Within his hand his naked sword he bore;
Fifteen the Moors he slew of those he reached.
he Castejon with gold and silver gained.
The booty bearing, now his knights arrive.
They leave My Cid the whole; he deems it nought.
Behold the twice an hundred men and three
Upon the raid; unerringly they marched
To Alcala. Minaya’s standard came.
Thence turned they back with plunder to ascend
Henares; Guadalajar’s way they passed.
how very great the spoil they gather there
Of many herd of cattle, flocks of sheep,
And garments rich and other things of price.
Now straightway back Minaya’s banner comes,
Nor any dare assault upon the rear.
With booty such returned that company.
In Castejon, where was the Campeador,
Behold them now. The Campeador he left
The castle gained, and mounting, sallied forth
To welcome them with this his following
Minaya he receives with open arms:
“Now, Albarfanez, come, thou hardy lance,
Where’er I sent you had my hope been such.
Let this be placed with that; I give to you,
Minaya, an it be your wish, the fifth.”
“For this I thank you, Campeador renowned.
that fifth awarded unto me by you,
Alfonso the Castillian would esteem.
I free it, holding you absolved of it.
To God I vow, the One who is on high,
That till I’m satisfied on my good steed,
In battling Moors upon the field of war,
Till lance I use and hold my sword in hand,
The blood a dripping from the elbow down,
Before Ruy Diaz, man of battle famed,
I’ll not a bad dinero’s worth from you.
Now since through me you have some fortune gained,
For all the rest behold it in your hand.”
Together then they gathered their spoils.
My Cid, in hour propitious born, bethought
That news would reach the king Alfonso’s ears
Of his campaigns; that would he seek to do
An evil unto him with all his force,
he bade division make of all that gain,
that each his part by written form receive.
his knights therein have share, and each receives
An hundred marks of silver. Those on foot
Do each the half of that unfailing gain.
A fifth complete My Cid received; but here
They may not sell it now as gift bestow.
Yet would he not within his company
Or men or women captives bear with him.
With those of Castejon he parley held;
to Hita sent, and unto Guadalajara,
This fifth, for what it might be bought of him.
Whate’er the price they give, their gain were great.