower-lands to enfeoff them that we gave for bridal right 
Of the lands of our possession, thy daughters shall have sight, 
And those wherein the children to be born to us shall share." 

The Cid my lord the Campeador scented no insult there: 
"I shall give you my daughters and of my wealth dispone. 
Ye gave them glebe of dowry in the lands of Carrion, 
Three thousands marks of dower shall to my girls belong. 
I will give mules and palfreys both excellent and strong, 
And great steeds of battle swift and of mighty thew, 
And cloth and silken garments with the gold woven through. 
Colada and Tizon the swords I will give to you likewise 
Full well ye know I got them in very gallant guise. 
My sons ye are, for to you do I give my daughters two. 
My very heart's blood thither ye carry home with you. 
In Leon and in Galicia and Castile let all men hear 
How I sent forth my sons-in-law with such abundant gear. 
And serve you well my daughters, your wedded wives that be. 
An you serve them well rich guerdon ye shall obtain of me." 
To this the heirs of Carrion their full assent made plain. 
The daughters of the Campeador were given them and ta'en, 
And they began receiving as the Cid's orders went. 
When of all their heart's desire they were at last content, 
Then Carrion's heirs commanded that the packs be loaded straight, 

Through Valencia the city was the press of business great, 
And all have taken weapons and all men gallop strong, 
For they must forth the daughters of the Cid to speed along 
Unto the lands of Carrion. To mount all men prepare, 
Farewell all men are saying. But the two sisters there, 
Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, kneeled to the Cid Campeador: 
"A boon, so may God keep thee, O father, we implore. 

92 THE LAY OF THE CID 

Thou begottest us. Our mother she brought us forth in pain. 
Our liege-lord and our lady, here do ye stand ye twain. 
Now to the lands of Carrion to send us is your will; 
It is our bounden duty thy commandment to fulfil. 
And so we two together ask but this boon of thee, 
That in the lands of Carrion thy tidings still may be." 
My lord the Cid has clasped them, and he has kissed the twain. 

CXXV This hath he done. Their mother hath doubled it again. 
"Go, daughters! the Creator of you henceforth have care 
Mine and your father's blessing you still with you shall bear. 
Go forth where you are dowered in Carrion to dwell. 
I have, after my thinking, married you passing well." 
The hands of their father and their mother kissed the two. 
Blessing and benediction they gave to them anew. 

My lord Cid and the others have fettled them to ride, 
With armor and with horses and caparisons of pride. 
From Valencia the splendid were the Heirs departing then. 
They took leave of the ladies and all their bands of men. 
Through the meadow of Valencia forth under arms they went. 
The Cid and all his armies were very well content. 
He who in good hour belted brand in signs had seen it plain 
That these marriages in no way should stand without a stain. 
But since the twain are married, he may not repent him now. 

CXXVI "My nephew Felez Munoz, I prithee where art thou? 
Thou art my daughters' cousin in thy soul and in thine heart. 
With them even unto Carrion I command thee to depart. 
Thou shalt see what lands for dower to my girls are given o'er, 
And shalt come again with tidings unto the Campeador.'' 

Quoth Felez Munoz: "Heart and soul that duty pleases me." 

93 THE LAY OF THE CID 

Minaya Alvar Fanez before the Cid came he: 
"Back to the town of Valencia, Oh Cid, now let us go; 
For if our God and Father the Creator's will be so, 
To Carrion's lands thy daughters to visit we shall wend. 
Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, to God do we commend. 
Such things may you accomplish as will make us glad an fain." 

The sons-in-law gave answer: "Now that may God ordain." 

They lamented much at parting. Daughters and sire wept sore, 
So also wept the cavaliers of the Cid Campeador. 
"Thou, cousin, Felez Munoz, now hark to this aright. 
Thou shalt go by Molina, and there shalt lie one night, 
And greet fair the Morisco Avengalvon my friend; 
That he may most fair reception to my sons-in-law extend. 
Tell him I send my daughters to the lands of Carrion, 
In all their needs his courtesy as beseemeth shall be shown. 
Let him ward them to Medina for the love he beareth me. 
For all that he cloth for them I will give him a rich fee. " 
They parted then, as when the nail out of the flesh is torn. 

He turned back to Valencia who in happy hour was born. 
And now the Heirs of Carrion have fettled them to fare. 
Saint Mary of Alvarrazin, their halting-place was there. 

From thence the Heirs of Carrion plied furiously the spur. 
Ho! in Molina with the Moor Avengalvon they were. 
The Morisco when he heard it in his heart was well content, 
And forth with great rejoicings to welcome them he went. 
Ah, God ! how well he served them in what e 'er their joy might be ! 
The next day in the morning to horse with them got he. 
he bade two hundred horsemen for escort forth to ride. 
They crossed the mountains of Luzon (so are they signified), 
And the Vale of Arbujunoj to the Jalon they came. 
The place where they found lodging, Ansarera is its name. 
Unto the daughters of the Cid, the Moor fair presents gave, 

94 THE LAY OF THE CID 

And to either Heir of Carrion beside a charger brave. 
For the love he bore the Campeador, all this for them he wrought. 
They looked upon the riches that the Moor with him had brought 
And then together treason did the brothers twain concert. 
"Since the daughters of the Campeador we shortly shall desert, 
If but we might do unto death Aengalvon the Moor, 
The treasure he possesses for ourselves we should secure 
Safe as our wealth in Carrion those goods we will maintain. 
And ne'er will the Cid Campeador avenge on us the stain." 
While they of Carrion this shame complotted each with each, 
In the midst a Moor o'erheard them, that could of Latin speech. 
He kept no secret. With it to Avengalvon he ran: 
"Thou art my lord. Be wary of these persons, Castellan. 
I heard the heirs of Carrion that plotted death for thee." 
CXXVII This same Avengalvon the Moor, a gallant man was he 
He got straightway on horseback with servitors ten score. 
He brandished high his weapons, he came the Heirs before. 
And the two Heirs with what he said but little pleased they are: 
"If for his sake I forebore not, my lord Cid of Bivar, 
I would do such deeds upon you as through all the world should ring, 
And then to the true Campeador his daughters would I bring. 
And unto Carrion never should you enter from that day. 

CXXVIII What I have done against you, ho! Heirs of Carrion, say, 
For without guile I served you, and lo, my death ye plot. 
For wicked men and traitors I will leave you on the spot. 
Dame Sol and Dame Elvira with your good leave I go; 
For of these men of Carrion I rate the fame but low. 

95 THE LAY OF THE CID 

God will it and command it, who is Lord of all the Earth. 
That the Campeador hereafter of this match have joy and mirth." 
That thing the Moor has told them, and back he turned him there. 
When he crossed over thee Jalon, weapon he waved in air. 
He returned unto Molina like a man of prudent heart. 

And now from Ansarera did Carrion's Heirs depart; 
And they began thereafter to travel day and night. 
And they let Atienza on the left, a craggy height. 
The forest of Miedes, now have they overpassed, 
And on through Montes Claros they pricked forward spurring fast. 
And then passed Griza on the left that Alamos did onnd. 
There be the caves where Elpha he imprisoned underground. 
And they left San Estevan, on their right that lay afar. 
Within the woods of Corpes, the Heirs of Carrion are. 
And high the hills are wooded, to the clouds the branches sweep, 
And savage are the creatures that roundabout them creep; 
And there upon a bower with a clear spring they light 
And there the Heirs of Carrion bade that their tent be pight. 
There with their men about them, that night they lay at rest. 
With their wives clasped to their bosom their affection they protest, 
But ill the twain fulfilled it, when the dawn came up the East. 
They bade put goods a plenty on the back of every beast. 
Where they at night found lodging, now have they struck the tent. 
The people of their household far on before them went. 
Of the two Heirs of Carrion so the commandment ran, 
That none behind should linger, a woman or a man. 
But Dame Sol and Dame Elvira their wives shall tarry still, 
With whom it is their pleasure to dally to their fill. 
The others have departed. They four are left alone. 
Great evil had been plotted by the Heirs of Carrion. 
"Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, ye may take this for true: 

96 THE LAY OF THE CID 

Here in the desert wildwood shall a mock be made of you. 
Today is our departure, we will leave you here behind. 
And in the lands of Carrion no portion shall you find. 
Let them hasten with these tidings to the Cid Campeador. 
Thus, the matter of the lion, we avenge. 
Their furs and their mantles, from the ladies they have whipped. 
In their shifts and their tunics they left the ladies stripped. 
With spur on heel before them those wicked traitors stand, 
And saddle-girths both stout and strong they have taken in the hand. 
When the ladies had beheld it, then out spake Sol the dame: 
"Don Diego, don Ferrando, we beeech you in God's name. 
You have two swords about you, that for strength and edge are known. 
And one they call Colada, the other is Tizon. 
Strike off our heads together, and martyrs we shall die. 
The Moriscos and the Christians against this deed shall cry. 
It stands not with our deserving that we should suffer thus. 
So evil an example, then do not make of us. 
Unto our own abasement, if you scourge us, you consent, 
That men will bring against you in parle and parliament." 
Naught profits it the ladies, however hard they pray. 
And now the Heirs of Carrion upon them 'gan to lay. 
With the buckled girths they scourged them in fashion unbeseen, 
And exceeding was their anguish from the sharp spurs and keen. 
They rent the shifts and wounded the bodies of the two, 
And forth upon the tunics the clear blood trickled through. 
In their very hearts the ladies have felt that agony. 
What a fair fortune were it, if God's will it might be, 
Had then appeared before them the Cid the Campeador. 
Powerless were the ladies, and the brothers scourged them sore. 

97 THE LAY OF THE CID 

Their shifts and their sullies throughout the blood did stain. 
Of scourging the two ladies wearied the brothers twain, 

Which man should smite most fiercely they had vied each with each. 
Dame Sol and Dame Elvira had no longer power of speech. 
Within the wood of Corpes for dead they left the pair. 

CXXIX Their cloaks and furs of ermine along with them they bare, 
In their shifts and tunics, fainting, they left them there behind, 
A prey to every wild-fowl and beast of savage kind. 

Know you, for dead, not living, they left them in such cheer. 
Good hap it were if now the Cid, Roy Diaz, should appear. 

CXXX The Heirs of Carrion for dead have left them thus arrayed, 
For the one dame to tho other, 
They sang each other's praises as they journeyed through the wood: 
"For the question of our marriage we have made our vengeance good. 
Unbesought, to be our lemans we should not take that pair, 
Because as wedded consorts for our arms unfit they were. 
For the insult of the lion vengeance shall thus be ta'en." 
CXXXI They sang each other's praises, the Heirs of Carrion twain. 
But now of Felez Munoz will I tell the tale once more. 
Even he that was nephew to the Cid Campeador. 

They had bidden him ride onward, but he was not well content. 
And his heart smote within him as along the road he went. 

Straightway- from all the others' a space did he withraw. 
There Felez Munoz entered into a thick-grown straw, 
Till the coming of his cousins should be plain to be perceived 

98 THE LAY OF THE CID 

Or what the Heirs of Carrion as at that time achieved. 

And he beheld them coming, and heard them say their say, 
But they did not espy him, nor thought of him had they. 

Be it known death he had not scaped, had they on him laid eye. 
And the two Heirs rode onward, pricking fast the spur they ply. 
On their trail Felez Munoz has turned him back again. 

He came upon his cousins. In a swoon lay the twain. 
And crying "Oh my cousins!" straightway did he alight. 
By the reins the horse he tethered, and went to them forthright. 

"Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, cousins of mine that be, 
The two Heirs of Carrion have borne them dastardly. 

Please God that for this dealing they may get a shameful gain." 
And straightway he bestirred him to life to bring the twain. 
Deep was their swoon. Of utterance all power they had forlorn. 
Of his heart the very fabric thereby in twain was torn. 
"Oh my cousins Dame Elvira and Dame Sol," he cried and spake, 
"For the love of the Creator, my cousins twain, awake, 
While yet the day endureth, ere falls the evening-hour, 
Lest in the wood our bodies the savage beast devour. " 
In Dame Sol and Dame Elvira fresh life began to rise; 

And they looked on Felez Munoz when at last they oped their eyes: 
"For the love of God my cousins, now be of courage stout. 
From the time the Heirs of Carrion shall miss me from their rout, 
With utmost speed thereafter will they hunt me low and high. 
And if God will not help us, in this place we then must die." 

To him out spoke the Lady Sol in bitter agony: 

"If the Campeador, our father, deserveth well of thee, 
My cousin give us water, so may God help thee too." 
A hat had Felez Munoz, from Valencia, fine and new, 
Therein he caught the water, and to his cousins bore. 
To drink their fill he gave them, for they were stricken sore. 
Till they rose up, most earnestly he begged them and implored. 

99 THE LAY OF THE CID 

He comforts them and heartens them until they are restored. 
He took the two and quickly set them a-horse again. 
He wrapped them in his mantle. He took the charger's rein 
Aud sped them on, and through Corpes Wood they took their way. 
They issued from the forest between the night and day. 
The waters of Duero they at the last attain. 
At Dame Urraca's tower he left behind the twain, 
And then unto Saint Stephen's did Felez Munoz fare. 
He found Diego Tellez, Alvar Fanez' vassal, there. 

When he had heard those tidings on his heart great sorrow fell. 
And he took beasts of burden and garments that excel. 
Dame Sol and Dame Elvira to welcome did he go. 
He lodged the in Saint Stephen's. Great honor di he show 
Those ladies. In Saint Stephen's very gentle are the men, 
When they had heard the tidings their hearts were sorry then. 
To the Cid's daughters tribute of plenteous fare they yield. 
In that place the ladies tarried, till the time when they were healed. 

Loud they sang each other's praises those Heirs of Carrion, 
And of their deeds the tidings through all these lands were known. 
Of the good King don Alfonso the heart for grief was torn. 
To Valencia the city now are the tidings borne. 
To my lord Cid the Campeador that message when they brought, 
Thereon for a full hour's space, he pondered and he thought. 
His hand he has uplifted and gripped his beard amain: 

"Now unto Christ be glory who o'er all the earth doth reign. 
Since thus sought they of Carrion to keep mine honor whole. 
Now by this beard that never was plucked by living soul, 
Thereby the Heirs of Carrion no pleasure shall they gain. 
As for the dames my daughters, I shall marry well the twain. 
The Cid and all his courtiers were sorry grievously, 
Heart and soul Alvar Fanez a sad man was he. 

100 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
Minaya with Per Vermudoz straightway the steed bestrode,
And good Martin Antolinez in Burgos that abode,
With ten score horse that to that end the Cid set in array.
Most earnestly he charged them to ride both night and day,
And to the town Valencia his daughters twain to bring.
About their lord's commandment there was no tarrying. 
Swiftly they got on horseback and rode both day and night. 
Into Gormaz they entered, a strong place of might.
In sooth one night they lodged there. To Saint Stephen's tidings flew
That Minaya was come thither to bring home his cousins two.
The dwellers in Saint Stephen's, as becomes the true and brave,
To Minaya and his henchmen a noble welcome gave,
And for tribute to Minaya brought that night of cheer good store.
He desired not to accept it, but he thanked them well therefor;
"Thanks, stout men of Saint Stephen's, for ye bear you wise and well.
For the honor that ye did us, for the thing that us befel,
Where bides the Cid the Campeador he gives true thanks to you,
As I do here. May God on high give you your payment due. "
Therewith they thanked him greatly, with him were all content
Then swiftly to their lodging to rest that night they went.
Where bode his kin, Minaya to see them went his ways. Dame
Sol and Dame Elvira upon him fixed their gaze: "So heartily we
thank thee, as our eyes on God were set, 
And prithee thank Him for it, since we are living yet.
In the days of ease thereafter, in Valencia when we dwell,
The tale of our affliction, we shall have strength to tell.

CXXXII The dames and Alvar Fanez, the tears flowed from their eyes. 
Per Vermudoz because of them was sorely grieved likewise.
    
101 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
"Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, be not down-hearted still, 
Since you are well and living and without other ill. 
Ye have lost a good marriage, better matches shall ye make. 
Oh may we soon behold the day when vengeance we shall take!" 
So all that night they lay there keeping a merry tide.
    
The next day in the morning they fettled them to ride. 
The people of Saint Stephen's their party escort bore, 
With every sort of solace e'en to Riodamor. 
There they took leave, and got them in stead to travel back. 
Minaya and the ladies rode forward on the track. 
They have passed Alcoceva. On the right Gormaz left they. 
They have come o'er the river in the place called Vadorrey,
And in the town Berlanga their lodging have they made. 
The next day in the morning set forth the cavalcade. 
In the place called Medina their shelter have they sought. 
From Medina to Molina on the next day were they brought. 
And there the Moor Avengalvon was pleased in heart thereby. 
Forth with good will he issued to give them welcome high, 
For my lord Cid's love a supper he gave them rich and great. 
Thence on unto Valencia they have departed straight. 
When to him who in good honor was born the news of it was sent, 
Swiftly he got on horseback, and forth to greet them went. 
As he rode he brandished weapons; very joyful was his face. 
My lord the Cid came forward his daughters to embrace.
And after he had kissed them he smiled upon the two: 
"Are ye then come my daughters? 'Gainst ill God succor you. 
This marriage I accepted, daring not say otherwise. 
May the Creator grant it, who dwelleth in the skies, 
That you with better husbands hereafter I may see. 
God! on my sons of Carrion grant me avenged to be. 
"The hands of their father to kiss, the two bent down. 
And under arms they hastened and came into the town.


102 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
Their mother Dame Ximena with them good cheer she made.
And he who in good hour was born, he tarried not nor stayed,
But there unto his comrades so privily he spake:
To King Alfonso of Castile those tidings shall they take.
   
CXXXIII " Where art thou Muno Gustioz, vassal of fair report
In a good time I cherished and reared thee in my court.
To King Alfonso in Castile these tidings do thou take.
His hands with heart and spirit do thou kiss them for my sakeÄ
I am known for his vassal, he for my lord is knownÄ
At the dishonor done me by the heirs of Carrion
Shall the good King be troubled in his soul and in his heart.
He gave to wed my daughters, therein I had no part.
Since my girls they have deserted with great dishonor thus,
If they have put an insult by that action upon us,
The great part and the little, my lord's is all the scorn.
My possessions, which are mighty, off with them have they borne,
This and the other insult well may make me ill content.
Bring them to parley with me in assize or parliament,
So that I may have justice on the heirs of Carrion,
For in my heart the anguish exceeding great is grown."
Thereupon Muno Gustioz swiftly the steed bestrode.
To wait upon his pleasure two horsemen with him rode,
And with him were esquires that of his household were.
They departed from Valencia as fast as they could spur,
They gave themselves no respite either by night or noon.
And the King don Alfonso he found at Sahagun.
Of Castile is he the ruler, of Galicia furthermore.
And likewise of Asturias, yea, to San Salvador.
As far as Santiago for lord paramount is he known.
The counts throughout Galicia him for their sovereign own.
    
103 THE LAY OF THE CID     
    
As soon as Muno Gustioz got down from horseback there,
Before the Saints he kneeled him, and to God he made his prayer.
Where the court was in the palace straightway his steps he bent.
The horsemen two that served him as their lord beside him went.
As soon as they had entered amid the royal train
The King saw them and knew lightly Muno Gustioz again.
The King rose up and nobly he welcomed him and well.
before the King Alfonso on bended knee he fell.
The King's feet, Muno Gustioz, that wight, has kissed withal:
"A boon, King, thee the sovereign of kingdoms broad they call.
The Campeador, he kisses so well thy feet and hands;
Thou art his lord; thy vassal as at all times he stands.
To Carrion's Heirs his daughters were given to wed by thee.
It was a glorious marriage for it was thy decree.
The honor that befel us is to thee already known,
What flout was put upon us by the Heirs of Carrion.
Fiercely they scourged the daughters of the Cid Campeador.
Naked, in great dishonor and from the scourging sore,
In Corpes Wood unguarded they cast the dames away,
Unto the savage creatures and the forest-fowl a prey,
And lo! now to Valencia his daughters are restored.
For this thy hand he kisses as a vassal to his lord,
That thou bring them to confront him in assize or parliament.
He holds himself dishonored, but fouler art thou shent.
And King, sore should it grieve thee, and he prays, for wise art thou,
That my lord Cid may have justice on the Heirs of Carrion now."
The king long while was silent, pondering thereon apart:
"The truth will I say to thee. It grieves me to the heart.
So hast thou, Muno Gustioz, herein a true thing said,
For to Carrion's Heirs, his daughters I gave indeed to wed.
For good I did it, deeming that there his vantage lay.

104 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
But would now that that marriage had ne'er been made today.
My lord the Cid and I myself, sore grieved at heart are we.
I must help him unto justice, so God my savior be.
Though I would not at this season, I must do even so.
And now through all my Kingdom forth shall mine heralds go,
For in Toledo city a court shall they proclaim,
So that counts may come and nobles that be of lesser name.
The Heirs of Carrion thither I will Summon furthermore;
And there shall they give justice to my lord Cid Campeador.
Yet while I can prevent it, he shall have no cause to mourn.
    
CXXXIV "And say unto the Campeador, who in good hour was born,
That he may with his vassals for these seven weeks prepare
To come unto Toledo. That term I grant him fair.
I will hold these assizes since the Cid to me is dear.
Greet them all for me fairly, let them be of joyful cheer.
For what befel, of honor they yet shall have no lack."
    
His leave ta'en, Muno Gustioz to my lord Cid turned back.
Since he had undertaken that the charge on him should fall,
Alfonso the Castilian delayed it not at all.
To Leon and Santiago he sent letters without fail,
And unto the Galicians, and the men of Portingale.
Tidings to them in Carrion and in Castile they bring
Of a Court held in Toledo by the much honored King,
And that there they should be gathered when seven weeks should end.
Who stayed at home, true vassalage no longer could pretend.
And all men so determined throughout his breadth of lands
Not to fail in the fulfillment of the King's high commands.
    
105 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
CXXXV Now are the Heirs of Carrion troubled by the report
That the King within Toledo was about to hold his court.
They fear my lord Cid Campeador will have his part therein,
And they took counsel, seeing that they were near of kin.
The King for dispensation to stay from court they prayed.
Said the King: "I will not do it, as God shall stand mine aid.
For my lord Cid the Campeador that place shall come unto,
And you shall do him justice for he makes complaint of you.
Who refuses, or denies it to come unto mine assize,
Let him quit my realm. The fellow finds no favor in mine eyes."

And now the Heirs of Carrion saw that it must be done
Since they are very near of kin, counsel they took thereon.
Count Garcia that to ruin the Cid sought evermore,
My lord the Cid's arch-foeman, share in these matters bore.
This man has given counsel to the Heirs of Carrion twain.
Time came: to the assizes to hasten they were fain.
Thither among the foremost doth good King Alfonso go,
With him the Count don Henry, and Count don Remond alsoÄ
For the sire of the most noble the Emperor was he known.
There came the Count don Froila and the Count don Birbon.
Out of his realm came many of wise hearts and leal
All the best men were gathered of the kingdom of Castile.
And there with Crespo de Granon, Count don Garcia came
And he who ruled in Oca Ä Alvar Diaz was his name.
With Gonzalvo Ansuorez, Ansuor Gonzalvez stood. 
Know ye well with them was Pero of the Ansuorez blood.
Diego and Ferrando both to the place resort,
And with them a great company that they had brought to Court.
Upon my lord Cid Campeador 'tis their intent to fall.
    
Unto the place they gather from every side and all.
But he who in good hour was born, not yet hath he drawn nigh.
    
106 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
Because so long he tarries is the king displeased thereby.
My lord the Cid the Campeador is come on the fifth day.
He has sent Alvar Fanez ahead of his array,
That he might kiss the King his hands that is his lord of right,
The King might know it surely, he would be at hand that night.
Now when the King had heard it, his heart was glad indeed.
With companies most mighty the King leaped on the steed, 
And him who in good hour was born he went to welcome there.
Came the Cid and all his henchmen equipped exceeding fair.
Oh! noble troops that follow a captain of such might!
When good King don Alfonso of my lord the Cid got sight,
My lord the Cid, the Campeador, cast himself on the sward.
Himself he thus could humble and do honor to his lord.
When the King saw he tarried not "Saint Isidore to speed!
This day so shalt thou never. Mount, Cid, upon the steed!
If not, so ends my pleasure. Let us greet on either part
With heart and soul. What grieveth thee hath hurt me to the heart.
God ordereth that by thee the court this day shall honored be."
My lord Cid, the true Campeador, to this "Amen" said he.
He kissed his hand and fairly gave him greeting then:
"To God now thanks be given, that I see thee, lord, again.
To thee I bow, so also to Count don Remond I bow,
To Count Henry and to all men that are in presence now.
God save our friends and foremost, sire, may he cherish thee.
My wife the Dame Ximena Ä a worthy dame is she Ä
Kisses thy hands. My daughters, the twain do so as well,
That so thou mayst have pity for the ill thing that befel."
"Verily, so God help me," answered the King thereto.
    
107 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
CXXXVI Then homeward to Toledo, the King returned anew.
Unfain to cross the Tagus was my lord Cid that night:
"A boon, King. The Creator, may he shield thee in His might!
Oh sire, do thou get ready to enter in the town.
In San Servan my henchman and I will lay us down,
For hither in the night-tide shall come those bands of mine;
And I will keep my vigil here by the holy shrine.
I will come to town tomorrow at the breaking of the day,
And, ere I eat my dinner, to court will take my way."
To him the King gave answer: "Surely, I am content."
Then the King don Alfonso into Toledo went.
My lord the Cid Roy Diaz lieth in San Servan.
To make candles and to set them on the shrine, his order ran.
To watch that sanctuary was gladness to his heart,
As he prayed to the Creator and spake to him apart.
Minaya, and as many as were gathered of good fame
Were in accord together when at length the morning came.
    
CXXVIII Matins and prime they sang there till the dawn had begun,
Before the sun had risen the mass was o'er and done.
With rich and timely offering that chapel they endow.
"Minaya Alvar FanezÄmy strongest arm art thouÄ
Thyself shall hear me company and the Bishop, don Jerome
So too this Muno Gustioz and Per Vermudoz shall come,
And Martin Antolinez from Burgos true and tried
And with Alvar Salvadorez, Alvar Alvaroz beside,
And Martin Munoz who was born in a season of good grace,
So likewise Felez Munoz a nephew of my race.
Mal Anda wise exceeding, along with me shall go
And the good Galind Garciaz of Aragon also.
With these knights a round hundred of the good men here ordain.
Let all men wear their tunics the harness to sustain,

108  THE LAY OF THE CID
    
Let them assume the hauberks that white as sunlight glare,
And upon the hauberks ermines and mantles of the vain
Let them lace tight their armour, let not the arms be seen.
They shall bear beneath their mantles the swords both sweet and keen.
To the court in such a fashion to enter am I fain,
My rights there to demand them and to speak my meaning plain.
If there the Heirs of Carrion seek to dishonor me,
No whit then shall I fear them, though a hundred strong they be."
To him all gave their answer: " Such, lord, is our desire,"
Even as he had commanded they ordered their attire.
    
He who in happy hour was born would brook no more delay.
Upon his legs the hosen of fair cloth he drew straightway,
And shoes adorned most richly upon his feet has done;
he donned a shirt of linen fine as white as is the sun;
The sleeves are laced, moreover, with gold and silver braid.
The cuff fit close upon them for he bade them so be made.
Thereo'er a silken tunic most fairly wrought he drew.
The threads of gold shone brightly that were woven through and through.
A red fur gown gold-belted he cast his tunic o'er.
That gown alway he weareth, my lord Cid Campeador.
He hath of finest linen a cap upon his hair,
With the gold wrought, moreover, and fashioned with due care,
That the locks of the good Campeador might not be disarrayed.
And with a cord his mighty beard my lord the Cid doth braid.
All this he did desiring well his person to dispose.
O'er his attire a mantle of mighty worth he throws.
Thereat might all men wonder that thereabouts did stand.
Then with the chosen hundred whereto he gave command
From San Servan forth issuing he got to horse apace.
Under arms the Cid departed unto the judgment-place.
Duly without the postern he descended from his horse,
And prudently he entered the palace with his force.
    
109 THE LAY OF THE CID

Midmost he went; his hundred girt him round on every side.
When they had seen him enter, who was born in happy tide,
Then the good King Alfonso upon his feet did rise,
So also Count don Henry, and Count don Remond likewise.
And they arose, the others of the court, ye well may know.
To him who in good hour was born great honor did they show.
One man there was arose not Ä 'twas Crespo de GranonÄ
Nor any of the party of the Heirs of Carrion.

The King has ta'en my lord Cid's hand: "Come sit thee, Campeador,
On the bench here beside me Ä thy gift to me of yore.
Thou art our better, though there be umbrage therefor that take."
Then he who won Valencia for gratitude he spake:
"Sit like a king and master on thy bench, for it is thine;
In this station will I tarry here with these men of mine."

Of what my lord Cid uttered was the King's heart glad and fain.
Upon a bench well carven the Cid his seat has ta'en;
The hundred men that guard him are seated round him there.
And all men in the Cortes upon my lord Cid stare,
And the long beard he weareth that is braided with a cord.
He seems by his apparel to be a splendid lord.
For shame the Heirs of Carrion his gaze they could not meet.
    
The good King don Alfonso then rose unto his feet:
"Hearken ye gentle companies, so God your hands sustain.
But two court have I holden in the space of all my reign.
In Burgos one, in Carrion the next did I array;
The third here in Toledo have I come to hold today,
For the Cid's love, whose birth-hour for a glad time is known,
That so he may have justice on the Heirs of Carrion.
Let all men know they did him a bitter injury.
The Counts Remond and Henry judges thereof shall be,
And all you counts, moreover, in the feud who bear no part.

110 THE LAY OF THE CID

In your minds turn it over, for ye are wise of heart.
See that ye render justice. All falseness I gainsay.
On one side and the other let us keep the peace this day.
Who breaks our peace, I swear it by the Saint Isidore
Shall be banished from my kingdom, nor have my favor more.
His side I will maintain it whose cause is right and fair.
Therefore let the Cid Campeador forthwith his suit declare.
Then shall we hear what Carrion's Heirs in answer shall depose."
My lord Cid kissed the King his hand. Then to his feet he rose:
"My sovereign and my master great thanks I give to thee
That thou this court hast summoned out of pure love for me.
Against the Heirs of Carrion this matter I reclaim.
They cast away my daughters. I had thereby no shame,
For thou gavest them in marriage. What deed to do today
Thou know'st well. From Valencia when they took my girls away,
I loved with heart and spirit the Heirs of Carrion,
And the two swords I gave them, Colada and Tizon Ä
I won them in such manner as a good knight became -
That they might do you service and do honor to their fame.
When in the Wood of Corpes they left my girls forlorn,
They lost my love forever, for they made of me a scorn.
Since my sons-in-law they are not, let them give me either sword. "
"All of the claim is righteous,'' so the judges gave accord.
Then said Count don Garcia: " Of this let us debate."
Apart from the assizes went the Heirs of Carrion straight,
And all their following with them and the kindred of their name.
And swiftly they debated, and to their resolve they came:
"Now the Cid Campeador for us doth a great favor do,
Since for his girls' dishonor for no damage doth he sue.
With the King don Alfonso, we soon shall be at one.
The swords them let us give him, for so the suit is done;

111 THE LAY OF THE CID

 They will hold the court no longer, when he has the swords once more.
From us no further justice for the Cid Campeador."
That parley being over, to court they get them now.

"Thy favor, King Alfonso, our overlord art thou.
And we cannot deny it, for he gave us the two brands.
And since that we return them he desires now and demands,
Into his hand to give them in thy presence are we fain."
Then they brought forth Colada and Tizon, the falchions twain,
Straightway they gave them over to the King their sovereign's hands.
The whole court shone glorious when they brought forth the brands.
The pommels and the hilt-bars are all of massy gold;
To the true henchmen of the court 'twas a marvel to behold.

The King my lord Cid summoned, to him the swords he gave.
His sovereign's hands he kisseth. He receiveth either glaive.
To the bench whence he had risen, he turned him back again,
And in his hands he held them, he looked upon the twain.
Changelings they could not give him; he knew the two aright,
And his heart laughed within him, he was filled with all delight.
"Now by my beard none ever plucked," gripping it hard he spake,
For Dame Sol and Dame Elvira high vengeance I will take."

By name his nephew Pero he has called out before;
And stretching forth his hand, to him the sword Tizon gave o'er.
"Take it nephew. The sword's master now is fairer of renown."
To good Martin Antolinez the man of Burgos town,
Stretching forth his hand Colada into his care he gave;
"Thou Martin Antolinez, who art a vassal brave,
Take Colada that I captured from a true knight without fail,
From him of Barcelona, from Remond Berenguel.
That thou mayst guard it rightly, therefore I give it thee,
I know if aught befall thee, if occasion e'er should be,

112 THE LAY OF THE CID

Great fame and estimation with the sword shalt thou attain."
The lord Cid's hands he kissed them. He took the sword again.

My lord the Cid the Campeador unto his feet rose he;
"Now thanks to the Creator and my lord the King to thee.
With the swords Colada and Tizon I am content indeed,
But I have a farther issue 'gainst Carrion Heirs to plead:
When with them from Valencia my daughters twain they bore,
Three thousand marks of silver and gold I gave them o'er.
When I did this, the winning of all their end they saw.
Let them restore the treasure. They are not my sons-in-law."

Now might you hearken Carrion's Heirs, what a complaint made they.
To them said the Count don Remond: "Give answer, 'Yea' or 'Nay'!',
And then the Heirs of Carrion, they made their answer plain:
"Therefore to the Cid Campeador we gave his swords again
That he might demand naught further, for his suit is closed thereby."
Then straightway the Count don Remond unto them made reply:
"This say we: With the pleasure of the Sovereign if it stands,
You shall give satisfaction in what the Cid demands. "
The good King said: "The measure with my assent doth meet."
And now hath the Cid Campeador arisen to his feet:
"Say of those goods I gave you, will ye give them me anew
Or render an accounting?" Then Carrion's Heirs withdrew.
For the greatness of that treasure they could not as one consent,
And the two Heirs of Carrion the whole of it had spent.
They returned with their decision, and spake their pleasure thus:
"The Captor of Valencia, he presses sore on us.
Since lust for our possession so on him hand hath laid,
From our estates in Carrion the money shall be paid."
    
113 THE LAY OF THE CID

And then outspake the judges since the debt the Heirs avowed:
"If it be the Cid's desire, it is not disallowed.
So we ordain, for such wise with our pleasure doth it sort,
That ye repay it to him in this place before the court."

Out spake the King Alfonso when their words were at an end:
"The inward of this lawing we wholly comprehend,
That justice is demanded by the Cid Campeador.
Now of those marks three thousand, I have in hand tenscore;
They were given to me duly by the Heirs of Carrion twain.
Since so sore are they impoverished, I will give it them again.
To the Cid born in fair hour, let them pay the money back.
To pay their debt, that money I will not let them lack. "

As for Ferrand Gonzalvez, what he said ye now shall hear:
"We have in our possession no minted goods and gear."

To him then the Count don Remond answered to this intent:
"All of the gold and silver, the twain of you have spent.
Before the King Alfonso, our verdict we proclaim,
That ye pay in goods. The Campeador, let him accept the same. "
Now saw the Heirs of Carrion what need must be their course.
Ye might have seen led thither full many a swift horse,
Many fat mules, moreover, and many a well-paced jade,
And every sort of armour, and many a fine blade.
My lord the Cid accepted even as the court assessed,
Beyond the tenscore marks whereof Alfonso stood possessed,
To him who in good hour was born the Heirs have paid the price.
On others' goods they borrow, for their own will not suffice
Know well for fools men took them, from that suit when 'scaped the twain.

CXXXVIII All of those great possessions my lord the Cid has ta'en.
The men keep all that treasure, and they will ward it well.
When this was done, a-pondering on other things they fell:

114 THE LAY OF THE CID

Lord King, for love of charity, a further favor yet,
Of my complaints the chiefest, I cannot now forget.
Let the whole court now hear me, and have pity on my woe:
As for these Heirs of Carrion, the which have shamed me so,
I brook not that unchallenged they may go hence away.
    
CXXXIX " In what thing I affronted you, ye Heirs of Carrion say,
In what fashion whatsoever, in earnest or in sport.
Let me make amends according to the judgment of the court.
Why did ye tear in tatters the fabric of my heart?
With great honor from Valencia what time ye did depart,
I gave to you my daughters, and besides great wealth and gear.
Now say, ye dogs and traitors, since ye did not hold them dear,
Why took ye from Valencia what was their dower of right,
And wherefore with the girth and spur the ladies did ye smite?
Alone in Corpes Forest ye cast the twain away,
Unto the savage creatures and the wood-fowl for a prey.
In all ye did unto them, like vile men did ye show.
Let the Court judge; satisfaction shall I get therefor or no?"
    
CXL And lo! Count don Garcia has risen up amain:
"Let us now have thy favor, best of all kings in Spain.
Of the courts proclaimed is now the Cid well versed in the affairs.
Since he let it wax so mighty, 'tis a long beard he wears.
Some he affrights and others are for fear in sorry case.
But as for them of Carrion, theirs is a lofty race,
His daughters e'en as lemans to love becomes them not.
Who to them for lawful consorts those ladies would allot?
When they cast them off, then did they as might the right befit.
All things he says soever we value not a whit. "
    
115 THE LAY OF THE CID

And thereupon the Campeador his beard in hand gripped he:
"To God who ruleth Heaven and the whole Earth glory be.
Since tenderly I kept it, is my beard grown so long.
Count, say what is the reason, that thou dost my beard this wrong,
That since its first growth ever has been so gently reared.
No man born of woman has ever plucked that beard.
Nor has son of Moor or Christian e'er torn that beard of mine,
As once in Cabra Castle I did, oh Count, to thine,
When at one time on Cabra and thy beard my hand I set.
Not a lad but for the plucking his pinch thereof could get.
Nor is it yet grown even what portion I did tear.
Here hidden in my wallet those tokens yet I bear."
    
CXLI Now had Ferrand Gonzalvez risen to his feet that tide.
What thing ye now shall hearken that there so loud he cried:
"Cid, do thou now give over the suit which thou hast made,
For the whole of thy possession into thine hands is paid.
Look that thou make not greater the feud twixt us and thee,
For the two Counts of Carrion by lineage are we.
Of kings' and emperors' daughters are we fit to win the hands;
To wed the girls of little chiefs scarce with our lineage stands.
When thy daughters we abandoned we did but what was right.
Not worse therefore but better, are we then in our own sight."

CXLII To Per Vermudoz Roy Diaz my lord the Cid looked now:
"Speak then, good Pero Mudo, though a silent man art thou.
The ladies are my daughters, thy cousins twain are they.
Into thy teeth they cast it, when such a thing they say.
Thou shalt not do this battle, if I the answer make.
    
116 THE LAY OF THE CID

CXLIII And thereupon Per Vermudoz began the tale and spake.
No words he utters clearly, for 'tis a tongue-halt man.
Natheless no rest he gave them, be it known, when he began:
    
"To thee, Cid, now I tell it, for such thy customs be,
That in Court, Pero Mudo, ever thou callest me.
And verily thou knowest that I can do no more.
As for what I must accomplish, there shall be no lack therefore.
"What thing thou saidest soever, Ferrando, was a lie.
Through the Campeador thy glory was risen yet more high.
I can relate unto thee thine every trick and sleight.
Minds't thou, near high Valencia, what time we fought the fight?
Thou didst of the true Campeador for the first onslaught pray.
And there a Moor thou sawest, whom thou wentest forth to slay.
Or e'er thou camest to him, before him didst thou flee.
If aid I had not borne thee, he had roughly handled thee.
But I rushed on beyond thee, and with the Moor did close,
And I made that Moor flee backward at the foremost of my blows.
To thee I gave his charger, and kept the thing concealed.
Until this day that cowardice I never have revealed.
Before the Cid and all men thine own praises didst thou sing,
How thou slewest the Morisco, and didst a gallant thing.
And they believed it of thee, knowing not the truth at all.
Of thy person art thou handsome, but thy courage it is small,
Tongue without hands, the manhood to speak where gottest thou?
    
CXLIV "Do thou say on, Ferrando. That my words are truth avow:
That matter of the lion in Valencia dost thou keep 
In mind still, when he burst his bonds while the Cid lay asleep ?
Ferrando, then what didst thou, when thy terror overbore?
Thou didst thrust thyself behind the bench of the Cid Campeador.
Thou didst hide, Ferrando, wherefore cheap today thy worth is found,
But we to guard our master his pallet gathered round,
    
117 THE LAY OF THE CID

Till he who won Valencia out of his sleep did wake.
He rose up from the pallet, at the lion did he make.
His head the lion bended, for the Cid the beast did wait.
By the neck he let himself be ta'en. In the cage he thrust him straight.
When came once more the Campeador, there he saw his vassals stand.
He asked about his sons-in-law, but neither found at hand.
For a wicked man and traitor thy person I arraign.
In fight before Alfonso that same I will maintain,
For Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, for the Cid's daughters' sake.
Thou didst cast away the ladies thine honor cheap to make.
Ye are men to all appearance, tender women are those two;
Yet in every way whatever they are worthier than you.
If, when we join the combat, God shall like well in his heart,
Thyself shalt thou confess it, like a traitor as thou art.
Whatever I have uttered shall then be known for true."
    
And thereupon was ending of speech between these two.

CXLV And Didago Gondesalvez what he uttered ye shall hear:
"We twain are Counts by lineage of blood of the most clear.
Such marriages in no way we twain would undertake,
With my lord Cid don Rodrigo alliance for to make.
We do not yet repent us that we put his daughters by:
So long as life endureth, may they sigh many a sigh.
A sore reproach upon them what we did will still remain.
The same with utmost valor in the fight will I maintain:
When we cast away the women we made our honor good. "
    
CXLVI Then Martin Antolinez upon his feet he stood:
Thou wretch, do thou keep silence. Mouth that truth knoweth not!
The matter of the lion hast thou so soon forgot
Out through the door thou fleddest lurking in the court outside,
    
118 THE LAY OF THE CID

Behind the wine-press timber in that hour didst thou hide.
That mantle and that tunic were worn no more by thee.
In fight I will maintain it. No other can it be.
Since the lord Cid his daughters forth in such plight ye threw,
They are in every fashion far worthier shall you.
At the ending of the combat then shine own mouth shall avow
That lies are all thine utterance, and a traitor knave art thou."

CXLVII Between those two the parley has come unto an end.
Now did Ansuor Gonzalvez into the palace wend.
Was an ermine cloak about him, and his tunic trailed behind.
His countenance was ruddy, for but lately had he dined.
In what he had to utter small discretion did he show:
    
CXLVIII "How now ye noble gentlemen, was ever such a woe ~
With Bivar's lord Cid such honor who would have thought to find?
On the Ovirna water his millstones let him grind, 
And take his wonted toll-corn. Would any man have thought
That with the Heirs of Carrion alliances he sought?"
    
CXLIX And then did Muno Gustioz rise to his feet forthright:
"Thou wretch, do thou keep silent! Thou wicked traitor wight!
Before to prayers thou goest, certain thou art to dine.
Whoe'er in peace thou kissest, sickens at that belch of thine.
Whether to friend or master thou speakest perjury,
False unto all, and falsest to the God who fashioned thee!
And never in thy friendship will I have any part,
And I will make thee say it that what I say thou art."
Said now the King Alfonso: "Let the suit quiet lie.
Who have challenged shall do battle, so help me the Most High. "
Soon as the suit was finished to the court two horsemen came,
    
119 THE LAY OF THE CID

And Inigo Ximenez and Ojarra men them name;
For Navarra's Heir-apparent, proxy-suitor was the one,
The other was the suitor for the Heir of Aragon.
And there the twain together have kissed Alfonso's hand,
The Cid Campeador his daughters in marriage they demand,
Of the realms Navarre and Aragon the lady-queens to be.
May he send them with his blessing and with all courtesy.
Thereat the whole court listened, and stillness fell them o'er.
Upon his feet rose straightway my lord Cid Campeador:
"A boon, Oh King Alfonso, my sovran lord thou art.
For this to the Creator very thankful is my heart,
Since both Navarre and Aragon have made request so high.
Thou didst give to wed my daughters before. It was not I.
Here then behold my daughters, the twain are in thine hand.
With them I will do nothing, except at thy command."
The King rose up. For silence in the court the word he gave:
"I beg it of thee, Campeador, the true Cid and the brave,
That hereto thou yield agreement. I will grant the thing this day:
And it shall be consented in open court straightway,
For so will grow thy glory and shine honor and thy lands."
Now is the Cid arisen. He kissed Alfonso's hands:
"To whatever thing shall please thee, I give consent, my lord."
Then said the King: "God grant thee an excellent reward!
To Inigo Ximenez and Ojarra, to you two, 
I yield my full permission for this marriage unto you,
That Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, who the Cid's daughters are,
Wed, one the Heir of Aragon, and the other of Navarre.
May he yield his girls with blessings in an honorable way."
Then Inigo Jimenez and Ojarra, up rose they,
And the hands of Don Alfonso in that hour kissed again.
The hands of the Cid Campeador thereafter kissed the twain,
And there their faith they plighted, and solemn oaths they swore,
    
120 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
That they would fulfill entirely what they promised or yet more.
Because of this were many in the court exceeding glad;
But the two Heirs of Carrion, therein no joy they had.

Minaya Alvar Fanez upon his feet rose he:
"As from my King and Master I beg a boon of thee,
And let it not be grievous to the Cid Campeador.
I have through these assizes kept my peace heretofore,
But now to utter somewhat for mine own part fain am I."
Said the King: "Now all my spirit, it is well pleased thereby.
Say on! Say on, Minaya, what to thy heart is dear. "

"You in the court, I beg you to my word to lend an ear.
'Gainst Carrion's Heirs needs must I now a charge most mighty bring:
I gave to them my cousins by Alfonso's hand, the King.
With blessings and with honor they took them in their care.
The Cid Campeador he gave them most rich possessions there.
They cast away those ladies, for all that we were loth.
For wicked men and traitors I make challenge of you both.
From the great sons of Gomez does your lineage come down,
Whence many counts have issued of valor and renown,
But this day all to certainly their cunning do we learn.
For this to the Creator, now thanks do I return,
That of Navarre and Aragon the Heirs in marriage sue
For Dame Sol and Elvira that are my cousins two.
Erst for true wives ye had them, who now their hands shall kiss
And call them Dame, though sorely ye take the thing amiss.
Praise to our God in Heaven and our lord the King therefor.
So greatly grows the honor of the Cid my Campeador.
In every way soever ye are even as I say.
Is there any in the presence to reply or say me nay'
Lo! I am Alvar Fanez, against the most of might!"

And thereupon did Gomez Pelaez stand upright:
"Say of what worth, Minaya, is this ye speak so free ?

121 THE LAY OF THE CID

For here in the assizes are men enough for thee.
Who otherwise would have it, it would ruin him indeed.
If it be perchance God's pleasure that our quarrel well should speed,
Then well shalt thou see whether or right or wrong ye were."
Said the King: "The suit is over. No further charge prefer.
Tomorrow is the combat; at the rising of the sun
By the three who challenged with thee in the court it shall be done."
Thereon the Heirs of Carrion have spoken presently:
"Lord King, a season grant us for tomorn it cannot be.
We have given to the Campeador our arms and many a steed,
First to our land of Carrion to go we have sore need."
And then the King had spoken to the Campeador again:
"Where thou shalt bid, this combat, let it be underta'en.
"My lord, I will not do it," my lord the Cid said he,
"More than the lands of Carrion Valencia liketh me."
To him the King gave answer: "Yea, Cid! Without a doubt.
Give unto me your cavaliers all duly armed about.
Let them go in my keeping. Their safety I assure
As a lord to a good vassal; I make thee here secure
That they take no harm from any count or lesser baronet.
Here now in the assizes, a term for them I set,
That in the fields of Carrion at the end of three weeks' space
There duly in my presence the combat shall take place.
Who at the set time comes not, his suit is lost thereby,
From that time he is vanquished; for a traitor let him fly."
The two heirs of Carrion, by that decree they stand.
And thereupon my lord the Cid has kissed the King his hand;
"To thy hand are they delivered my cavaliers all three;
As to my King and Master I commend them unto thee.
They are ready now their duty to the full to undertake.

122 THE LAY OF THE CID

 With honor to Valencia send them me for God his sake."
"So it be God's desire," answered the King and said.
The Cid the Campeador did off the helmet from his head,
Likewise the cap of linen as white as is the sun.
He freed his beard, the cord thereof he has forthwith undone.
Those in the court upon him, their full they could not gaze.
To the Counts Remond and Henry forthwith he went his way.
And them closely he embraces and doth heartily require
To take of his possession all that suits with their desire.
These twain and many others who were persons of good will
He earnestly requested to take unto their fill
Some took his gifts, but others would not accept a thing.
The two hundred marks, he gave them once more unto the King.
Whatever was his pleasure he has taken of the rest:
"King, for love of the Creator one thing let me request.
Sire, with thy will I kiss thine hand. Since so these deeds are done,
And would fain unto Valencia which with great pain I won. "

Then the Cid commanded to give sumpter-beasts unto the embassadors of the      
Heirs of Navarre and Aragon, and, moreover, to let them have whatever else     
they required. And he sent them forth. The King don Alfonso with all the       
nobles of his court got on horseback in order to ride out with the Cid who
was about to leave the town. When they came to Zocodover, the Cid being on     
his charger Bavieca, the King said to him: "In faith, don Rodrigo, thou        
must now put spur to that charger of which I have heard most fair report."
The Cid smiled and said: "Sire, in thy court, are many, gentle and simple,     
who would gladly do such a thing. Bid them make sport with their steeds."
   
The King replied to him: "Cid, I am pleased with thine 
  
123 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
answer. Nevertheless I desire thee, for the love thou bearest me, to put that
steed through his best paces." [Supplied like the former prose passage from the
Chronicle of the Twenty Kings.]
    
CL The Cid then put spur to the charger and made him gallop
so fast that all were astonished at the career he ran.
The King with hand uplifted signed the cross upon his face.
By San lsidro of Leon, I swear it by his grace
Is no nobleman so mighty our whole country o'er."
My lord Cid on the charger came then the King before,
And of his lord Alfonso there has he kissed the hand.
    
"To start fleet Bavieca thou gavest me command.
Today no Moor nor Christian has a horse so strong and swift.
Sire, unto thee I give him. Say thou wilt accept the gift."
Then said the King: "No pleasure would I have therein indeed.
If I took him, then less glorious were the master of the steed.
But a horse like this befitteth too well a man like thee,
Swift to chase the Moors ye routed in the battle, when they flee.
Who that war-horse taketh from thee, God succor not again,
For by thee and by the charger to great honor we attain."
Their leave then have they taken. He left the Court forthright.
The Campeador most wisely counselled them who were to fight:
"Ha, Martin Antolinez! Per Vermudoz thou too,
So likewise Muno Gustioz my tried man and true.
Be resolute in combat like the gentlemen ye be.
See that of you good tidings in Valencia come to me."
Said Martin Antolinez: "Oh sire, what sayest thou ?
For we must bear the burden we accepted even now.
Thou shalt hear naught of the vanquished, though haply of the slain."

124 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
He who in happy hour was born, thereof was glad and fain.
Of all his leave he taketh that for his friends are known.
Went my lord Cid to Valencia, and the King to Carrion.
    
But now the three weeks' respite of the term is past and o'er.
Lo! at the time appointed, they who serve the Campeador,
The debt their lord laid on them they were very fain to pay.
In safe-keeping of Alfonso, King of Leon, were they.

There for the Heirs of Carrion for two days' space they stayed.
With horses and caparisons, came the Heirs there well arrayed.
And in close compact with them have agreed their kinsmen all,
On the Campeador his henchmen, if in secret they might fall,
To slay them in the meadows, because their lords were silent.
They did not undertake it, though foul was their intent,
For of Alfonso of Leon they stood in mighty dread.

Watch o'er their arms they kept that night. And prayers to God they said.
At last has night passed over, and breaketh now the dawn,
And many worthy nobles there to the place have drawn,
For to behold that combat, wherefore their mirth was high.
Moreover King Alfonso above all men is by,
Since he desireth justice and that no wrong should be done.
The men of the good Campeador, they get their armour on.
All three are in agreement for one lord's men are they.
The Heirs of Carrion elsewhere have armed them for the fray.
The Count Garci Ordonez sate with them in counsel there.
What suit they planned unto the King Alfonso they declare,
That neither should Colada nor Tizon share in that war,
That in fight they might not wield them, who served the Campeador
That the brands were given over, they deemed a bitter ill;
Unto the King they told it. He would not do their will:

"When we held the court exception unto no sword did ye take;
But if ye have good weapons, your fortune they will make.

125 THE LAY OF THE CID

For them who serve the Campeador the swords e'en so will do.
Up, Carrion's Heirs, to battle now get you forth, ye two!
Like noblemen this combat, ye ought duly to achieve,
For the Campeador his henchmen naught undone therein will leave.
If forth, ye come victorious, then great shall be your fame;
But if that ye are vanquished, impute to us no blame.
All know ye sought it." Carrion's Heirs were filled with grief each one.
And greatly they repented the thing that they had done.
Were it undone fain were they to give all Carrion's fee.

The henchmen of the Campeador are fully armed all three.
Now was the King Alfonso come forth to view them o'er.
Then spake to him the henchmen that served the Campeador:
"We kiss thy hands as vassals to their lord and master may,
'Twixt our party and their party thou shalt be judge this day.
For our succor unto justice but not to evil stand.

Here Carrion's Heirs of henchmen have gathered them a band.
What, or what not, we know not, that in secret they intend;
But our lord in thine hand left us our safety to defend.
For the love of the Creator justly maintain our part."
Said then the King in answer: "With all my soul and heart. "
    
They brought for them the chargers of splendid strength and speed.
They signed the cross upon the selles. They leaped upon the steed.
The bucklers with fair bosses about their necks are cast.
And the keen pointed lances, in the hand they grip them fast.
Each lance for each man of the three doth its own pennon bear.
And many worthy nobles have gathered round them there.
To the field where were the boundaries, accordingly they went.
The three men of the Campeador were all of one intent,
That mightily his foeman to smite each one should ride.
Lo! were the Heirs of Carrion upon the other side,

126 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
With stores of men, for many of their kin were with the two.
The King has given them judges, justice and naught else to do,
That yea or nay they should not any disputation make.
To them where in the field they sate the King Alfonso spake:
"Hearken ye Heirs of Carrion what thing to you I say:
In Toledo ye contrived it, but ye did not wish this fray.
Of my lord Cid the Campeador I brought these knights all three
To Carrion's land, that under my safe-conduct they might be.
Wait justice. Unto evil no wise turn your intent.
Whoso desireth evil with force will I prevent;
Such a thing throughout my kingdom he shall bitterly bemoan."
How downcast were the spirits of the Heirs of Carrion!

Now with the King the judges have marked the boundaries out.
They have cleared all the meadow of people roundabout.
And unto the six champions the boundaries have they shown Ä
Whoever went beyond them should be held for overthrown.
The folk that round were gathered now all the space left clear;
To approach they were forbiddden within six lengths of a spear.
'Gainst the sun no man they stationed, but by lot gave each his place.
Forth between them came the judges, and the foes are face to face.
Of my lord Cid the henchmen toward the Heirs of Carrion bore,
And Carrion's Heirs against them who served the Campeador.
The glance of every champion fixes on his man forthright;
Before their breasts the bucklers with their hands have they gripped tight,
The lances with the pennons now have they pointed low,
And each bends down his countenance over the saddlebow;
Thereon the battle-chargers with the sharp spurs smote they,
And fain the earth had shaken where the steeds sprang away.
The glance of every champion fixes on his man forthright.
Three against three together now have they joined the fight.
    
127 THE LAY OF THE CID
    
Whoso stood round for certain deemed that they dead would fall.
Per Vermudoz the challenge who delivered first of all,
Against Ferrand Gonzalvez there face to face he sped.
They smote each other's bucklers withouten any dread.
There has Ferrand Gonzalvez pierced don Pero's target through.
Well his lance-shaft in two places he shattered it in two.
Unto the flesh it came not, for there glanced off the steel.
Per Vermudoz sat firmly, therefore he did not reel.
For every stroke was dealt him, the buffet back he gave,
He broke the boss of the buckler, the shield aside he crave.
He dove through guard and armour, naught availed the man his gear.
Nigh the heart into the bosom he thrust the battle-spear.
Three mail-folds had Ferrando, and the third was of avail.
Two were burst through, yet firmly held the third fold of mail.
Ferrando's shirt and tunic, with the unpierced iron mesh,
A handsbreadth by Per Vermudoz were thrust into the flesh.
And forth from his mouth straightway a stream of blood did spout.
His saddle-girths were broken; not one of them held out.
O'er the tail of the charger he hurled him to the ground.
That his death stroke he had gotten thought all the folk around.
He left the war-spear in him, set hand his sword unto.
When Ferrand Gonzalvez saw it, then well Tizon he knew.
He shouted, "I am vanquished," rather than the buffet bear.
Per Vermudoz, the judges so decreeing, left him there.

With Didago Gonzalvez now doth don Martin close  
the spears. They broke the lances so furious were the blows.
Martin Antolinez on sword his hand he laid.
The whole field shone, so brilliant and flawless was the blade.
He smote a buffet. Sidewise it caught him fair and right.
Aside the upper helmet the glancing stroke did smite.
    
                                                                         
128 THE LAY OF THE CID   

It clove the helmet laces. Through the mail-hood did it fall,
Unto the coif, hard slashing through coif and helm and all,
And scraped the hair upon his brow. Clear to the flesh it sped.
Of the helm a half fell earthward and half crowned yet his head.
When the glorious Colada such a war-stroke had let drive,
Well knew Didago Gonzalvez that he could not 'scape alive.
He turned the charger's bridle rein, and right about he wheeled.
A blade in hand he carried that he did not seek to wield.
From Martin Antolinez welcome with the sword he got.
With the flat Martin struck him. With the edge he smote him not.
Thereon that Heir of Carrion, a mighty yell he gave:
"Help me, Oh God most glorious, defend me from that glaive."
Wheeling his horse, in terror he fled before the blade.
The steed bore him past the boundary. On the field don Martin stayed.
Then said the King: "Now hither come unto my meinie.
Such a deed thou hast accomplished as has won this fight for thee."
That a true word he had spoken so every judge deemed well.
    
CLII The twain had won. Now let us of Muno Gustioz tell,
How with Ansuor Gonzalvez of himself account he gave.
Against each other's bucklers the mighty strokes they drave.
Was Ansuor Gonzalvez a gallant man of might.
Against don Muno Gustioz on the buckler did he smite,
And piercing through the buckler, right through the cuirass broke.
Empty went the lance; his body was unwounded by the stroke.
That blow struck, Nuno Gustioz has let his buffet fly.
Through the boss in the middle was the buckle burst thereby.
Away he could not ward it. Through his cuirass did it dart.
Through one side was it driven though not nigh unto the heart.

129 THE LAY OF THE CID     

Through the flesh of his body he thrust the pennoned spear,
On the far side he thrust it a full fathom clear.
He gave one wrench. Out of the selle that cavalier he threw.
Down to the earth he cast him, when forth the lance he drew.
And shaft and lance and pennon all crimson came they out.
All thought that he was wounded to the death without a doubt.
The lance he has recovered, he stood the foe above.
Said Gonzalvo Ansuorez: "Smite him not for God his love.
Now is won out the combat for all this game is done."
"We have heard defeat conceded," said the judges every one.
    
The good King don Alfonso bade them clear the field straightway.
For himself he took the armour upon it yet that lay.
In honor have departed they who serve the Campeador.
Glory be to the Creator, they have conquered in the war.
Throughout the lands of Carrion was sorrow at the height.
    
The King my lord Cid's henchmen has sent away by night,
That they should not be frightened or ambushed on the way,
Like men of prudent spirit they journeyed night and day.
Ho! in Valencia with the Cid the Campeador they stand.
On Carrion's Heirs of knavery the three have put the brand,
And paid the debt the lord Cid set upon them furthermore.
On that account right merry was the Cid Campeador.
Upon the heirs of Carrion is come a mighty smirch.
Who flouts a noble lady and leaves her in the lurch,
May such a thing befall him, or worse fortune let him find.
Of Carrion's Heirs the dealings let us leave them now behind.
For what has been vouchsafed them now were they all forlorn.
    
Of this man let us make mention who in happy hour was born.
And great are the rejoicings through Valencia the town,
Because the Campeador his men had won such great renown.
His beard their lord Roy Diaz hard in his hand has ta'en:
    
130  THE LAY OF THE CID
    
"Thanks to the King of Heaven, well are avenged my daughters twain.
Now may they hold their Carrion lands. Their shame is wiped away.
I will wed them in great honor, let it grieve whom it may."
They of Navarre and Aragon were busied now to treat,
And with Alfonso of Leon in conference they meet.
Dame Sol and Dame Elvira in due course wedded are.
Great were their former matches, but these are nobler far.
He gave with greater honor than before the twain to wed;
He who in happy hour was born still doth his glory spread,
Since o'er Navarre and Aragon as queens his daughters reign;
Today are they kinswomen unto the kings of Spain.
From him came all that honor who in good hour had birth.
The Cid who ruled Valencia has departed from the earth
At Pentecost. His mercy may Christ to him extend.
To us all, just men or sinners, may He yet stand our friend.
Lo! the deeds of the Cid Campeador! Here takes the book an end.