Said the King: "My thanks unto thee and to all the court I own."Upon their feet got swiftly the Heirs of Carrión;Of him who in good hour was born, lightly they kissed the hands.Before the King Alfonso they made exchange of brands.
Out spake the King Alfonso like a man of gentle race:"My thanks, so noble art thou, but first to God for graceThat for the Heirs of Carrión thou givest thy daughters twain.Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, in hand I have them ta'en.To Carrión's Heirs as consorts those ladies I award.I give away thy daughters as brides with thine accord,May it please God that thou therewith in full content mayest rest.Behold, the heirs of Carrión that wait on thy behest.Let them go with thee, prithee, for I from hence must wend.Three hundred marks of silver I give them to this end,To spend upon the marriage or what else pleaseth thee,Since within high Valencia in thy wardship they will be.The sons and the daughters shall thy children be all four;Whate'er shall be thy pleasure, do with them, Campeador."
The Cid received them from him, and the King's hand did kiss."My sovereign and my master, I think thee well for this.Thou shalt give away my daughters, for I will not do the deed."After the parle was over they gave pledges and agreedThat the next day in the morning when forth the sun should flame,All persons at the parley should return to whence they came.Thereby both fame and honor had the lord Cid Campeador,And many mules and mighty, and fair palfreys furthermore,And fine and precious raiment. And to give gifts he began,Whatso he would to who would take, and denied it to no man.As gifts full sixty horses did the lord Cid present.Whoe'er was at the parley therewith was full content.Now were they fain of parting, for night was like to fall.
The King the Heirs of Carrión took by the hand withal,In the power of the Cid Campeador he put them both straightway."Behold them here thy children; since thy sons-in-law are they;From this day forth do with them as thy heart shall give accord.May they serve thee as their father, and keep thee for theirlord."
"I thank thee and accept, O King, the gift which thou hast given.Mayst thou be well rewarded by God who is in heaven.
CV."Of thee, my liege and sovran, a boon do I requestSince thou givest to wed my daughters in what way likes thee best,Choose one my girls to give away, who in thy place shall stand,Since thou hast them, I will never give them o'er with mine ownhand.To the Heirs. Such satisfaction to them shall be denied.""Behold here Alvar Fañez," the King to him replied,"Take them by the hand and give them to the heirs, even as IHere afar off have ta ten them, as though I were hard by;And throughout all the vigil their sponsor shalt thou be.When again to me thou comest tell all the truth to me."
Said Alvar Fañez: "Faith! My lord, I am content indeed."
CVI.To all this with due caution, know well they have agreed."Ha! King, my lord Alfonso much honored, for a signOf the parley that we held here, thou shalt take a gift of mine.I bring thee thirty palfreys that are trapped rich and well,And thirty fleet war-horses, each with a noble selle.Take them and I will kiss thy hand."The King Alfonso spake:"Deep in thy debt thou hast me. Thy present I will takeWhich thou givest. The Creator and all his saints accordFor the kindness thou hast done me that thou have a fair reward.Oh my lord Cid Roy Diaz, thou hast done me honor high.Full well thou cost my service, and well content am I.Mayst thou reap of me some harvest ere my life be at an end.Into God's hands I give thee. From the parley will I wend.Hail God in Heaven! grant us our treaty well to keep."
CVII.The Cid mounted Baviéca his charger at a leap."Here before my King Alfonso I say it openly,Who would fain go to the marriage or would have a gift of me,Let him come with me. His profit shall be great, as I conceive."
Now of his lord Alfonso the lord Cid took his leave..His company he wished not, he departed from him straight.There might you see a many of knights of fair estateTaking leave of King Alfonso, that the while his hands did kiss:"Let it be now thy pleasure, and prithee grant us this--'Neath the Cid to great Valencia now will we march awayTo see the Heirs of Carrión upon their wedding day,And Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra that the Cid's daughters be."
Therewith the King was satisfied and gave them liberty.And the King's bands diminished and the Cid's increased the more.Great company of people marched with the Campeador.
They rode straight to Valencia ta'en when his star was high.On Diégo and Ferrándo he bade them keep an eye.Muño Gustióz and Per Vermudóz they had commandment plain--In all my lord Cid's household were not a better twainThe ways of them of Carrión to discover them and find.Ansuór Gonzálvez joined the Heirs who was a noisy hind,Loose-tongued, and for untrustful in other things well known.They showered many honors on the Heirs of Carrión.
Behold them in Valencia that the Cid my lord had ta'en.When they looked upon the city they were exceeding fain.Muño Gustióz and don Pero, to them the lord Cid spake:"Straightway the Heirs of Carrión unto a lodging take,But do you tarry with them, so doth my order run.When entereth in the morning, when breaketh forth the sun,Of Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, their brides, they shall have sight."
CVIII.Then every man departed to his lodging-place that night.The Cid Campeador has entered his castle once again.Abode him Dame Xiména, she and her daughters twain.
"Campeador who in good season girt sword, thou hast come thy ways;May the eyes of our faces behold thee many days."
"I am come, wife much honored, by the Creator's grace,And sons-in-law I bring thee, whence our fame shall wax apace.I have married you well, my daughters, so thank me for it well.
CIX.Forthwith a-kissing of his hands his wife and daughters fell,And likewise all the ladies their pleasure still that did."Thanks be to the Creator and to thee, fair-bearded Cid,What thing thou cost soever, it is well done indeed.In all thy days thy daughters shall never be in need."
"When thou givest us in marriage, great wealth to us shall fall."
CX."Wife o'mine, Dame Xiména. praise God who made us all.Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, my girls to you I say,From your marriage in all honor shall we increase alway.But that I did not begin it, the truth now understand;My lord Alfonso sought you and stately made demandWith such firm will, I wist not how to deny the thing.And I put you both, my daughters, in the keeping of the King.Know that he giveth you to wed, and that I am not the man."
CXI.To make beautiful the palace, then one and all began.There was displayed much arras on wall and pavement both,Much purple and much samite and store of precious cloth.'Twould have pleased you in that palace to have sat you down toeat.And speedily together did his knights assembled meet.
And for the Heirs of Carrión as at that time they sent,To horse they got and onward to the palace forth they went.And fine is all their raiment, and stuff of proof likewise.They came afoot and properly, God! in what lowly guise!The Cid and all his vassals received them when they came.They bowed the head before him; they bowed before his dame;Straightway to take their places on a noble seat they strode.Of my lord Cid all the henchmen exceeding wisdom showed,His speech who in good hour was born in quiet they expect.
And now the noble Campeador hath risen up erect:"Since such a deed is toward, why do we tarry here?Come hither Alvar Fañez whom I cherish and hold dear.My daughters twain, behold them, to thy hand I give them o'er.Be it known so to perform it unto the King I swore,To fail in our agreement is in no way mine intent.To the Heirs of Carrión their brides, now with thine hand present;Let them have benediction and speed the wedding through."
To him replied Minaya: "This will I gladly do."
The ladies rose. He gave them into Minaya's care.To Carrión's Heirs, Minaya now doth his charge declare:"Lo! Minaya here before you, ye brothers born that be!By the hand of King Alfonso, who has laid this charge on me,I give to you these ladies that are both of noble blood,That to wife ye take them nobly and in fair guise and good."
And with a will and gladly to take their brides they came,And they kissed the hands straightway of my lord Cid and his dame.
They came forth from the palace when all these things were done.And then unto Saint Mary's in haste they got them gone.Bishop Jerome his vestments swiftly to him has ta 'en,And he abode the coming at the portal of the fane.He has given them his blessing, and chanted mass in course.
When from the church they issued with speed they got to horse.They hastened from Valencia forth on the sandy shore.God! the Cid and his companions, how well their arms they bore!He who in happy hour was born, three times hath changed his steed.With what he saw my lord the Cid was well content indeed,For the two heirs of Carrión have well their steeds bestrode.With the ladies to Valencia then home again they rode.In that fair hold resplendent was the wedding that they had.To rear up seven quintains the Cid next morning bade;Before they went to dinner, were the seven burst in twain.
Full fifteen days together at the wedding they remain.The fifteen days well nigh are done; homeward the nobles ride.My lord Cid don Rodrigo who was born in a good tideOf the mules and the palfreys and the battle-chargers swift,Of beasts alone an hundred has granted forth in gift,And cloaks, fur capes, and raiment of other sort great store,and bestowed wealth in money in abundance furthermore.The vassals of my lord the Cid, for they had counselled so,For their part bridal tokens upon the guests bestow.He came by great possession whoso thereof was fain,Who was at the bridal, wealthy came to Castile again.Now are all these guests together about to ride away;To Roy Diaz in good hour born their last devoirs they pay,And likewise to the ladies, and his men of high descent.My lord Cid and his vassals they left in high content.They said much honor of them as was indeed their due.Diégo and Ferrándo were passing merry too;Of the Count don Gonzálvo they were the children twain.
And now the guests came homeward unto Castile again.The Cid and his two sons-in-law in Valencia they stay.There dwell the Heirs until two years have well nigh passed away.It was a mighty welcome in that city that they had.The Cid and all his vassals were all exceeding glad.Saint Mary and our Father, may it please them to consentThat the Cid and he who wrought it with the bridal be content.Of this Cantar the couplets come now unto their end.The Saints and the Creator preserve you and defend.
CANTAR III
THE AFFRONT OF CORPES
CXII.The Cid lay in Valencia with all his men beside;With him the Heirs of Carrión 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 Ferránd Gonzálvez the Heir of Carrión,He saw no place to hide in; chamber or tower was none.Beneath the seat he crouched him so mighty was his dread.And Dídago Gonzálvez out through the doorway fled,Crying aloud: "Wo! Carrión 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 afraidThat before the Cid, low cowering, to earth his head he bent.My lord Cid don Rodrigo him by the neck has hent.He drew him and he dragged him and within his cage shut fast.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 cheeks 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 Carrión.
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 Búcar 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 Carrión 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 Carrión more.Widows will be the daughters of the good Campeador."
But Muñoz Gustióz 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 Carrión they long.As God cherishes and keeps them, go bid them have good heart,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 Carrión. 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 Carrión 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."
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While they spoke thus, King Búcar sent word and commanded The Cidto quit Valencia and go his way in peace.*
*At this point a lacuna occurs in the text of the poem. The prosepassage is supplied from the Chronicle of the Twenty Kings, anemendation due to Pidal.
Otherwise Búcar would exact payment for all that the Cid had donein the city. The Cid said to him who bore the message:
"Go thou and say to Búcar, that son of an enemy, that before threedays 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 Carrión on thatoccasion sought the van of him. After the Cid had marshalled hismen in order of battle, don Ferrándo, one of the Heirs, went forthto attack a Moor who was called Aladraf. The Moor, when he behelddon Ferrándo, came forward likewise to attack him. Thereupon theHeir of Carrión, being overcome with fear of the Moor, wheeled hishorse and fled before him. Single-handed he dared not await theMoor's coming.
When Pero Vermudóz, who was hard by, beheld this, he attacked theMoor, fought with him and slew him. Then he took the Moor's horseand went in quest of the Heir who was in full flight.
"Don Ferrándo," he said to him, "take this horse and tell all menthat thou didst slay the Moor, his master. I will be thy witness."And the Heir replied: "Don Pero Vermudóz, I thank thee greatly forwhat thou sayest.
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"May I see that time when payment I shall make to thee twice o'erFor all that thou deserves". The twain turned back once more.Don Pero there bore witness to Ferrándo'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 Diégo and Ferrándo 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 Vermudóz, who art my nephew dear,Dídago and Ferrándo 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.Then canst thou aid me lightly if peril should arise."
Minaya Alvar Fañez 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 end of the encampment he 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.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 ofpower.
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 Baviéca 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 Búcar's henchmendrave.
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 through,And many a head well helmed in the battle fallen low,And many a steed masterless that galloped to and fro.For seven miles together they followed up the flight.As he followed, on King Búcar the Cid my lord did light:"Turn hither, Búcar. 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 Búcar: "Such a friendship God confound.A sword in hand thou bearest, and I see thee spur amain,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 shallkeep."A good steed had Búcar that sprang off great leap on leap.But the Cid's Baviéca upon him fast did gain.Three fathoms from the water was Búcar overta 'en.He has lifted up Coláda. 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.Búcar the King from oversea the Cid hath overthrown.Well worth a thousand golden marks was the great sword Tizón,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 oncemore;My lord the Cid Roy Diaz, the famous Campeador,With two swords he greatly cherished through the carnage swiftlypassed.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 Diégo and Ferrándo he beheld, that near him drew.Of the Count don Gonzalvo the children were the two.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 Carrión fair tidings that concern you shall be sent,How by us the King Búcar 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 Fañez came now unto his side.Hacked with the swords was all the shield that at his neck hewore.The strokes of many lances had scarred it furthermore.They that those strokes had stricken, had reaped therefrom nogain.Down the blood streamed from his elbows. More than twenty had heslain."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 Búcar, 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 awayTheir 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.
CXX.'Twas a great day in the palace of the Cid Campeador,When he had slain King Búcar 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 Carrión 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 men 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 Carrión 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 descendOn 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.To me or unto whom I will, they shall pay the money down."
Very great was the rejoicing in Valencia the townThat 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 Carrión 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 Fañez, the fighting cavalier.Of the Campeador his household are many others by.When the heirs of Carrión 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 Elvíra 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 Carrión fair tidings shall be sped."
CXXIII.Out spake the Heir Ferrándo 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 slewKing Búcar, proven traitor, so pray you have a careNow for some other matter; well marcheth our affair."
My lord the Cid his henchmen spake smiling round aboutOf whoso fought most fiercely or best pursued the rout.
But Diégo and Ferrándo mid such men they did not find.And now in all the japing the henchmen had designedBoth 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 turnTo the thing that they have spoken, let us have no concern."Let us return to Carrión. Here overlong we wait.The riches we 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 Carrión.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 scornThey turn to our discomfort who are heirs of Carrión 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 Carrión 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 Ferránd Golzalvez for silence in the Court:
"Cid Campeador, so may our God abide thy strong support,May it please Dame Xiména, but first seem good to thee,And Minaya Alvar Fañez and all men here that beGive us our wives. By marriage are they ours in very deed.Unto our lands in Carrión those ladies we will lead.With the dower-lands to enfeoff them that we gave for bridal rightOf 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 Carrión,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.Coláda and Tizón the swords I will give to you likewiseFull 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 León and in Galicia and Castile let all men hearHow 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 Carrión 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 Carrión'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 alongUnto the lands of Carrión. To mount all men prepare,Farewell all men are saying. But the two sisters there,Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, kneeled to the Cid Campeador:"A boon, so may God keep thee, O father, we implore.
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 Carrión 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 Carrión 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 careMine and your father's blessing you still with you shall bear.Go forth where you are dowered in Carrión 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 plainThat 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 Múñoz, I prithee where art thou?Thou art my daughters' cousin in thy soul and in thine heart.With them even unto Carrión 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 Múñoz: "Heart and soul that duty pleases me."Minaya Alvar Fañez 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 Carrión's lands thy daughters to visit we shall wend.Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, to God do we commend.Such things may you accomplish as will make us glad and 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 Múñoz, now hark to this aright.Thou shalt go by Molína, and there shalt lie one night,And greet fair the Morisco Avengalvón my friend;That he may most fair reception to my sons-in-law extend.Tell him I send my daughters to the lands of Carrión,In all their needs his courtesy as beseemeth shall be shown.Let him ward them to Medína 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 Carrión have fettled them to fare.Saint Mary of Alvarrazín, their halting-place was there.
From thence the Heirs of Carrión plied furiously the spur.Ho! in Molína with the Moor Avengalvón 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 Luzón (so are they signified),And the Vale of Arbujuélo to the Jalón they came.The place where they found lodging, Ansaréra is its name.Unto the daughters of the Cid, the Moor fair presents gave,And to either Heir of Carrión 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 broughtAnd 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 secureSafe as our wealth in Carrión those goods we will maintain.And ne'er will the Cid Campeador avenge on us the stain."While they of Carrión 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 Avengalvón he ran:"Thou art my lord. Be wary of these persons, Castellan.I heard the heirs of Carrión that plotted death for thee."
CXXVII.This same Avengalvón the Moor, a gallant man was heHe 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 Bivár,I would do such deeds upon you as through all the world shouldring,
And then to the true Campeador his daughters would I bring.And unto Carrión never should you enter from that day.
CXXVIII.What I have done against you, ho! Heirs of Carrión, 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 Elvíra with your good leave I go;For of these men of Carrión I rate the fame but low.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 Jalón, weapon he waved in air.He returned unto Molína like a man of prudent heart.
And now from Ansaréra did Carrión's Heirs depart;And they began thereafter to travel day and night.And they let Atiénza on the left, a craggy height.The forest of Miédes, now have they overpassed,And on through Montes Claros they pricked forward spurring fast.And then passed Griza on the left that Alamos did found.There be the caves where Elpha he imprisoned underground.And they left San Estévan, on their right that lay afar.Within the woods of Corpes, the Heirs of Carrión 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 lightAnd there the Heirs of Carrión 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 theyprotest,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 Carrión so the commandment ran,That none behind should linger, a woman or a man.But Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra 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 Carrión."Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, ye may take this for true: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 Carrión no portion shall you find.Let them hasten with these tidings to the Cid Campeador.Thus, the matter of the lion, we avenge ourselves therefor."
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 thehand.When the ladies had beheld it, then out spake Sol the dame:"Don Diégo, don Ferrándo, we beeech you in God's name.You have two swords about you, that for strength and edge areknown.And one they call Coláda, the other is Tizón.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 Carrión 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.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 Elvíra 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 Carrión for dead have left them thus arrayed,For the one dame to the other, could give no sort of aid.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 Carrión twain.But now of Felez Múñoz 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 Múñoz entered into a thick-grown straw,Till the coming of his cousins should be plain to be perceivedOr what the Heirs of Carrión 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 Múñoz 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 Elvíra, cousins of mine that be,The two Heirs of Carrión 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 Elvíra 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 Elvíra fresh life began to rise;And they looked on Felez Múñoz 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 Carrión 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 Múñoz, 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.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 reinAnd sped them on, and through Corpes Wood they took their way.They issued from the forest between the night and day.The waters of Duéro they at the last attain.At Dame Urráca's tower he left behind the twain,And then unto Saint Stephen's did Felez Múñoz fare.He found Diégo Tellez, Alvar Fañez' 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 Elvíra to welcome did he go.He lodged the in Saint Stephen's. Great honor did he showThose 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 werehealed.
Loud they sang each other's praises, those Heirs of Carrión,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 Carrión to keep mine honor whole.Now by this beard that never was plucked by living soul,Thereby the Heirs of Carrión 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 Fañez a sad man was he.Minaya with Per Vermudóz straightway the steed bestrode,And good Martin Antolínez 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 tidingsflewThat 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 andwell.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 contentThen swiftly to their lodging to rest that night they went.Where bode his kin, Minaya to see them went his ways. DameSol and Dame Elvíra upon him fixed their gaze: "So heartily wethank 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 Fañez, the tears flowed from their eyes.Per Vermudóz because of them was sorely grieved likewise."Dame Sol and Dame Elvíra, 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 Medína their shelter have they sought.From Medína to Molína on the next day were they brought.And there the Moor Avengalvón 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 Carrión 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.Their mother Dame Xiména 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, Muño Gustióz, vassal of fair reportIn 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 sake--I am known for his vassal, he for my lord is known--At the dishonor done me by the heirs of CarriónShall 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 Carrión,For in my heart the anguish exceeding great is grown."
Thereupon Muño Gustióz 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 Sahagún.Of Castile is he the ruler, of León 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.As soon as Muño Gustióz 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 trainThe King saw them and knew lightly Muño Gustióz 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, Muño Gustióz, 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 Carrión'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 Carrión.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 artthou,That my lord Cid may have justice on the Heirs of Carrión 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, Muño Gustióz, herein a true thing said,For to Carrión's Heirs, his daughters I gave indeed to wed.For good I did it, deeming that there his vantage lay.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 Carrión 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 prepareTo 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, Muño Gustióz 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 León and Santiago he sent letters without fail,And unto the Galicians, and the men of Portingale.Tidings to them in Carrión and in Castile they bringOf a Court held in Toledo by the much honored King,And that there they should be gathered when seven weeks shouldend.Who stayed at home, true vassalage no longer could pretend.And all men so determined throughout his breadth of landsNot to fail in the fulfillment of the King's high commands.CXXXV.Now are the Heirs of Carrión troubled by the reportThat 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 Carrión saw that it must be doneSince they are very near of kin, counsel they took thereon.Count García 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 Carrión 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 Remónd also--For the sire of the most noble the Emperor was he known.There came the Count don Froíla and the Count don Birbón.Out of his realm came many of wise hearts and lealAll the best men were gathered of the kingdom of Castile.And there with Crespo de Grañón, Count don García cameAnd he who ruled in Oca--Alvar Diaz was his name.With Gonzalvo Ansuórez, Ansuór Gonzálvez stood.Know ye well with them was Pero of the Ansuórez blood.Diégo and Ferrándo 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.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 Fañez 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 partWith 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 Remónd 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 Xiména--a worthy dame is she--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.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 Serván 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 Serván.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 fameWere in accord together when at length the morning came.CXXXVII.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 Fañez--my strongest arm art thou--Thyself shall hear me company and the Bishop, don JeromeSo too this Muño Gustióz and Per Vermudóz shall come,And Martin Antolínez from Burgos true and triedAnd with Alvar Salvadórez, Alvar Alvarez beside,And Martin Múñoz who was born in a season of good grace,So likewise Felez Múñoz a nephew of my race.Mal Anda wise exceeding, along with me shall goAnd the good Galínd Garcíaz 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,Let them assume the hauberks that white as sunlight glare,And upon the hauberks ermines and mantles of the vairLet them lace tight their armour, let not the arms be seen.They shall bear beneath their mantles the swords both sweet andkeen.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 Carrión 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 andthrough.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 commandFrom San Serván 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.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 Remónd 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--'twas Crespo de Grañón--Nor any of the party of the Heirs of Carrión.
The King has ta'en my lord Cid's hand:"Come sit thee, Campeador,On the bench here beside me--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 Carrión 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 Carrión 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 Carrión.Let all men know they did him a bitter injury.The Counts Remónd and Henry judges thereof shall be,And all you counts, moreover, in the feud who bear no part.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 IsidoreShall 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 Carrión'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 theeThat thou this court hast summoned out of pure love for me.Against the Heirs of Carrión this matter I reclaim.They cast away my daughters. I had thereby no shame,For thou gavest them in marriage. What deed to do todayThou know'st well. From Valencia when they took my girls away,I loved with heart and spirit the Heirs of Carrión,And the two swords I gave them, Coláda and Tizón--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 García: "Of this let us debate."Apart from the assizes went the Heirs of Carrión 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;They will hold the court no longer, when he has the swords oncemore.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 Coláda and Tizón, the falchions twain,Straightway they gave them over to the King their sovereign'shands.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 Elvíra high vengeance I will take."
By name his nephew Pero he has called out before;And stretching forth his hand, to him the sword Tizón gave o'er."Take it nephew. The sword's master now is fairer of renown."To good Martin Antolínez the man of Burgos town,Stretching forth his hand Coláda into his care he gave;
"Thou Martin Antolínez, who art a vassal brave,Take Coláda that I captured from a true knight without fail,From him of Barcelona, from Remónd Berenguél.That thou mayst guard it rightly, therefore I give it thee,I know if aught befall thee, if occasion e'er should be,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 Coláda and Tizón I am content indeed,But I have a farther issue 'gainst Carrión 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 Carrión's Heirs, what a complaint made they.To them said the Count don Remónd: "Give answer, 'Yea' or 'Nay'!',And then the Heirs of Carrión, they made their answer plain:"Therefore to the Cid Campeador we gave his swords againThat he might demand naught further, for his suit is closedthereby."Then straightway the Count don Remónd 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 anewOr render an accounting?"
Then Carrión's Heirs withdrew.For the greatness of that treasure they could not as one consent,And the two Heirs of Carrión 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 Carrión the money shall be paid."
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 Carrión 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 Ferránd Gonzálvez, what he said ye now shall hear:"We have in our possession no minted goods and gear."
To him then the Count don Remónd 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 Carrión 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 sufficeKnow well for fools men took them, from that suit when 'scaped thetwain.
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:
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 Carrión, 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 Carrión 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 García 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 theaffairs.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 Carrión, 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."