Part 21 (2/2)

Ye gave them glebe of dowry in the lands of Carrion, Three thousands marks of dower shall to my girls belong.

I will give mules and palfreys both excellent and strong, And great steeds of battle swift and of mighty thew, And cloth and silken garments with the gold woven through.

Colada and Tizon the swords I will give to you likewise Full well ye know I got them in very gallant guise.

My sons ye are, for to you do I give my daughters two.

My very heart's blood thither ye carry home with you.

In Leon and in Galicia and Castile let all men hear How I sent forth my sons-in-law with such abundant gear.

And serve you well my daughters, your wedded wives that be.

An you serve them well rich guerdon ye shall obtain of me.”

To this the heirs of Carrion their full a.s.sent made plain.

The daughters of the Campeador were given them and ta'en, And they began receiving as the Cid's orders went.

When of all their heart's desire they were at last content, Then Carrion's heirs commanded that the packs be loaded straight,

Through Valencia the city was the press of business great, And all have taken weapons and all men gallop strong, For they must forth the daughters of the Cid to speed along Unto the lands of Carrion. To mount all men prepare, Farewell all men are saying. But the two sisters there, Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, kneeled to the Cid Campeador: ”A boon, so may G.o.d keep thee, O father, we implore.

Thou begottest us. Our mother she brought us forth in pain.

Our liege-lord and our lady, here do ye stand ye twain.

Now to the lands of Carrion to send us is your will; It is our bounden duty thy commandment to fulfil.

And so we two together ask but this boon of thee, That in the lands of Carrion thy tidings still may be.”

My lord the Cid has clasped them, and he has kissed the twain.

CXXV.

This hath he done. Their mother hath doubled it again.

”Go, daughters! the Creator of you henceforth have care Mine and your father's blessing you still with you shall bear.

Go forth where you are dowered in Carrion to dwell.

I have, after my thinking, married you pa.s.sing well.”

The hands of their father and their mother kissed the two.

Blessing and benediction they gave to them anew.

My lord Cid and the others have fettled them to ride, With armor and with horses and caparisons of pride.

From Valencia the splendid were the Heirs departing then.

They took leave of the ladies and all their bands of men.

Through the meadow of Valencia forth under arms they went.

The Cid and all his armies were very well content.

He who in good hour belted brand in signs had seen it plain That these marriages in no way should stand without a stain.

But since the twain are married, he may not repent him now.

CXXVI.

”My nephew Felez Munoz, I prithee where art thou?

Thou art my daughters' cousin in thy soul and in thine heart.

With them even unto Carrion I command thee to depart.

Thou shalt see what lands for dower to my girls are given o'er, And shalt come again with tidings unto the Campeador.''

Quoth Felez Munoz: ”Heart and soul that duty pleases me.”

Minaya Alvar Fanez before the Cid came he: ”Back to the town of Valencia, Oh Cid, now let us go; For if our G.o.d and Father the Creator's will be so, To Carrion's lands thy daughters to visit we shall wend.

Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, to G.o.d do we commend.

Such things may you accomplish as will make us glad and fain.”

The sons-in-law gave answer: ”Now that may G.o.d ordain.”

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