Part 13 (1/2)

If G.o.d shall bring me to the Cid and him alive I see, The things that thou has done for us shall greatly profit thee.

Let us to our lodging, supper they have made ready there.”

Avengalvon gave answer: ”'Tis a courtesy most fair; Double will I repay it ere the third morning fall.”

To the town they came. Minaya provided for them all.

The escort that came with them, they were gladdened when they saw.

Minaya the King's herald commanded to withdraw.

The lord Cid in Valencia was greatly honored then, When they gave such entertainment in Medina to his men.

The King paid for all. Minaya therefor had naught to pay.

At length the night was over, and came the break of day.

And ma.s.s they heard, and after away they rode at last.

They hastened from Medina, o'er the Jalon they pased.

And down the Arbujuelo, spurring apace they ride.

In haste the meadows of Toranz they cross from side to side, They came unto Molina where Avengalvon was lord.

Bishop Jerome, a Christian worthy of his deed and word, Escorted the three ladies whether by day or night, And he led a good charger with his armor on his right.

And he and Alvar Fanez rode aye together thus.

They have entered in Molina the rich and glorious, And loyally Avengalvon the Moor has served them there.

Unto the height of their desire, nothing they lacked whatever: He even bade men strike for them the horseshoe from the steed.

Minaya and the ladies, G.o.d! he honored them indeed They got them upon horseback when the next morning fell.

Unto Valencia loyally he served them all and well.

The Moor spent of his own estate, for naught from them took he.

With such honorable matters and mirth and revelry They came nigh unto Valencia, that three leagues off doth stand.

To my lord Cid who in good hour had girded on the brand, In the city of Valencia the news thereof they bore.

Lx.x.xV.

Nothing had ever gladdened him so much as this or more, For now there came good news of them for whom great love he had.

Straightway two hundred hors.e.m.e.n to go forth to them he bade, To the good dames and Minaya fair reception to afford.

But he tarried in Valencia to watch it and to ward, For he knew that Alvar Fanez with all due care would come.

Lx.x.xVI.

And lo! now the two hundred welcomed Minaya home.

And the ladies and the daughters and all within the band.

The Cid to them within his train had issued his command To ward full well the citadel, and the towers that were so high, And the gates that none might enter and none depart thereby.

And he bade bring Bavieca that a little time before From the King of Seville he had taken, when he routed him in war.

The Cid that in good season girt the brand on, of that steed Knew not if he were swift to run or to stop short at need.

At the gateway of Valencia where none might work him woe, Unto his wife and daughters he desired his gear to show.

When the ladies with great honor the host had welcomed home, Then first into the city came the Bishop don Jerome.

He left his horse; to chapel straightway the Bishop wet.

With all men that he could gather who were of like intent And surplice-clad, with crosses of silver, once again They greeted good Minaya and the ladies of the train.

He who was born in happy time tarried but little there.

He has put on his surcoat. His beard was long and fair.

On Bavieca saddle and caparisons they threw.

The Cid took wooden weapons; forth on the steed he flew.

Leaped the steed Bavieca. With a great rush did he run.

'Twas rare to see. And when he ceased they marvelled all and one.

From that day Bavieca in all Spain had renown.