Part 17 (2/2)

As gifts full sixty horses did the lord Cid present.

Whoe'er was at the parley therewith was full content.

Now were they fain of parting, for night was like to fall.

The King the Heirs of Carrion took by the hand withal, In the power of the Cid Campeador he put them both straightway.

”Behold them here thy children; since thy sons-in-law are they; From this day forth do with them as thy heart shall give accord.

May they serve thee as their father, and keep thee for their lord.”

”I thank thee and accept, O King, the gift which thou hast given.

Mayst thou be well rewarded by G.o.d who is in heaven.

CV.

”Of thee, my liege and sovran, a boon do I request Since thou givest to wed my daughters in what way likes thee best, Choose one my girls to give away, who in thy place shall stand, Since thou hast them, I will never give them o'er with mine own hand.

To the Heirs. Such satisfaction to them shall be denied.”

”Behold here Alvar Fanez,” the King to him replied, ”Take them by the hand and give them to the heirs, even as I Here afar off have ta ten them, as though I were hard by; And throughout all the vigil their sponsor shalt thou be.

When again to me thou comest tell all the truth to me.”

Said Alvar Fanez: ”Faith! My lord, I am content indeed.”

CVI.

To all this with due caution, know well they have agreed.

”Ha! King, my lord Alfonso much honored, for a sign Of the parley that we held here, thou shalt take a gift of mine.

I bring thee thirty palfreys that are trapped rich and well, And thirty fleet war-horses, each with a n.o.ble selle.

Take them and I will kiss thy hand.”

The King Alfonso spake: ”Deep in thy debt thou hast me. Thy present I will take Which thou givest. The Creator and all his saints accord For the kindness thou hast done me that thou have a fair reward.

Oh my lord Cid Roy Diaz, thou hast done me honor high.

Full well thou cost my service, and well content am I.

Mayst thou reap of me some harvest ere my life be at an end.

Into G.o.d's hands I give thee. From the parley will I wend.

Hail G.o.d in Heaven! grant us our treaty well to keep.”

CVII.

The Cid mounted Bavieca his charger at a leap.

”Here before my King Alfonso I say it openly, Who would fain go to the marriage or would have a gift of me, Let him come with me. His profit shall be great, as I conceive.”

Now of his lord Alfonso the lord Cid took his leave..

His company he wished not, he departed from him straight.

There might you see a many of knights of fair estate Taking leave of King Alfonso, that the while his hands did kiss: ”Let it be now thy pleasure, and prithee grant us this-- 'Neath the Cid to great Valencia now will we march away To see the Heirs of Carrion upon their wedding day, And Dame Sol and Dame Elvira that the Cid's daughters be.”

Therewith the King was satisfied and gave them liberty.

And the King's bands diminished and the Cid's increased the more.

Great company of people marched with the Campeador.

They rode straight to Valencia ta'en when his star was high.

On Diego and Ferrando he bade them keep an eye.

Muno Gustioz and Per Vermudoz they had commandment plain-- In all my lord Cid's household were not a better twain The ways of them of Carrion to discover them and find.

Ansuor Gonzalvez joined the Heirs who was a noisy hind, Loose-tongued, and for untrustful in other things well known.

They showered many honors on the Heirs of Carrion.

Behold them in Valencia that the Cid my lord had ta'en.

When they looked upon the city they were exceeding fain.

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