Part 19 (1/2)

And Didago Gonzalvez out through the doorway fled, Crying aloud: ”Wo! Carrion no more shall I behold.”

Beneath a wine-press timber he hid in fear untold.

Thence he brought cloak and tunic all filthy and forlorn.

With that he woke from slumber, who in happy hour was born, And saw his good men round his couch in a close ring that stood.

”Now what is this my henchmen ~ What is it that ye would?”

”Ha, worthy lord! The lion gave us a fearful fright.”

The Cid leaned on his elbow, on his feet he leaped upright.

He flung his cloak on shoulder. Straight for the beast he made.

The lion when he saw him, so sorely was afraid That before the Cid, low cowering, to earth his head he bent.

Hy lord Cid don Rodrigo him by the neck has hent.

He drew him and he dragged him and within his cage shut fast.

As many as heheld it thought it a marvel vast.

And then through the palace they returned unto the hall, Of his sons the Cid made question, but found them not at all.

Though they shouted for them loudly, none answered to the hail.

And when at last they found them, oh, but their cheeks were pale!

Such mirth as in the palace was ye never saw before; But to plague them was forbidden by the lord Cid Campeador.

Many thought that but for cowards themselves the twain had shown.

Sore grieved at what befell them were the Heirs of Carrion.

CXIII.

While thus the affair standeth wherein they had such shame, A host out of Morocco to besiege Valencia came.

Their camp within the Quarter Field have they arrayed aright.

For fifty thousand chieftains pavilions have they pight.

'Twas the King Bucar if perchance of him ye e'er heard tell.

CXIV.

The Cid and all his henchmen, it pleased them pa.s.sing well, For so by the lord's favor their gain should grow the more.

But know the Heirs of Carrion at heart were very sore, For they saw of the Moriscos many and many a tent, Which liked them not. The brothers forthwith apart they went.

”We would keep in mind our profit, nor for the loss have care.

And now within this battle we must needs do our share.”

”Such a thing well may keep us from seeing Carrion more.

Widows will be the daughters of the good Campeador.”

But Munoz Gustioz heakened how in secret they conferred.

To the Cid Campeador he came with the tale of what he heard: ”The two Heirs thy sons-in-law, their courage is so strong, Because they go to battle, for Carrion they long.

As G.o.d cherishes and keeps them, go bid them have good heart, That they in peace may tarry, nor in battle have a part.

But with that we shall conquer, and G.o.d shall be our stay.”

My lord Cid don Rodrigo with a smile went his way.

”My sons, the Heirs of Carrion. G.o.d have you in his care.

In your arms rest my daughters that as the sun are fair.

And as I yearn for battle, so of Carrion are ye fain.

In pleasance in Valencia to your hearts desire remain!, For as for the Moriscos, them well enough I know, And by grace of the Creator have courage to o'erthrow.”