Part 16 (1/2)

Unto the King they gave farewell, and got them gone again, And onward to Valencia they hastened with their force.

When the good Campeador had heard, swiftly he got to horse, And came to meet them smiling, and strong, embraced the two.

”Minaya and Per Vermudoz, ye are come back anew!

There are not many countries where two such gallants dwell.

From my lord King Alfonso what tidings are to tell?

Is he content? Did he vouchsafe to take the gift from me?”

Said Minaya, ”In his soul and heart right well content is he, And his good will he sendeth unto thee furthermore.”

Said the Cid: ”To the Creator now mighty thanks therefor.”

The Leonese Alfonso his pleasure they made known That the Cid should give his daughters to the Heirs of Carrion.

He deemed it would make him glorious and cause his fame to grow.

And in all truth and honor would advise him even so.

When my lord the Cid had heard it, the n.o.ble Campeador, Then a long time much pondering he turned the tidings o'er, ”For this to Christ my master do I give thanks again.

I was sent forth to exile and my honor suffered stain.

That which is mine I conquered by mine endeavor high.

Unto G.o.d for the King's favor a thankful man am I, And that for them of Carrion they ask my daughters two.

Minaya and Per Vermudoz, thereof what thinketh you?”

”Whate'er shall be your pleasure, that is it we shall say.”

Said the Cid: ”The Heirs of Carrion, of a great line are they, And they are proud exceeding, and their favor fair at court.

Yet ill doth such a marriage with my desire coport.

But since it is his pleasure that is of more worth than we, Let us talk thereof a little, but secret let us be.

May the Lord G.o.d in Heaven accord us as is best.”

”Besides all this Alfonso this word to thee addressed: He would come to parley with thee in what place thou art fain.

He desireth wel1 to see thee and honor thee again.

Then what to do is fittest ye might be well agreed.”

Said the Cid: ”Now by this saying I am well pleased indeed.”

”Where thou wilt hold this parley” said Minaya, ”ponder well.

”In that the king desired it, no wondrous thing befell,”

That wherever we might find him we might seek him in his way, As to our King and Master, our high devoir to pay.

Haply we may desire what good to him shall seem.

Nigh to the river Tagus that is a n.o.ble stream, If so my lord desire it, we will hold the parley there.”

He wrote the letters straightway and sealed them well and fair.

And then unto two hors.e.m.e.n he gave the letters o 'er.

Whatso the King desireth, that will the Campeador.

CIII.

Unto the King much honored, the letters they present.

When he had looked upon them, then was his heart content.

”To the Cid who in good time girt brand my greeting do I send, And let us hold the parley when three weeks are at an end.

If I yet live, then doubtless I shall wait him in that place.”

They tarried not, but hastened home to the Cid apace.

On both sides for the parley they got ready point device.

In Castile was ne'er such foison of mules without a price, Nor so many fair-paced palfreys, nor strong steeds swift to guide, Nor so many n.o.ble pennons on the stout lances tied, And s.h.i.+elds whereof the bosses did with gold and silver s.h.i.+ne, Robes, furs and Alexandrian cloth of satin woven fine.