Part 19 (2/2)

While they spoke thus, King Bucar sent word and commanded The Cid to quit Valencia and go his way in peace.*

*At this point a lacuna occurs in the text of the poem. The prose pa.s.sage is supplied from the Chronicle of the Twenty Kings, an emendation due to Pidal.

Otherwise Bucar would exact payment for all that the Cid had done in the city. The Cid said to him who bore the message:

”Go thou and say to Bucar, that son of an enemy, that before three days are past, I will give him all that he asks.”

The next day the Cid ordered all his men to take up their weapons, and marched out against the Moors. The Heirs of Carrion on that occasion sought the van of him. After the Cid had marshalled his men in order of battle, don Ferrando, one of the Heirs, went forth to attack a Moor who was called Aladraf. The Moor, when he beheld don Ferrando, came forward likewise to attack him. Thereupon the Heir of Carrion, being overcome with fear of the Moor, wheeled his horse and fled before him. Single-handed he dared not await the Moor's coming.

When Pero Vermudoz, who was hard by, beheld this, he attacked the Moor, fought with him and slew him. Then he took the Moor's horse and went in quest of the Heir who was in full flight.

”Don Ferrando,” he said to him, ”take this horse and tell all men that thou didst slay the Moor, his master. I will be thy witness.”

And the Heir replied: ”Don Pero Vermudoz, I thank thee greatly for what thou sayest.

”May I see that time when payment I shall make to thee twice o'er For all that thou deserves”. The twain turned back once more.

Don Pero there bore witness to Ferrando's brag and lie.

The Cid and all his va.s.sals were gladdened much thereby.

”If G.o.d our Father wills it, in Heaven that doth dwell, My sons-in-law in battle shall both acquit them well.”

So they spake. And the two armies now the advance began.

In the Moorish host resounded of the drums the rataplan.

It was among the Christians a marvel sore to some, For never had they heard it, since but newly were they come.

On Diego and Ferrando greater wonder yet did fall, And of their free will thither they would not have come at all.

To what he said who was brought forth in happy hour give ear: ”Ho! now don Pero Vermudoz, who art my nephew dear, Didago and Ferrando now keep them well for me, For in mine eyes my sons-in-law are dear exceedingly.

By G.o.d's help the Moriscos shall hold the field no more.”

CXVI.

”In the name of every charity I tell thee, Campeador, That today to be their keeper I never will remain.

To me they matter little--let him keep them who is fain.

I with my men about me against their van will smite; Do thou with thine hold firmly the rearward of the fight.

Then canst thou aid me lightly if peril should arise.”

Minaya Alvar Fanez came then to him likewise.

”Oh, Cid, give ear, and hearken, Oh faithful Campeador!

For surely in this battle shall G.o.d himself make war, And He will make thee worthy with Him therein to share.

Where 'er thou deemest fitting bid us attack them there.

Each man must do his duty. Upon them let us thrust.

On G.o.d and on thy fortune now hangeth all our trust.”

My lord Cid said: ”Then prithee tarry here yet awhile.”

Lo! don Jerome the Bishop who was armed in gallant style, He stopped before the Campeador. Fair fortune had he aye.

”The Ma.s.s of Holy Trinity I sang for thee this day.

For this cause from mine own country did I seek thee and ensue, Since in the slaughter of the Moor such great delight I knew.

And I am fain to honor both mine order and mine hand.

In the forefront of the battle it is my desire to stand.

And crosses on my pennant, and blazoned arms have I.

If it be G.o.d his pleasure, I am fain mine arms to try, That so at last my spirit in perfect peace may be, And thou mayst be, my lord the Cid, better content with me.

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