Part 15 (1/2)

When the Cid had so many the rest content might bide.

What store of rich pavilions and carven poles beside To the lord Cid and his va.s.sals by the chance of war did fall, And the King's tent of Morocco was the richest of them all, All gold wrought are the tent-poles that pavilion that sustain.

My lord Cid the great Campeador did at that time ordain That it stand pitched; to move it let not a Christian dare.

”Since hither from Morocco is come a tent so fair, To Alfonso the Castilian I am fain to send it now; That the Cid hath captured somewhat then lightly will be trow.”

Laden with mighty riches to Valencia came they home.

That very n.o.ble cleric, the Bishop don Jerome, When a surfeit of the fighting he had had of his hands twain, Was at a loss to number the Moors that he had slain.

What fell to him of booty was sovran great of worth.

My lord Cid don Rodrigo (in a good time was his birth,) Of all his fifth share of the spoil has sent him the tenth part.

XCVI.

The Christians in Valencia were all right glad of heart, For now excelling riches, horses and arms they had.

Ximena and her daughters all three were pa.s.sing glad, And the other dames; as wedded upon themselves looked they.

And my lord Cid the n.o.ble in no wise would delay.

”Where art thou brave Minaya? Come hither to me now.

For thy great share of booty, no grat.i.tude hast thou?

Of this my fifth of all the prey, I tell thee clear and plain, Take unto thy good pleasure, but let the rest remain.

And tomorrow in the morning thou shalt certainly ride out With the horses of my portion that I captured in the rout, With the saddles and the bridles and the swords that them behove, For the sake of my lady and for my daughters love.

Since Alfonso sent the ladies whither they were content, These same two hundred horses to him thou shalt present, That of him who rules Valencia the King no ill may say.”

He bade go with Minaya Per Vermudoz straightway.

The next day in the morning they departed with all speed, And a full two hundred henchmen along with them they lead, With greetings from the Cid who fain would kiss his hands aright.

Even out of the battle where my lord Cid won the fight, For a gift he sent Alfonso of horses good ten score: ”While I have breath within me, I will serve him evermore.”

XCVII.

They have issued from Valencia. And they fettle them to fare.

They must watch well so mighty a booty do they bear.

And night and day they hastened for they gave themselves no rest.

The mountains that divide the lauds they have pa.s.sed o'er the crest.

And the folk they fell to asking where Alfonso

XCVIII.

O'er the mountains, o'er the rivers, o'er the hills they took the road.

And at length before Valladolid where the King lay they were.

Minaya and Per Vermudoz sent tidings to him there, That reception to their followers he might bid his men extend.

”My lord Cid of Valencia presents with us doth send.”

XCIX.

Glad was the King. Man gladder you never yet did see.

He commanded all his n.o.bles to ride forth hastily.

And forth among the first of them did King Alfonso go, Of him who in good hour was born the tidings for to know.

Know you the Heirs of Carrion happed in that place to be, Also Count don Garcia the Cid's worst enemy.

Of the tidings some were merry, and some were all folorn.

They caught sight of his henchmen who in happy hour was born.

They feared it was an army for no herald came before.

Straightway the King Alfonso crossed himself o'er and o'er.

Minaya and Per Vermudoz came forward with all speed, They leaped from the saddle, they dismounted from the steed.

Before the King Alfonso upon their knees they fell.

They kissed the ground beneath him, the kissed his feet as well: ”Now a boon, King Alfonso. Thou art great and glorious.