Part 25 (1/2)

G.o.d ordereth that by thee the court this day shall honored be.”

My lord Cid, the true Campeador, to this ”Amen” said he.

He kissed his hand and fairly gave him greeting then: ”To G.o.d now thanks be given, that I see thee, lord, again.

To thee I bow, so also to Count don Remond I bow, To Count Henry and to all men that are in presence now.

G.o.d save our friends and foremost, sire, may he cherish thee.

My wife the Dame Ximena--a worthy dame is she-- Kisses thy hands. My daughters, the twain do so as well, That so thou mayst have pity for the ill thing that befel.”

”Verily, so G.o.d help me,” answered the King thereto.

Cx.x.xVI.

Then homeward to Toledo, the King returned anew.

Unfain to cross the Tagus was my lord Cid that night: ”A boon, King. The Creator, may he s.h.i.+eld thee in His might!

Oh sire, do thou get ready to enter in the town.

In San Servan my henchman and I will lay us down, For hither in the night-tide shall come those bands of mine; And I will keep my vigil here by the holy shrine.

I will come to town tomorrow at the breaking of the day, And, ere I eat my dinner, to court will take my way.”

To him the King gave answer: ”Surely, I am content.”

Then the King don Alfonso into Toledo went.

My lord the Cid Roy Diaz lieth in San Servan.

To make candles and to set them on the shrine, his order ran.

To watch that sanctuary was gladness to his heart, As he prayed to the Creator and spake to him apart.

Minaya, and as many as were gathered of good fame Were in accord together when at length the morning came.

Cx.x.xVII.

Matins and prime they sang there till the dawn had begun, Before the sun had risen the ma.s.s was o'er and done.

With rich and timely offering that chapel they endow.

”Minaya Alvar Fanez--my strongest arm art thou-- Thyself shall hear me company and the Bishop, don Jerome So too this Muno Gustioz and Per Vermudoz shall come, And Martin Antolinez from Burgos true and tried And with Alvar Salvadorez, Alvar Alvarez beside, And Martin Munoz who was born in a season of good grace, So likewise Felez Munoz a nephew of my race.

Mal Anda wise exceeding, along with me shall go And the good Galind Garciaz of Aragon also.

With these knights a round hundred of the good men here ordain.

Let all men wear their tunics the harness to sustain, Let them a.s.sume the hauberks that white as sunlight glare, And upon the hauberks ermines and mantles of the vair Let them lace tight their armour, let not the arms be seen.

They shall bear beneath their mantles the swords both sweet and keen.

To the court in such a fas.h.i.+on to enter am I fain, My rights there to demand them and to speak my meaning plain.

If there the Heirs of Carrion seek to dishonor me, No whit then shall I fear them, though a hundred strong they be.”

To him all gave their answer: ”Such, lord, is our desire,”

Even as he had commanded they ordered their attire.

He who in happy hour was born would brook no more delay.

Upon his legs the hosen of fair cloth he drew straightway, And shoes adorned most richly upon his feet has done; he donned a s.h.i.+rt of linen fine as white as is the sun; The sleeves are laced, moreover, with gold and silver braid.

The cuff fit close upon them for he bade them so be made.

Thereo'er a silken tunic most fairly wrought he drew.

The threads of gold shone brightly that were woven through and through.

A red fur gown gold-belted he cast his tunic o'er.

That gown alway he weareth, my lord Cid Campeador.

He hath of finest linen a cap upon his hair, With the gold wrought, moreover, and fas.h.i.+oned with due care, That the locks of the good Campeador might not be disarrayed.

And with a cord his mighty beard my lord the Cid doth braid.

All this he did desiring well his person to dispose.

O'er his attire a mantle of mighty worth he throws.

Thereat might all men wonder that thereabouts did stand.

Then with the chosen hundred whereto he gave command From San Servan forth issuing he got to horse apace.

Under arms the Cid departed unto the judgment-place.

Duly without the postern he descended from his horse, And prudently he entered the palace with his force.

Midmost he went; his hundred girt him round on every side.

When they had seen him enter, who was born in happy tide, Then the good King Alfonso upon his feet did rise, So also Count don Henry, and Count don Remond likewise.