| So rich his men they know not what they have. My Cid hath manned the Pass of Alucant. he Zaragoza left and lands this way, From Huesca turned and lands of Montalban, And toward the salty sea began to war. |
| The sun upon the East arose; he turned In that direction. Onda gained My Cid And Xerica and Almenara gained. And conquered all of Burriana’s lands. Creator, Lord in heaven lent him aid. Moreover hath he Murviedro gained. |
| Now saw My Cid that God protected him Not slight the fear within Valencia. It grieved Valencia, know it pleased them not. Agreed they how they might to siege him go. From night to break of dawn they made their march, |
| Near Murviedo came to fir their tents. My Cid beholding what was filled with joy. “To Thee be thanks, oh Father Spiritual! We’re in their lands and do them every ill. Their wine we drink and do we eat their bread. ‘Twere justly done an they to siege us came. That, short of fight will find no settlement. |
| To those who should assistance render us Let messengers be sent. Let some depart to Xerica and other Alucant, To Onda some and others Almenara; Let hose of Burriana swiftly come. |
| We will deliver them and fight on field. I trust in God that all will stand us well.” Three days and all had come. he, born upon An hour propitious, thus began to speak: “Attend me, men -Creator be your guard! |
| Since land of sweet Christianity we left – No wish of ours, we might not otherwise – Be thanks to god, for prospered our affairs. Valencia’s folk have sieged us. Would we rest |
| within these lands we must chastise them well. Let us pass the night and let the morrow come: with arms and horses be prepared for me. We’ll journey forth to view this host of theirs, As men separated from a foreign land. |
| There shall be seen who meriteth his pay.” What spake Minaya Albarfanez hear: “We, Campeador, accomplish your behest. give me an hundred knights. I ask no more. In front attack them you, with all the rest. |
| Well will ye strike, no hesitation there. And I, the hundred leading, will attack The other side. As trust I have in God, The field will be our own.” The words he spake Well pleased the Campeador. ‘Twas morn and all Bethought to arm. Well knoweth each his part. |
| My Cid at dawning light to strike them goes. “In name of the Creator and Saint James Apostle, strike them gentlemen with love And willingness and goodly earnestness, For I’m My Cid Ruy Diaz of Bivar!” |
| Of tent cords many had ye seen to break, Uptorn the stakes, tents falling everywhere. The Moors are many, would they rally now. Fell Albarfanez on their other side. Unwilling were they forced to yield and fly. |
| Is great within that place the joyousness. Tow Moorish kings in this pursuit they slew. Unto Valencia the chase endured. The spoil My Cid has gained is great. They took Cebola and whatever lies before. |
| Who might, escaped through fleetness of their steeds. They spoiled the camp and thought to turn them back. This mighty booty bearing came they then to Murviedro. Be assured the news About My Cid reechoes far and wide. So great the fear within Valencia |
| They know not what to do. The news resounds Beyond the sea’s ertent. My Cid was gay And all his men, that god assistance lent, And he the victory gained. Their fleet ones sped, By night they marches made, Guiera reached, Arrived at Xativa and, further down, |
| At Denia, the City. Near the sea They stoutly ravage all the Moorish lands. Took Pena Cadiella, every way that leadeth in or leadeth out they took. Cid Campeador, when he had gained the town |
| Of Pena Cadiella, deep it grieved The folk of Guiera town and Xativa. Beyond all bounds the grief Valencia knew. By storm and capture in the Moorish lands, In sleep by day and marching through the nights, Three years My Cid employed to gain those towns. he hath Valencia’s folk a warning given. they dare not venture forth not fight with him |
| They felled their huertas – did them grievous harm; My Cid of bread deprived them all these years. They know not what to do; Valencia’s folk made deep complaint. And never unto them from any part so ever bread arrived, |
| Nor son might aid his sire, nor father son, Nor friend to friend might consolation bear. ‘Tis evil plight, my lords, to want for bread! To see, through hunger, sons and women die! They see their pain nor may assistance bear. |
| Unto Morocco’s king they needs must send. Dire war he waged against the one who dwells In Montes Claros. help he sent them none, Nor came to aid. That learned My Cid; at heart he was content. he Murviedro left to march the night. day broke upon My Cid |
| In lands of Monreal. he heralds sent Through Aragon, Navarre; his messengers Bade seek Castile: “Who care would lose and gain In riches, join My Cid, on marching bent. |
| To place Valencia in Christian hands he would surround the place. Who seeks to go Along with me to siege Valencia – Come all by choice, compulsion none shall know – Three days I will attendance hold on them, Within Canal de Celfa.” This My Cid, |
| The one on hour propitious born, hath said. he unto Murviedro turned him back, For had he gained it. know, the heralds went On every hand, With eagerness for spoil, he would not stay. from fair Christianity Great numbers join. My Cid, be of Bivar, |
| Grows richer. When My Cid the gathered force Perceived, he joyed. My Cid Don Roderick Wished no delay, but straight he marched against Valencia, and sought attack thereon. My Cid he sieged it well nor trick employed; Forbade their going out or coming in. All news is echoed wide concerning him. |
| More seek My Cid, be sure, than go from him. A time of grace he set wherein the place Might help receive. Before the town he lay Full nine months, know, and when the tenth arrived, They needs must yield it. Great the joy that ran |
| Through all this place. The day whereon My Cid Valencia took and came within the town, The men who walked were changed to mounted knights. Who might relate the gold and silver’s sum? All present were enriched. Then bade My Cid, |
| Don Roderick, to gather up the fifth. Full thirty thousand marks in coin were his; And who might name the other riches there? The Campeador rejoiced with all his men, When o’er the Alcazar his chief banner waved. |
| My Cid reposed with all his companies. the news that taken is Valencia for want of aid, Sevilla’s king hath reached. he came to see with thirty thousand armed. Beside the huerta did they hold the fight. |
| My Cid o’erthrew them – he whose beard is long. The rout was carries quite within the walls Of Jativa. Ye had confusion seen At passing Jucar river. There the Moors Thrown back, despite themselves the water drink. Morocco’s king escape, receiving thrice |
| A blow. My Cid, with all the spoil, returned. When they Valencia gained the spoil was fair. But greater profit, know, this rout hath brought: Among them – unto all the very least An hundred marks of silver fell. Now see |
| how sped the reputation of the knight. Among those Christians with My Cid Ruy Diaz, On hour propitious born, the joy was great. Now doth his beard increase and longer grow. My Cid addressed them thus: “For love I bear The king Alfonso who hath eriled me, |
| Should scissors never find their way therein, Nor fall a single hair, and may the Moors And Christians talk thereof.” Don Roderick, My Cid is resting in Valencia, At hand Minaya Albarfanez stands Who never leaves his arm. The eriles now |
| Great wealth possess. Within Valencia he gave to each both house and heritage Wherewith are all content; for now is proved My Cid’s affection. Those who left with him And those of later coming all are pleased. My Cid perceived that, holding such a spoil As they had gained, if now they might depart, |
| ‘Twould willingly be done. This bad My Cid – Minaya counseled it: – “Each man who took No leave, nor kissed his hand, if they might seize him Or overtake, they should attach his wealth And on a gibbet raise him high. So all With care hath he arranged. For counsel now |
| he with Minaya Albarfanez goes. Minaya, an you deem it well, I’d know The state of those at hand, who profit gained With me, and write their names – be listed all; So that among these vassals mine who guard |
| Valencia and round it keep their watch, If any flee away and should be missed, he unto me his plunder shall return.” “Therein,” Minaya said, “‘Tis wisely planned.” he bade them seek the court and gather all. When there he found them, count he took of them. Three thousand and sir hundred had My Cid, he of Bivar. his heart was glad, he smiled. |
| “Minaya, praise to God, be praised as well Saint Mary Mother, less our forces when We left Bivar the town. Now have we wealth And more will have. Minaya, an you will, An’t grieve you not, I wish to send you hence |
| Unto Castile, where hold we heritage, And king Alfonso, he, my lawful liege. From this, my spoil, we here have gained, I’d give And hundred steeds to him, which you shall take, And kiss his hand and earnestly beseech |
| his leave my wife and daughters to remove, An’t please him. Will I send for them, and you The message learn: The daughters of My Cid Infantas, and his wife, such way shall go That great their honor in these stranger lands |
| That we enabled were to gain.” Thereon Minaya made reply: “right willingly.” This said, they preparation thought to make. My Cid an hundred Albarfanez gave, To serve him on the road, and bade him bear Saint Peter’s church a thousand silver marks, |
| And Abbot Sancho give. While all rejoiced Upon his news, there came tonsured one From out the East, Jerome the bishop called. A man of wisdom, deep in letters learned. |
| Afoot or mounted most adroit was he. he came with questions of the deeds of fame My Cid had wrought the bishop eager was To see himself engaged afield with Moors, For is in fight he fall a -dealing blows, To end of time let Christians weep him not. |
| My Cid, when that he heard, rejoiced. “Attend, Minaya Albarfanez, by the One Who is on high, since God would lend us aid, Let us display our thanks. I would create Within Valencia’s lands a bishopric, And on this goodly Christian would bestow. |
| Fair tidings yours when you shall seek Castile.” Don Roderick’s words gave Albarfanez joy. This Don Jerome they now a bishop make, Establish in Valencia where well he rich may be. God, all of Christendom |
| how glad that now within Valencia’s lands A bishop dwelt! Minaya was rejoiced. he took his leave and went. Valencia’s lands At peace, Minaya Albarfanez made Unto Castile his way. I will omit The halts, nor have desire to name them o’er. |
| he questioned where Alfonso might be found. The king had shortly sought Sahagun; he came To Carrion and there he might be found. Thereat was glad Minaya Albarfanez. This present bearing, there he straightway went. |
| The king Alfonso just from mass had turned. Behold where comes upon most fitting time Minaya Albarfanez! Fell he then Upon his knees before the people all; In sorrow deep he knelt before the king Alfonso, kissed his hands and aptly spake: “Grace, liege Alfonso, for Creator’s love! |
| Doth kiss your hands My Cid, the man of wards, Your feet and hands as to such worthy lord. So may Creator guard you, grant him grace! From out the land you drove him, hath he not You love, but though within a foreign land |
| he hath his own affairs attended well. The towns called Xerica and Onda gained, Took Almenara, Murviedro took, The greater, thus he did Cebolla treat And Castejon before, and that which is A rock of strength, called Pena Cadiella. |
| With all of these he is Valencia’s lord. With his own hand the worthy Campeador A bishop made, five battles fought afield And gained them all; Creator gave to him A mighty booty; here behold the proofs |
| that truth I say you, steeds an hundred here Both great and swift and all with bridles decked And saddles. Doth he kiss your hands and pray You take them; deems yourself his vassal, holds Yourself his lord.” The king his right hand raised And made upon his face the sign of cross. |
| “For such great spoil the Campeador hath gained, Saint Isidore so aid me, am I pleased At heart. These deeds the Campeador hath wrought Content me well. These steeds he sent as gift, I do accept.” Although it pleased the king Garciordonez did it sorely grieve: |
| “Me seems that not a man in Moorish land Is left alive, that this Cid Campeador So works his will.” The king to count replied: “Now cease that talk, for doth he render me In all things service better far than you.” Minaya spake and after manly wise: |
| “An’t please you, grace the Cid implores of you For both his daughters as upon his wife The Dame Ximena; would they go from where, Within the monastery left he them, And seek the worthy Campeador within Valencia.” Then spake the king: “Thereof I joy at heart and will I bid that, while |
| Within my land, provision they receive. Dishonor, shame and evil fend from them. And when these ladies reach my land’s ertent, Give heed that both the Campeador and you Attend them. harken troops and all my court: |
| I would not aught the Campeador should lose. To all the troops who name him liege I give Release of all wherein I seizure made. Where’er the Campeador may be, let each his heritage receive. From sudden death And evil so I free their bodies all. |
| And this I do that may they serve their liege.” Minaya Albarfanez kissed his hands. The king he smiled, and very fair he spake: “Whoe’er would seek the Campeador to serve, Be freed of me and with Creator’s grace |
| Depart. The greater were our gain therein Than in another’s shame.” Thereon the Lords Of Carrion began to hold discourse: “My Cid the Campeador’s success apace Increaseth. Well his daughters would we wed To our advantage. Yet we would no dare Ourselves to broach this subject. From Bivar |
| My Cid, and we are counts of Carrion!” To none they told it, there this talk was left. Farewell Minaya Albarfanez gave The goodly king. “Minaya, now you part, And may Creator’s grace accompany you. A porter take, I deem it were you gain. |
| And if ye take the dames, their wished fill. Unto Medina grant their every need, Thereafter let the Campeador attend.” Minaya bade farewell and left the court. Beside Minaya Albarfanez marched The Lords of Carrion: “In al things thou |
| Art worthy, act in this with worthiness; My Cid, he of Bivar, salute for us, In what we may we stand in his behalf. No loss the Cid’s wherein he favor us.” Replied Minaya: “Naught aggrieves me there.” |
| Minaya gone, the Lords they turned them back. he sought Saint Peter’s straight, where wait the dames. Supreme the joy when saw they him appear. Dismounts Minaya, seeks Saint Peter’s church For prayer. That done the ladies be approached: |
| “I bow before you, Dame Ximena, here; God shield from harm, and so your daughters guard! My Cid, from where he rests, his greeting sends; I left him well, with riches very great. In clemency, the king you freedom grants |
| To me, to bear you to Valencia, Our heritage. An sees you safe the Cid, And free from harm, all joyful will he be. For naught his care.” The Dame Ximena said: “Creator grant it.” Thereupon apart Three knights Minaya Albarfanez set, |
| And sent them where My Cid remained within Valencia City: “Tell the Campeador – May god from harm defend – that both his wife And daughters hath the king released to me. And while we should within his lands remain he bade we be with all provisions plied. Gone fifteen days – an God from harm protect – |
| Myself, his wife and children will be there, And all the worthy dames they have with them.” The knights are gone, and they will mind it well. Minaya Albarfanez hath remained Within Saint Peter’s. had ye there beheld Arrive from every hand the knights. They wish |
| To seek My Cid, he of Bivar, within Valencia. They Albarfanez pray To favor them. Minaya thus replied: “that will I gladly.” knights Minaya sought In number sixty-five. An hundred more |
| he had form yonder led. A goodly force They form, these ladies to accompany. Five hundred marks Minaya did bestow Upon the Abbot, while the other five, I will relate what use he made of them. The Dame Ximena, as her children there, And other ladies who before they serve, |
| The good Minaya thought to furnish them With best equipment he might find within The town of Burgos; palfreys, mules as well, To end that they no poor appearance make. The dames equipped, the good Minaya wished To think on marching, when, before his feet |
| Rachel and Vidas fell: “Thou knight of fame, Minaya, grace! And if he aid us not know ye that Cid hath ruined us. The gain We grant but let him the capital.” “that thing before the Cid I will attend. |
| An God but lead me there. Your deed will gain Fair recompense.” Rachel and Vidas said: “Creator so ordain, for else we needs Must Burgos leave and go in search of him.” Minaya Albarfanez sought Saint Peter’s Full many came to him, he thought to march. |
| At parting is the Abbot’s grief profound. “Now may Creator be your guardian, Minaya Albarfanez. And for me Salute upon his hands the Campeador And may be ne’er forget this monastery, |
| For higher aye My Cid will be esteemed for making it to prosper all his days.” Minaya made reply: “Right willingly.” And now they take their leave and think to ride. The porter set to guard them goes with them. Throughout the king’s domain provision great They gave them. Five the days they use to march |
| The space between Saint Peter’s and Medina. Lo! Albarfanez and the dames within Medina. Will I tell ye of the knights 454-5~ Who bore the word. When ware of that, My Cid, |
| he of Bivar, was glad and pleased at heart. be’gan to speak: “Who envoy worthy sends May look for like. Thou, Muno Gustioz, Pero Vermudez, thou to horse before, |
| With hundred men for fight prepared, and go True Martin Antolinez, Burgales, And Bishop Don Jerome, the tonsured one of high esteem. Saint Mary’s pass and seek Molina town beyond. Who holds that place, Avengalvon, my friend of peace is he. he well may join with hundred other knights. |
| Fly to Medina. As they told to me, You there will find Minaya Albarfanez With wife and children mine. In honor great Lead them before me; I will rest within Valencia, which place hath cost me dear. |
| ‘Twere madness great an I abandoned it. I will within Valencia remain, For do I hold the place as heritage.” that said, they thought to ride. At utmost speed They never ceased to march; Saint Mary’s crossed And came to pitch their camp before the place; |
| At morrow lodge within Molina town. When Moor Avengalvon the message knew, With great delight he went to welcome them. “Now, come, ye vassals of my natural friend, And, know ye, great my joy, no pain is mine!” |
| Awaiting none, spake Muno Gustioz: “My Cid saluted you and bade us urge That swift you bear him aid with hundred men. his wife and daughters in Medina rest. he begs you seek and bring them here to him |
| Nor leave them till you gain Valencia.” “that will I gladly,” said Avengalvon. Provision great that night he gave to them. At morn the thought to ride. An hundred me They asked, but he with twice an hundred goes. |
| Vast mountains wild they pass. In such a guise Passed Mata de Toranz. No fear had they. By Val de Arburedo planned descent. Now all are in Medina. Truth to learn, Two knights Minaya Albarfanez sent. |
| No stay was there, they have the thing at heart. The one remained with them, but back again To Albarfanez did the other turn. “Now men of Campeador come seeking us. Pero Vermudez here before you see, And Muno Gustioz, who love you true, And Martin Antolinez, Burgales, |
| And Alcayaz Avengalvon and all The force he leads, to bring My Cid content And bear him honor. Al together come And now arrive.” “This hour,” Minaya cried, |
| For seek they not delay. Full hundred men They sallied forth, no did they ill beseem, On goodly steeds that poitrels bore and bells, And sendal coverings and shields on necks, And lances pennanted in hands, to show |
| Oh, how went Albarfanez from Castile With these the dames he led! The ones who spy And march ahead soon take their arms and go. high ran the joy along the stream Jalon. |
| Obeisance to Minaya Albarfanez. When came Avengalvon and saw him there, he sought embrace with smile on mouth, and pressed Salute upon his shoulder – such his use: “Fair day is yours, Minaya Albarfanez! |
| Wife, daughters lawful of the warrior Cid, We all must honor – such his auspices. Though ill we wished him might we do him none. In peace or war of ours he e’er shall have. |
| Minaya Albarfanez smiled: “Art thou, Avengalvon, a flawless friend; an God But bear me ‘fore the Cid and him I see In life, for this your deed you naught shall lose. |
| Avengalvon: “Tis offer give me joy. And ere from this three days passed away Twofold I will return it unto you.” They passed within Medina town and there Minaya entertainment gave to them. Of service thus bestowed were all rejoiced. |
| Within Valencia, where said me Cid, he honor hath received by vast supplied They furnished him within Medina town. All paid the king and free Minaya town. The night hath passed away, the morn hath come, |
| They left Medina, crossed Jalon and spurred Up Arburelo swiftly; soon they crossed Torancio’s field, Molina reached where they ruled Avengalvon. The Bishop Don Jerome – |
| The ladies guarding, marched by night and day, On horse of war that goes before him arms. And what with Albarfanez and himself A company they had, and now they passed Within Molina, city fair and rich. |
| Whatever thing they wished, they lacked it not; E’en cost of horses’ shoes he bade remit. Ah God, what meed of honor did they give Minaya and the dames! At morrow’s dawn They mounted soon, no failed he serving them |
| his own expended, naught he took of theirs. With these delights and news of such degree No close upon Valencia they stand, Three leagues all told. Within Valencia Unto my Cid, on hour propitious born, |
| They bore the news. My Cid was filled with joy Which ne’er had higher risen, nor so high. For cometh word form all he loveth best. Two hundred knights he bade depart in haste, To greet Minaya and the noble dames. |
| he rests, for well he knows that Albarfanez Brings all securely. See! the children now And dames and all the rest Minaya greet. My Cid commanded those within his house |
| To guard, and likewise every gate that leads Or in or out, and Babieca bring; he had but newly gained him, now was yet My Cid, who sword on hour propitious girt, Aware an he were fleet or good at halt. |
| Before his wife and daughters he desired to bear his arms. The Bishop Don Jerome, when had the dames with honor great been met, Before them entered, left his horse and straight |
| Upon that moment. Clad in surplices And bearing silver crosses, went they forth To welcome good Minaya and the dames. Stayed not the one on hour propitious born. They saddle Babieca, coverings Cast over him, and forth upon him rode |
| My Cid, and wooden arms he took in hand; A cloak o’er tunic threw, his beard was long. A course he ran, most strange it was to see. The horse he strode was Babieca named. And when the course was run they marveled all. |
| Through all of mighty Spain. Where ends the course My Cid dismounted, straight he sought his wife And daughters twain. And when the Dame Ximena Beheld him, at his feet she cast herself: “Grace, Campeador, on hour propitious thou hast girded sword! Thou hast delivered me |
| Behold me, liege, and both your daughters here, Through God and you most nobly bred and good.” The mother and the daughters close he drew Within his arms; and for their joy they wept. |
| tablados breaking, arms within their hands. What spake the one on hour propitious born Attend: “Oh thou, my honored cherished wife, And both my daughters, heart and soul of mine, |
| Within this heritage I gained for you.” The mother and the daughters kissed his hands. Valencia’s gates with honor great they passed. My Cid the Alcazar straightway sought with them. |
| On every hand the lovely eyes are turned. They see how lies Valencia City spread, And on the other hand behold the sea. They gaze upon the huerta, dense and wide. |
| Full joyful made My Cid and company, For fair it is and great. The winter now hath gone and March is just about to come. I would relate you news from o’er the sea, |
| Morocco’s king was angered with My Cid Don Roderick: “Within my heritage he roughly enters; grace he renders not Save unto Jesus Christ.” That king who ruled Within Morocco drew his forces up. |
| they sought the idea and passed within their ships. They go to seek Valencia, to My Cid Don Roderick. The vessels have arrived And forth they go. They reached Valencia |
| Their tents and camped. The news hath reached My Cid; “Creator, Spiritual Sire, be praised! For all the wealth I own before me lies. With pain I gained Valencia, and hold it |
| Creator and Saint Mary Mother, praise! My wife and daughters here I have at hand. Delight is mine from lands beyond the sea. I arms will seek, nor might I turn away. |
| Within these foreign lands perceive the way Of gaining lodgment. Well their eyes shall see how bread is won.” his daughters and his wife he bade to mount upon the Alcazar’s height. They raised their eyes, and fired they tents beheld: |
| “Now grieve ye not, my honored wife. ‘Tis wealth Most strange and great that riseth unto us. But late you came, they would a gift bestow. Your daughters are to marry. They but bring |
| Both unto you and the Spiritual Sire.” “Rest, wife, within the palace, and if so It be your wish, within he Alcazar stay. have never fear because ye see me fight. With grace of God and of Saint Mary Mother, My heart grows strong for that we are at hand. |
| The tents are fired and dawn begins to break; In greatest haste they beat the drums. My Cid Rejoiced and cried: “A day most fair is this!” his wife hath fear, it seemed her heart would break; |
| Since birth they never such a terror knew. he grasped his beard, the good Cid Campeador: “Fear not, for all to your advantage turns; Ere fifteen days have passed, an’t please Creator, |
| Thereon yea shall behold what things they be,. The Bishop Don Jerome shall then receive And hang them in the church they call Saint Mary The Mother of Creator.” ‘Tis a vow Cid Campeador hath made. The dames rejoice, |
| They fearless pass within the huertas’ space. The atalaya saw, and rang the bell. The Christian forces stand prepared. They arm Right willingly and rush without the town, |
| In truth they drove them from the huertas forth In goodly guise. Full fifteen hundred men This day they slew. that chase hath reached the tents. They had accomplished much and thought to ride. |
| Now those who eat his bread have turned them back Unto My Cid. he had beheld the thing, And when they came to him they told it him. For all they did My Cid with joy is filled. |
| This day is fair, the morn shall fairer be. Armed by ye ready ere the light of dawn. The Bishop Don Jerome shall unto us Give absolution and recite the mass. Thereafter unto riding turn your thoughts. Forth let us go to strike them in the name |
| Better we crush them than they gain the field.” All cried threon: “With love and willingness.” Minaya spake, nor sought delay: “‘Tis thus You, Cid, desire, but bid me otherwise: Give me hundred knights and thirty armed |
| Will I upon the other side attach. To both or one will God assistance bear.” Thereon replied the Cid: “Right willingly.” This day is done and hath the night arrived. |
| Ere morn, at cockcrow, Bishop Don Jerome Recited them the mass. The mass complete, Great absolution gave he unto them: “Whoe’er shall perish here with face to fight I take his sins and God his soul shall have. |
| On hour propitious; I think morn to you Recited mass; a guerdon now I ask, And be it granted me, first blows to deal.” The Campeador: “hereon ’tis granted you.” |
| My Cid encouraging his vassals well. Most cautious men they leave beside the gates. Sprang forth My Cid, upon his steed he rode, On Babieca, well with trappings decked. |
| Four thousand, lacking thirty, leads My Cid. They willingly ‘gainst fifty thousand go. Then ‘mongst them dashed Minaya Albarfanez From other side and Albar Albarez. |
| My Cid his lance employed and grasped his sword. So many Moors be slew, no count they took, The blood a-dripping from the elbow down. Three blows he dealt King Yusef. he escaped |
| Within Guiera stopped, a castle fair. Thus far My Cid, he of Bivar, pursued, And with him others of his vassals true. Thence turned the one on hour propitious born. |
| There Babieca, head to tail, he prized. Within his hand this plunder all remained. The fifty thousand men they count; and none Beyond an hundred men and four escaped. |
| Three thousand marks in gold and silver found. The other spoils they knew not what their sum. My Cid and all his vassals joyed that God Did grant them grace and they the field had won. |
| he Albarfanez left to learnt he sum; Valencia entered with an hundred knights. his face was grave, his arms he has removed; Thus sword in hand on Babieca came. |
| Before them stopped, his horse’s reins he held: “I bow before you, dames; I gained for you A mighty prize. While you Valencia held I won the field. this God and all his saints |
| Behold the bloody sword, the sweating steed; With such as this are Moors on field o’ercome. Creator pray that he be spared to you Yet many years. Ye shall to honor come, |
| Descending form his horse. When him they saw On foot, for had he now dismounted, dames And daughters and his wife, of worth so high, Fell on their knees before the Campeador: “Within your grace we rest, and may you live |
| And passed within the palace. There they took Fair seats beside him. “Dame Ximena, wife, Now didst thou not demand the thing of me? These dames you brought, who do so well attend you; With these my vassals would I marry them. |
| That folk may come to know within Castile To whom they bear such service excellent. Your daughters’ case for other time be kept.” 1769-70~ All rose and kissed his hands, and great the joy |
| the thing was done. Minaya Albarfanez Within the camp remained with all these men Writing and counting. What with tents and arms And precious garments such a store they found That ’tis a mighty thing. I would relate |
| Of all horses that in harness ran And none might take them. Moors within these lands Did thereby greatly gain. Despite all this, By lot there fell the Campeador renowned |
| When fell My Cid such number, might the rest Be well content. So many beauteous tents, And tent poles wrought, My Cid and vassals gained! The tent Morocco’s ruler had which towers |
| On tent poles twain which are with gold in wrought; My Cid Ruy Diaz bade that tent to leave, And that no Christian bear it thence away. “Such tent as this, form out Morocco brought, I would Alfonso the Castilian send, |
| how gain he hath.” With such great wealth they passed Valencia’s portal. Bishop Don Jerome, Most worthy tonsured one, how tired was he Of fight with both his hands, nor knows the sum Of Moors he slew. What fell by lot to him |
| he born on hour propitious, bade a tithe Of all his fifth he given unto him. Throughout Valencia the Christian folk Are joyful, such a store of wealth is theirs |
| her daughters twain, and other ladies deemed for marriage chosen. Naught delayed My Cid the goodly man. “Where are thou, worthy one? Minaya, hither come. No thanks bestow For what by lot hath fallen unto you. |
| My Fifth whate’er you wish, the rest remain. At morrow morn you must unfailingly go With steeds form this the fifth that I have gained, With saddles, bridles, and with each a sword, |
| For hath he sent them to their own content, These twice an hundred steeds as gifts shall go, That may the king Alfonso speak no ill Of him who rules Valencia.” he bade Pero Vermudez with Minaya go. |
| And bear within their ranks two hundred men, With salutations from the Cid, who kissed The king’s hands. As a gift he sent to him, From out that fight he gained, two hundred steeds, And service ever while remaineth life. |
| Such spoil they bear, it needs must guarded be. They march by night and day; they passed the range That parts the other lands, and set themselves To asking for my lord the king Alfonso. |
| Valladolid, where King Alfonso was. A message, that he bid receive this band, Pero Vermudez and Minaya sent: “My Cid, he of Valencia, sends his gift.” |
| he bade his gentlemen all quickly mount. Forth ‘mongst the first the king, to look upon those sent form him on hour propitious born. There know ye, drew the Lords of Carrion, |
| To some it brought content, but other grieved. Who serve the one on hour propitious born. Beheld the thing, and did they deem it were An army come, for herald brought they none. My lord the king Alfonso crossed himself. |
| They sprang to earth, dismounting from their steeds. Upon their knees before the king Alfonso They fall and kiss the earth and both his feet: “Grace, king Alfonso, honor great is yours! |
| for all of this we salvation bear. he names you Sire and holds himself your vassal. The Cid esteems the honor you have done him Most deeply. king, a fight he won of late Against Morocco’s ruler, Yusef names. |
| The spoil he made is vast, and all enriched his vassals have become. he sent to you Two hundred steeds, and doth he kiss your hands.” Said king Alfonso: “Gladly take I them. |
| And may I yet the hour behold when he Shall guerdon gain form me.: This many pleased, And did they kiss his hands. The Count Garcia Was grieved and deeply angered, and he turned Apart with ten among his family: |
| So great his honor. We abased shall be Through this his honor. kings upon the field he shamefully defeated, just as though he slew them, sending unto us their steeds. Through this his deed we ill at ease shall be.” king Don Alfonso spake, these words he said: |