Part 27 (2/2)

Between those two the parley has come unto an end.

Now did Ansuor Gonzalvez into the palace wend.

Was an ermine cloak about him, and his tunic trailed behind.

His countenance was ruddy, for but lately had he dined.

In what he had to utter small discretion did he show: CXLVIII.

”How now ye n.o.ble gentlemen, was ever such a woe?

With Bivar's lord Cid such honor who would have thought to find?

On the Ovirna water his millstones let him grind, And take his wonted toll-corn. Would any man have thought That with the Heirs of Carrion alliances he sought?”

CXLIX.

And then did Muno Gustioz rise to his feet forthright: ”Thou wretch, do thou keep silent! Thou wicked traitor wight!

Before to prayers thou goest, certain thou art to dine.

Whoe'er in peace thou kissest, sickens at that belch of thine.

Whether to friend or master thou speakest perjury, False unto all, and falsest to the G.o.d who fas.h.i.+oned thee!

And never in thy friends.h.i.+p will I have any part, And I will make thee say it that what I say thou art.”

Said now the King Alfonso: ”Let the suit quiet lie.

Who have challenged shall do battle, so help me the Most High.”

Soon as the suit was finished to the court two hors.e.m.e.n came, And Inigo Ximenez and Ojarra men them name; For Navarra's Heir-apparent, proxy-suitor was the one, The other was the suitor for the Heir of Aragon.

And there the twain together have kissed Alfonso's hand, The Cid Campeador his daughters in marriage they demand, Of the realms Navarre and Aragon the lady-queens to be.

May he send them with his blessing and with all courtesy.

Thereat the whole court listened, and stillness fell them o'er.

Upon his feet rose straightway my lord Cid Campeador: ”A boon, Oh King Alfonso, my sovran lord thou art.

For this to the Creator very thankful is my heart, Since both Navarre and Aragon have made request so high.

Thou didst give to wed my daughters before. It was not I.

Here then behold my daughters, the twain are in thine hand.

With them I will do nothing, except at thy command.”

The King rose up. For silence in the court the word he gave: ”I beg it of thee, Campeador, the true Cid and the brave, That hereto thou yield agreement. I will grant the thing this day: And it shall be consented in open court straightway, For so will grow thy glory and s.h.i.+ne honor and thy lands.”

Now is the Cid arisen. He kissed Alfonso's hands: ”To whatever thing shall please thee, I give consent, my lord.”

Then said the King: ”G.o.d grant thee an excellent reward!

To Inigo Ximenez and Ojarra, to you two, I yield my full permission for this marriage unto you, That Dame Sol and Dame Elvira, who the Cid's daughters are, Wed, one the Heir of Aragon, and the other of Navarre.

May he yield his girls with blessings in an honorable way.”

Then Inigo Ximenez and Ojarra, up rose they, And the hands of Don Alfonso in that hour kissed again.

The hands of the Cid Campeador thereafter kissed the twain, And there their faith they plighted, and solemn oaths they swore, That they would fulfill entirely what they promised or yet more.

Because of this were many in the court exceeding glad; But the two Heirs of Carrion, therein no joy they had.

Minaya Alvar Fanez upon his feet rose he: ”As from my King and Master I beg a boon of thee, And let it not be grievous to the Cid Campeador.

I have through these a.s.sizes kept my peace heretofore, But now to utter somewhat for mine own part fain am I.”

Said the King: ”Now all my spirit, it is well pleased thereby.

Say on! Say on, Minaya, what to thy heart is dear.”

”You in the court, I beg you to my word to lend an ear.

'Gainst Carrion's Heirs needs must I now a charge most mighty bring: I gave to them my cousins by Alfonso's hand, the King.

With blessings and with honor they took them in their care.

The Cid Campeador he gave them most rich possessions there.

They cast away those ladies, for all that we were loth.

For wicked men and traitors I make challenge of you both.

From the great sons of Gomez does your lineage come down, Whence many counts have issued of valor and renown, But this day all to certainly their cunning do we learn.

For this to the Creator, now thanks do I return, That of Navarre and Aragon the Heirs in marriage sue For Dame Sol and Elvira that are my cousins two.

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