Part 13 (2/2)

When that career was ended, from the steed the Cid got down, And hastened forth his lady and daughters twain to greet.

When Dame Ximena saw him she cast her at his feet: ”Brand thou girdest in good season. Thy favour, Campeador!

Thou hast brought me forth from insults that were exceeding sore.

Look on me, lord! Look also on my daughters as on me.

By Glod's help and thine they are n.o.ble, and gently reared they be.

And the Cid straightway embraced them, mother and daughters twain.

Such joy they had that from their eyes the tears began to rain.

His men rejoiced. The quintains, they pierced them with the spear.

He who girt sword in a good time, hark what he said and hear.

”Oh thou my Dame Ximena, beloved and honored wife, And ye two both my daughters that are my heart and life, To the city of Valencia now do yet enter in, The fair estate that for you it was my lot to win.”

His hands they have kissed straightway, the daughters and their dame.

So with exceeding honor to Valencia they came.

Lx.x.xVII.

With them the lord Cid hastened to the citadel apace, He has ta 'en the ladies straightway up to the highest place.

And forth in all directions they turn their lovely eyes, And they behold Valencia and how the city lies, And in another quarter they might perceive the sea.

They look on fertile meadows close sown and great that be, And on all things whatever that were of fair estate G.o.d they praised with hands uplifted for that good prize and great.

My lord Cid and his followers thereof were glad and fain.

And now was winter over, for March would come again.

And of the countries oversea 'tis my desire to tell, Even of the King Yussuf in Morocco that did dwell.

LXXVIII.

The King's heart of Morocco 'gainst the Cid was full of rage.

”By force the man hath entered into my heritage, And giveth thanks to no one save Jesus Christ therefor.”

And the King of Morocco gathered his hosts of war.

With fifty times a thousand under arms, good men and stark, They put to sea. In galleons that army did embark To seek the Cid Rodrigo in Valencia they went, The s.h.i.+ps came in; and straightway issued forth that armament.

Lx.x.xIX.

To Valencia that the Cid had ta'en, 'twas thither they did fare.

The unbelievers haltccl and pitched pavilions there.

With tidings of the chances to my lord the Cid they came.

XC.

”Now thanks to the Creator and the Holy Father's name.

All the goods in my possession, I have them here with me.

Hardly I took Valencia, but I hold it for my fee; This side death, I cannot yield it. Glory to G.o.d again And to Holy Mary Mother that my wife and daughters twain Are here with me. From oversea cometh now my delight.

Never will I forego it, I will take the arms of fight.

My lady and my daughters shall see me lift the brand, They shall see how men build houses here in a foreign land, And how a livelihood is won their eyes shall see it well.”

He took his wife and daughters up to the citadel.

They raised their eyes and men they saw pitching tents everywhere.

”Cid, what is this? So may the Lord still keep thee in His care.”

”Ha, wife, much honored! Therefor prithee be not troubled thus.

'Tis wealth most great and wondrous that they gather here for us.

Scarce art thou come, when presents they would give thee in that hour.

Thy daughters wait for marriage 'tis these that bring the dower.”

”Unto thee, Cid, and unto G.o.d do I give thanks again”

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