Part 11 (1/2)

They who went forth to exile of riches had good store.

To all men in Valencia, the gallant Campeador Gave houses and possessions whereof they were right glad.

All men of the Cid's bounty good testimony had.

And of them that had come later well content was every one.

My lord Cid saw it plainly that they fain would get them gone, With the goods that they had taken, if unhindered they might go.

The lord Cid gave his order (Minaya counselled so) That if any man that with him in richer case did stand Should take his leave in secret and fail to kiss his hand, If they might overtake him and catch him as he fled, They would seize his goods and bring him unto the gallows-head.

Lo! was it well looked after. Counsel he took again With Minaya Alvar Fanez ”An it be that thou art fain, Gladly would I know, Minaya, what may the number be Of my henchmen, as at present, that have gained aught by me.

I shall set it down in writing. Let them well the number scan, Lest one depart in secret and I should miss the man.

To me and my companions his goods shall be restored, All they who guard Valencia and keep the outer ward.

”The measure is well counselled,” said Minaya therewithal.

LXXVII.

He bade them meet together at the palace, in the hall.

When he found them met together he had them numbered o'er.

Bivar's great Cid had with him thousands three, and thirty score.

His heart was glad within him, and a smile was on his face.

”Thanks be to G.o.d, Minaya, and to Mary Mother's grace.

Out from Bivar the city we led a lesser power.

Wealth have we, and shall have greater as at some later hour.

”Minaya, if it please thee, if it seemeth good to thee, To Castile I fain would send thee, where our possessions be, Unto the King Alphonso that is my lord by right.

Out of the mighty plunder we won here in the fight I would give him five score horses, the which to him now take; kiss thou his hand and earnestly plead with him for the sake Of my wife Ximena and the twain, maids of my blood that be, If yet it be his pleasure that they be brought to me.

I will send for them. But be it known how this my message runs: The lady of my lord the Cid and her maids, my little ones, Men shall seek for in such fas.h.i.+on that They shall come to the strange country we have conquered by our might.”

To him Minaya answered: ”Yea and with right good heart.”

After they thus had spoken they got ready to depart.

The Cid to Alvar Fanez an hundred men decreed To do his will, and serve him on the journey at his need.

And he bade give to San Pedro marks of silver fifty score, And beside to Abbot Sancho a full five hundred morn

LXXVIII.

Of these things while they were joyous, came thither from the East, A clerk, the Bishop don Jerome, so all men called that priest.

Excelling was his knowledge, and prudent was his rede, 'Twas a mighty man of valor afoot or on the steed.

Of the Cid's deeds the tidings he was seeking to procure, And he yearned sore, ever sighing for battle with the Moor.

If his fill of fight and wounding with his hands he e'er should get, Therefore a Christian never need have reason for regret.

When my lord the Cid had heard it, he was well pleased thereby:

”Hark, Minaya Alvar Fanez, by him who is on high, When the Lord G.o.d would aid us, let us give Him thanks again. .

Round Valencia a bishopric to stablish I am fain, And I will further give it unto this Christian leal.

Thou shalt bear with thee good tidings when thou goest to Castile.”

LXXIX.

Of that saying Alvar Fanez was glad when the Cid spake.

Don Jerome his ordination there and then they undertake.

In Valencia great riches have they given to his hand.

G.o.d! how merry was all Christendom that now within the land Of Valencia a bishop of reverend grace had they!

Glad therefore was Minaya and took leave and went his way.

Lx.x.x.