Part 6 (1/2)

From the Cid's men, of water have they cut off all the store.

My lord the Cid's brave squadrons great l.u.s.t to fight they had, But he who in good hour was born firmly the thing forbade.

For full three weeks together they hemmed the city in.

x.x.xIV.

When three weeks were well nigh over and the fourth would soon begin, My lord Cid and his henchmen agreed after this guise:

”They have cut us off from water; and our food must fail likewise.

They will not grant unto us that we depart by night, And very great is their power for us to face and fight.

My knights what is your pleasure, now say, that we shall do.?

Then first outspake Minaya the good knight and the true:

”Forth from Castile the n.o.ble unto this place we sped; If with the Moors we fight not, they will not give us bread.

Here are a good six hundred and some few more beside.

In the name of the Creator let nothing else betide: Let us smite on them tomorrow.”

The Campeador said he: ”Minaya Alvar Fanez, thy speaking liketh me.

Thou hast done thyself much honor, as of great need thou must.”

All the Moors, men and women, he bade them forth to thrust That none his secret counsel might understand aright And thereupon they armed them all through that day and night.

And the next day in the dawning when soon the sun should rise, The Cid was armed and with him all the men of his emprise.

My lord the Cid spake to them even as you shall hear.

”Let all go forth, let no one here tarry in the rear, Save only two footsoldiers the gates to watch and s.h.i.+eld.

They will capture this our castle, if we perish in the field; But if we win, our fortunes shall grow both great and fair.

Per Vermudoz, my banner I bid thee now to bear; As thou art very gallant, do thou keep it without stain.

But unless I so shall order thou shalt not loose the rein.”

He kissed the Cid's hand. Forth he ran the battle-flag to take.

They oped the gates, and outward in a great rush did they break.

And all the outposts of the Moor beheld them coming on, And back unto the army forthwith they got them gone.

What haste there was among the Moors! To arm they turned them back.

With the thunder of the war-drum the earth was like to crack.

There might you see Moors arming, that swift their ranks did close.

Above the Moorish battle two flags-in-chief arose, But of their mingling pennons the number who shall name?

Now all the squadrons of the Moors marching right onward came, That the Cid and all his henchmen they might capture out of hand.

”My gallant men here in this place see that ye firmly stand, Let no man leave the war-ranks till mine order I declare.”

Per Vermudoz, he found it too hard a thing to bear, He spurred forth with the banner that in his hand he bore:

”May the Creator aid thee, thou true Cid Campeador, Through the line of battle yonder thy standard I will take; I shall see how you bring succor, who must for honor's sake.”

Said the Campeador: ”Of charity, go not to the attack.”

For answer said Per Vermudoz: ”Is naught shall hold me back.”

Spurring the steed he hurled him through the strong line of the foes.

The serried Moors received him and smote him mighty blows, To take from him the banner; yet they could not pierce his mail.

Said the Campeador: ”Of charity go help him to prevail.”

x.x.xV.

Before their b.r.e.a.s.t.s the war-s.h.i.+elds there have they buckled strong, The lances with the pennons they laid them low along, And they have bowed their faces over the saddlebow, And thereaway to strike them with brave hearts did they go.

He who in happy hour was born with a great voice did call: