Chapter 7

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 tide Of 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 consent That 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 afraid That 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 Cid to quit Valencia and go his way in peace.*

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

Otherwise Búcar would exact payment for all that the Cid had done in the city. The Cid said to him who bore the message:

"Go thou and say to Búcar, that son of an enemy, that before three days are past, I will give him all that he asks."

The next day the Cid ordered all his men to take up their weapons, and marched out against the Moors. The Heirs of Carrión on that occasion sought the van of him. After the Cid had marshalled his men in order of battle, don Ferrándo, one of the Heirs, went forth to attack a Moor who was called Aladraf. The Moor, when he beheld don Ferrándo, came forward likewise to attack him. Thereupon the Heir of Carrión, being overcome with fear of the Moor, wheeled his horse and fled before him. Single-handed he dared not await the Moor's coming.

When Pero Vermudóz, who was hard by, beheld this, he attacked the Moor, fought with him and slew him. Then he took the Moor's horse and went in quest of the Heir who was in full flight.

"Don Ferrándo," he said to him, "take this horse and tell all men that thou didst slay the Moor, his master. I will be thy witness." And the Heir replied: "Don Pero Vermudóz, I thank thee greatly for what thou sayest.

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"May I see that time when payment I shall make to thee twice o'er For all that thou deserves". The twain turned back once more. Don Pero there bore witness to 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 of power.

His eyes beheld the Bishop, who was born in happy hour, He caught his shield, the battle-spear he laid it low along, He spurred 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 henchmen drave.

CXVIII. Out of the tents they drave them; on them in pursuit they flew. Many arms and many a hauberk, had you seen there cloven 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 shall keep." 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 once more; My lord the Cid Roy Diaz, the famous Campeador, With two swords he greatly cherished through the carnage swiftly passed. O'er his brow his cap was wrinkled, back was his mail-hood cast, And but a little ruffled was the cap upon his hair. On every side his henchmen came thronging to him there. My lord the Cid saw somewhat and was well pleased thereby, For he looked forth before him lifting up his eyes on high. And 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 he wore. The strokes of many lances had scarred it furthermore. They that those strokes had stricken, had reaped therefrom no gain. Down the blood streamed from his elbows. More than twenty had he slain. "To God and to the Father on High now praises be, And Cid who in good hour wast born so likewise unto thee. Thou slewest the King 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 away Their war-prize, when the booty safe in their hand had they, Took care that no decrease thereof should in their time be made. In the city of Valencia they were splendidly arrayed, Feeding well, and wearing noble cloaks and gallant capes of fur. The Cid and all his henchmen exceeding glad they were.

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 descend On some fine night. That venture in no way I intend-- I shall not go to seek them. In Valencia I shall stay. By God's aid, to me their tribute they shall render up and pay. To me or unto whom I will, they shall pay the money down."

Very great was the rejoicing in Valencia the town That rose in all the levies of the Cid Campeador, That God's will hath vouchsafed them to triumph in the war. Likewise of both his sons-in-law excelling was the mirth, For each of them won booty five thousand marks in worth. Themselves they deem right wealthy, those Heirs of 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 slew King Búcar, proven traitor, so pray you have a care Now for some other matter; well marcheth our affair."

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

But Diégo and Ferrándo mid such men they did not find. And now in all the japing the henchmen had designed Both day and night together they mocked sore the Heirs again. A very evil counsel together took the twain. Verily they are brothers, forthwith apart they turn To the thing that they have spoken, let us have no concern. "Let us return to 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 scorn They 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 be Give 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 right Of the lands of our possession, thy daughters shall have sight, And those wherein the children to be born to us shall share."

The Cid my lord the Campeador scented no insult there: "I shall give you my daughters and of my wealth dispone. Ye gave them glebe of dowry in the lands of 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 likewise Full well ye know I got them in very gallant guise. My sons ye are, for to you do I give my daughters two. My very heart's blood thither ye carry home with you. In León and in Galicia and Castile let all men hear How I sent forth my sons-in-law with such abundant gear. And serve you well my daughters, your wedded wives that be. An you serve them well rich guerdon ye shall obtain of me." To this the heirs of 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 along Unto 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 care Mine 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 plain That these marriages in no way should stand without a stain. But since the twain are married, he may not repent him now.

CXXVI. "My nephew Felez 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.''