|
1637
THE CHRONICLE OF THE CID
translated by Robert Southey
PREFACE
THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
This Chronicle of the Cid is wholly translation, but it is not the
translation of any single work. The three following have been used.
I. CHRONICA DEL FAMOSO CAVALLERO CID RUYDIEZ CAMPEADOR
BURGOS, 1593
The first and only other edition of this Chronicle was printed in
1552. The Infante Don Fernando, who was afterwards Emperor, seeing the
manuscript at Cardena, ordered the Abbot Don Fr. Juan de Velorado to
publish it, and obtained an order from his grandfather Fernando the
Catholic King to the same effect. The Abbot performed his task very
carelessly and very inaccurately, giving no account of the manuscript,
and suffering many errors to creep into the text, which might have
been corrected by collating it with the original.
Beuther, Escolano, and others, ascribe it to Abenalfarax, the
nephew of Gil Diaz. Berganza is of opinion that the main part was
written by Gil Diaz himself, because the manuscript at Cardena says,
"Then Abenfax the Moor, who wrote this Chronicle in Arabic, set down
the price of food." And Abentaxi, according to him, was the name of
Gil Diaz before his conversion. Abenalfarax is named in the end of the
book as the author: he concludes therefore that it was completed by
him;... and this the Coronica General confirms by saying, Segun cuenta
la Estoria del Cid, que de aqui adelante compuso Aben Alfarax su
sobrino de Gil Diaz en Valencia. The printed Chronicle however says
Abenalfarax where Berganza reads Abenfax, and writes Alfaraxi for
the Moorish name of Gil Diaz. This question is not easily decided.
There is nothing Arabian in the style of the Chronicle, except the
lamentation for Valencia, which is manifestly so. It is most
probably the work of a Spaniard, who used Arabic documents.
It is equally impossible to ascertain the age of this Chronicle.
The Abbot who published it judged that it was as old as the days of
the Cid himself. This supposition is absurd. Lucas of Tuy and the
Archbishop Rodrigo are frequently cited in it. It was however an old
manuscript in 1552. A much older was seen in 1593 by Don Gil Ramirez
de Arellano, which according to his account was in Portuguese, but
agreed in the main with that which had been published. The older the
language, the more it would resemble Portuguese. Another question
is, whether it has been inserted in the Coronica General, or extracted
from it: for that the one copied from the other is certain: but it
is equally certain from the variations, that each must have had some
other original;... perhaps the Arabic. If the Chronica del Cid be
extracted from the General Chronicle, which is giving it the latest
date, even in that case it was written before the end of the
thirteenth century; that is, little more than 150 years after the
Cid's death; and whatever fiction has been introduced into the
story, must have been invented long before, or it would not have
been received as truth, and incorporated into the general history of
Spain. This question has not been, and perhaps cannot be decided.
There are some errors in the Chronicle of the Cid are corrected in the
General Chronicle, and sometimes it contains passages which are
necessary to explain an after-circumstance, but are not found in the
other.*
*The language of the Chr. del Cid is sometimes of greater antiquity
than the other,... for instance;... E tamano fue el plazer del Rey
D. Fernando e de los suyos quamano fue el pesar del Rey D. Ramiro de
Aragon e de los suyos.
In the Cor. Gen., quan grande and tan grande are the phrases. But
this is a subject which none but a Spaniard can properly investigate.
II. LA CRONICA DE ESPANA
Las quatro partes enteras de la Cronica de Espana, que mando
componer el Serenissimo Rey Don Alonso llmado el sabio, donde se
contienen los acontescimientos y hazanas mayores y mas senaladas que
sucedieron en Espana, desde su primera poblacion hasta casi los
tiempos del dicho senor Rey. Vista y emendada mucha parte de su
impresion por el maestro Florian Docampo Cronista del emperador rey
nuestro senor. Con previlegio imperial.
Fue impressa la presente Cronica general de Espana en la
magnifica, noble y antiquissima cibdad de Zamora: por los honrrados
varones Augustin de paz y Juan Picardo companeros inpressores de
libros, vezinos de la dicha cibdad. A costa y espensas del virtuoso
varon Juan de Spinosa mercader de libros vezino de Medina del Campo.
Acabose en nueve dias del mes de deziembre. Ano del nascimiento de
nuestro salvador Jesu Cristo de mill y quinientos y quarenta y un
anos. Reynando en Espana el Emperador Don Carlos nuestro Senor y Rey
natural.
Florian de Ocampo relates the history of this first edition in his
epistle dedicatory to Don Luys de Stuniga y Avila. The printers of
Zamora, he says, came to him and besought him to give them something
which they might publish to the use and glory of those kingdoms
whereof they and he were natives. He had at that time in his house a
manuscript of this Chronicle, which had been lent him by the
Licentiate Martin de Aguilar. Aguilar joyfully gave up the
manuscript to the printers, and Ocampo undertook to correct the
press as far as s which he could in those hours which he could spare
from his studies and pursuits: this, says he, I did with such fidelity
that I would never permit the style, nor order, nor antique words to
be changed, holding any such alteration to be an offence committed
upon the work of another. Notwithstanding this becoming respect for
antiquity, Ocampo passes a censure upon the style at the end of the
Sumario. He says, Todas estas cosas sobredichas van escritas en
estas quatro partes con palabras antiguas y toscas, segun las usavan
los Espanoles al tiempo que las hazian, quando se presciavan mas de
bien obrar que de bien hablar; puesto que siempre fue y sera gran
alabanca bien hablar a los que bien obran.
The Spanish Chronicles were all villainously printed, because the
printers made use of the first manuscript they could find, and the
correctors did their best to bring the language to that of their own
times, after the newest and most approved fashion. This mischief
Ocampo prevented as far as he could, but he should have done more;
Ocampo was not a common Corrector of the Press; be was Chronicler to
the King of Castile, and any manuscript in the kingdom he had asked
for would have been put into his hands as readily as that of his
friend Aguilar. The copy which he implicitly followed happened to be
remarkably faulty. Words and sentences are omitted in almost every
column, whole chapters are wanting, and even one entire reign.
Zurita collated the printed book with a manuscript of great antiquity,
which had once belonged to the famous Marques de Santillana; and
this copy, in which he had witb his own hand inserted all the
omissions, was in the possession of the Marques de Mondejar. An
imperfect manuscript, which is likewise of great antiquity, is at
Salamanca, in the Collegio de S. Bartolome; some man of letters has
prefixed a note to it, saying that it contains many chapters which are
not to be found in the printed book... y tiene tambien otra utilidad
que es, el hallarse aqui los vocablos y voces castellanas antiguas
en su pureza, sin haberse limado al tiempo presente, como la
imprimio Florian de Ocampo. If this writer be accurate, the copier
of Aguilar's manuscript had modernized the book as well as mutilated
it.
Ocampo calls this work la Chronica de Espana, que mando componer
el Serenissimo Rey D. Alonso. The manuscript which Zurita collated has
la Estoria de Espana que fizo el mui noble Rey D. Alonso. The
Marques de Mondejar possessed three manuscripts, neither of which
supported Ocampo's reading, nor afforded the slightest ground for
supporting it. On the other hand, Don Juan Manuel, Alonso's nephew,
expressly says that the King made the Chronicle, and in the Prologue
the King says so himself. That Florian de Ocampo, who printed the
Prologue, should have overlooked this, is inconceivable; and why he
should deny the King wrote it, in direct contradiction of the King's
own authority, is what he has not explained, and what nobody can
explain for him. Don Francisco Cerda y Rico says, the real author
was Maestro Jofre de Loaysa, Archdeacon of Toledo, and afterwards
Abbot of Santander; and this he says he has proved in a dissertation
which was ready for the press. I know not whether this dissertation
has appeared, neither do I know that at the distance of more than five
centuries any proof can possibly be obtained to show that Alonso the
Wise did not write the history, which he himself says he wrote, and
which we know he was capable of writing.
The printed Chronicle is divided into four parts, and the last
part is not Alonso's work. Ocampo gives it as his own opinion, and
that of many other intelligent persons, that it was not written by the
author of the three former, because it contained nothing but what
was to be found in other books; because the style was different, and
the language ruder,... the whole being in fact composed of fragments
put together without any attempt at improving them, and because in
many places the writer expressed himself as if he had been
contemporary with the persons whose feats he was then recording. There
is no doubt that this opinion is right. It ends with the death of King
St. Fernando, Alonso's father. It is in this part that the history
of the Cid is contained.
This very curious work was reprinted at Valladolid in 1604. It is
the later edition which I have used.
III. POEMA DEL CID
Sandoval first mentioned this poem, which is preserved at Bivar, and
gave the four first lines, calling the whole "Versos Barbaros y
Notables." Berganza afterwards inserted seventeen lines in his
Antiguedades. The notice which they thus gave of its existence excited
the curiosity of Sanchez, to whom Spanish literature has been so
greatly indebted, and he published it in the first volume of his
Coleccion de Poesias Castellanas Anteriores al Siglo XV.
Some leaves are wanting at the beginning of the manuscript, and
one in the middle. The whole fragment consists of 3744 lines, the
three last of which are added by the transcriber:
Quien escribio este libro del' Dios paraiso: Amen.
Per abbat le escribio en el mes de mayo
En era de mill e CC..XLV. anos.
Who Per Abbat was, and whether Abbat implied his rank or his name,
cannot now be known:... it is certain that he was the copier of the
book, not the author, by the language, which is much older than the
date of the manuscript. But there is a difficulty concerning the date.
There is a space between the CC and the XLV; and that space is just as
much as another C would have filled. Perhaps, says Sanchez, the copier
put one C too much, and erased it; perhaps he placed the conjunction
e, part of the date being expressed by words and part by figures,
and afterwards erased it as superfluous; or possibly some person
thought to give the manuscript greater value by obliterating one C, to
make it appear a century older. The writing seems to be of the
fourteenth century. It is of little consequence; even upon that
supposition the date is 1307; and no person can doubt that the
language of the poem is considerably older than that of Gonzalo de
Berceo, who flourished about 1220;... a century is hardly sufficient
to account for the difference between them. Sanchez is of opinion that
it was composed about the middle of the twelfth century, some fifty
years after the death of the Cid;... there are some passages which
induce me to believe it the work of a contemporary. Be that as it may,
it is unquestionably the oldest poem in the Spanish language. In my
judgment it is as decidedly and beyond all comparison the finest.
One other source of information remains to be mentioned, the popular
ballads of the Cid.
ROMANCES DEL CID
Sarmiento (Mem. para la Hist. de la Poesia, SS 546. 548. 550.)
delivers it as his opinion, that the popular ballads of the Twelve
Peers, Bernardo del Carpio, Fernan Gonzalez, the Cid, &c. were
composed soon after the age of the heroes whom they celebrate, and
were what the Copleros, Trouveurs, Joculars, and all the common
people, sung at their entertainments. That these being orally
preserved, were subject to frequent alterations as the language of the
country altered; and thus when at length they were committed to
writing, their language was materially different, but their
substance remained the same. In support of this authority which he
assigns to them in point of fact, he observes that the Cor. General
frequently cites the Joglares or popular poets. Their present form
he assigns to the end of the fifteenth century.
Sarmiento describes the collection which he had seen of the
Ballads of the Cid as containing one hundred and two ballads, in old
style, and in eight-syllable verse. This is the Historia del muy
valeroso Cavallero el Cid Ruy Diez de Bivar, en Romances, en
lenguage antiguo, recopilados por Juan de Escobar. Sevilla, 1632.
The ballads in this little volume are chronologically arranged; it is,
I believe, the only separate collection, and by no means a complete
one. Two which Escobar has overlooked are among the Romances
nuevamente sacados de Historias Antiguas de la Cronica de Espana por
Lorenzo de Sepulveda vezino de Sevilla. Van anadidos muchos nunca
vistos, compuestos por un Cavallero Cesario, cuyo nombre se guarda
para mayores cosas. Anvers, 1566. This volume contains forty-one
ballads of the Cid, scattered through it without any regular order.
There are thirty-two in the Romancero General, en que se contienen
todos los Romances que andan impressos en las nueve partes de
Romanceros. Aora nuevamente impresso, anadido, y emendado. Medina
del Campo, 1602. Twelve of these are not in Escobar's collection;
and probably others which he has overlooked may be found in other
Romanceros. Many of these ballads are evidently little older than
the volumes in which they are contained; very few of them appear to me
to bear any marks of antiquity, and the greater part are utterly
worthless. Indeed the heroic ballads of the Spaniards have been
over-rated in this country: they are infinitely and every way inferior
to our own. There are some spirited ones in the Guerras Civiles de
Granada, from which the rest have been estimated; but excepting these,
I know none of any value among the many hundreds which I have perused.
I have very seldom availed myself of the Romances del Cid.
The Chronicle of the Cid is the main web of the Story of the Cid.
I have omitted such parts as relate to the general history of Spain
but have no reference to Ruydiez, and I have incorporated with it
whatever additional circumstances, either of fact or costume, are
contained in the Cronica General or the Poema del Cid. The poem is
to be considered as metrical history, not metrical romance. It was
written before those fictions were invented which have been added to
the history of the Cid, and which have made some authors discredit
what there is not the slightest reason to doubt. I have preferred it
to the Chronicles sometimes in point of fact, and always in point of
costume; for as the historian of manners, this poet, whose name
unfortunately has perished, is the Homer of Spain.
BOOK ONE
I
King Don Ferrando succeeded to the states of Castille after the
death of his father King Don Sancho el Mayor, in the aera 1072,
which was the year of the Incarnation 1034, and from the coming of the
Patriarch Tubal to settle in Spain 3197, and from the general deluge
3339, and from the creation of the world 4995, according to the
computation of the Hebrews, and from the beginning of the false sect
of the Moors 413. And in the year 1037 Ferrando slew Bermudo the
King of Leon in battle, who was his wife's brother, and conquered
his kingdom, and succeeded to it in right of his wife Dona Sancha.
So he was the first person who united the states of Castille and Leon,
and the first who was called King of Castille; for till this time
the lords of that country had been called Counts. He was a good
king, and one who judged justly and feared God, and was bold in all
his doings. Before he reigned he had by Dona Sancha his wife the
Infanta Dona Urraca, his eldest daughter, who was a right excellent
lady, of good customs and bounty and beauty; and after her he had
the Infante Don Sancho, his eldest son and heir; and then the
Infanta Dona Elvira, whom after the death of the King her father,
her brother King Don Alfonso married to the Count Don Garcia de Cabra.
And after he became King he had the Infante Don Alfonso, and the
Infante Don Garcia, who was the youngest of all. And he put his sons
to read, that they might be of the better understanding, and he made
them take arms, and be shown how to demean themselves in battle, and
to be huntsmen. And he ordered that his daughters should be brought up
in the studies beseeming dames, so that they might be of good customs,
and instructed in devotion and in all things which it behoved them
to know.
II
In those days arose Rodrigo of Bivar, who was a youth strong in arms
and of good customs; and the people rejoiced in him, for he
bestirred himself to protect the land from the Moors. Now it behoves
that ye should know whence he came, and from what men he was
descended, because we have to proceed with his history. Ye are to know
therefore, that after the treason which King Don Ordono the Second
committed upon the Counts of Castille, that country remained without a
chief: the people therefore chose two judges, of whom the one was
called Nuno Rasuera, and the other Layn Calvo, who married Nuno's
daughter, Elvira Nunez. From Nuno Rasuera King Don Ferrando descended,
and from Layn Calvo, Diego Laynez, who took to wife Dona Teresa
Rodriguez, the daughter of Don Rodrigo Alvarez, Count and Governor
of Asturias, and had by her this Rodrigo. In the year of the
Incarnation 1026 was Rodrigo born, of this noble lineage, in the
city of Burgos, and in the street of St. Martin, hard by the palace of
the Counts of Castille, where Diego Laynez had his dwelling. In the
church of St. Martin was he baptized, a good priest of Burgos, whose
name was Don Pedro de Pernegas, being his godfather: and to this
church Rodrigo was always greatly affectionate, and he built the
belfry tower thereof.
III
III
At this time it came to pass that there was strife between Count Don
Gomez the Lord of Gormaz, and Diego Laynez the father of Rodrigo;
and the Count insulted Diego and gave him a blow. Now Diego was a
man in years, and his strength had passed from him, so that he could
not take vengeance, and he retired to his home to dwell there in
solitude and lament over his dishonour. And he took no pleasure in his
food, neither could he sleep by night, nor would he lift up his eyes
from the ground, nor stir out of his house, nor commune with his
friends, but turned from them in silence as if the breath of his shame
would taint them. Rodrigo was yet but a youth, and the Count was a
mighty man in arms, one who gave his voice first in the Cortes, and
was held to be the best in the war, and so powerful that he had a
thousand friends among the mountains. Howbeit all these things
appeared as nothing to Rodrigo when he thought of the wrong done to
his father, the first which had ever been offered to the blood of Layn
Calvo. He asked nothing but justice of Heaven, and of man he asked
only a fair field; and his father seeing of how good heart he was,
gave him his sword and his blessing. The sword had been the sword of
Mudarra in former times, and when Rodrigo held its cross in his
hand, he thought within himself that his arm was not weaker than
Mudarra's. And he went out and defied the Count and slew him, and
smote off his head and carried it home to his father. The old man
was sitting at table, the food lying before him untasted, when Rodrigo
returned, and pointing to the head which hung from the horse's collar,
dropping blood, he bade him look up, for there was the herb which
should restore to him his appetite. The tongue, quoth he, which
insulted you is no longer a tongue, and the hand which wronged you
is no longer a hand. And the old man arose and embraced his son and
placed him above him at the table, saying, that he who had brought
home that head should be the head of the house of Layn Calvo.
IV
After this Diego being full of years fell asleep and was gathered to
his fathers. And the Moors entered Castille, in great power, for there
came with them five Kings, and they past above Burgos, and crost the
mountains of Oca, and plundered Carrion, and Vilforado, and Saint
Domingo de la Calzada, and Logrono, and Najara, and all that land; and
they carried away many captives both male and female, and brood mares,
and flocks of all kinds. But as they were returning with all speed,
Rodrigo of Bivar raised the country, and came up with them in the
mountains of Oca, and fell upon them and discomfited them, and won
back all their booty, and took all the five Kings prisoners. Then he
went back to his mother, taking the Kings with him, and there he
divided the whole spoil with the hidalgos and his other companions,
both the Moorish captives and all the spoil of whatever kind, so
that they departed right joyfully, being well pleased with what he had
done. And he gave thanks to God for the grace which had been
vouchsafed to him, and said to his mother, that he did not think it
good to keep the Kings in captivity, but to let them go freely; and he
set them at liberty and bade them depart. So they returned each to his
own country, blessing him for their deliverance, and magnifying his
great bounty; and forthwith they sent him tribute and acknowledged
themselves to be his vassals.
V
King Don Ferrando was going through Leon, putting the Kingdom in
order, when tidings reached him of the good speed which Rodrigo had
had against the Moors. And at the same time there came before him
Ximena Gomez, the daughter of the Count, who fell on her knees
before him and said, Sir, I am the daughter of Count Don Gomez of
Gormaz, and Rodrigo of Bivar has slain the Count my father, and of
three daughters whom he has left I am the youngest. And, Sir, I come
to crave of you a boon, that you will give me Rodrigo of Bivar to be
my husband, with whom I shall hold myself well married, and greatly
honoured; for certain I am that his possessions will one day be
greater than those of any man in your dominions. Certes, Sir, it
behoves you to do this, because it is for God's service, and because I
may pardon Rodrigo with a good will. The King held it good to
accomplish her desire; and forthwith ordered letters to be drawn up to
Rodrigo of Bivar, wherein he enjoined and commanded him that he should
come incontinently to Palencia, for he had much to communicate to him,
upon an affair which was greatly to God's service, and his own welfare
and great honour.
VI
When Rodrigo saw the letters of his Lord the King, he greatly
rejoiced in them, and said to the messengers that he would fulfil
the King's pleasure, and go incontinently at his command. And he dight
himself full gallantly and well, and took with him many knights,
both his own and of his kindred and of his friends, and he took also
many new arms, and came to Palencia to the King with two hundred of
his peers in arms, in festival guise; and the King went out to meet
him, and received him right well, and did him honour; and at this were
all the Counts displeased. And when the King thought it a fit
season, he spake to him and said, that Dona Ximena Gomez, the daughter
of the Count whom he had slain, had come to ask him for her husband,
and would forgive him her father's death; wherefore he besought him to
think it good to take her to be his wife, in which case he would
show him great favour. When Rodrigo heard this it pleased him well,
and he said to the King that he would do his bidding in this, and in
all other things which he might command; and the King thanked him
much. And he sent for the Bishop of Palencia, and took their vows
and made them plight themselves each to the other according as the law
directs. And when they were espoused the King did them great honour,
and gave them many noble gifts, and added to Rodrigo's lands more than
he had till then possessed: and he loved him greatly in his heart,
because he saw that he was obedient to his commands, and for all
that he had heard him say.
VII
VII
So Rodrigo departed from the King, and took his spouse with him to
the house of his mother, and gave her to his mother's keeping. And
forthwith he made a vow in her hands that he would never accompany
with her, neither in the desert nor in the inhabited place, till he
had won five battles in the field. And he besought his mother that she
would love her even as she loved him himself, and that she would do
good to her and show her great honour, for which he should ever
serve her with the better good will. And his mother promised him so to
do; and then he departed from them and went out against the frontier
of the Moors.
VIII
VIII
Now the history relates that King Don Ferrando contended with King
Don Ramiro of Aragon for the city of Calahorra, which each claimed
as his own; in such guise that the King of Aragon placed it upon the
trial by combat, confiding in the prowess of Don Martin Gonzalez,
who was at that time held to be the best knight in all Spain. King Don
Ferrando accepted the challenge, and said that Rodrigo of Bivar should
do battle on his part, but that he was not then present. And they
plighted homage on both parts to meet and bring each his knight, and
the knight who conquered should win Calahorra for his Lord. Having
ratified this engagement, they returned into their own lands. And
immediately Ferrando sent for Rodrigo of Bivar, and told him all the
matter as it then stood, and that he was to do battle. Well pleased
was Rodrigo when he heard this, and he accorded to all that the King
had said that he should do battle for him upon that cause; but till
the day arrived he must needs, he said, go to Compostella, because
he had vowed a pilgrimage; and the King was content therewith, and
gave him great gifts.
IX
Rodrigo forthwith set out upon the road, and took with him twenty
knights. And as he went he did great good, and gave alms, feeding
the poor and needy. And upon the way they found a leper, struggling in
a quagmire, who cried out to them with a loud voice to help him for
the love of God; and when Rodrigo heard this, he alighted from his
beast and helped him, and placed him upon the beast before him, and
carried him with him in this manner to the inn where he took up his
lodging that night. At this were his knights little pleased. And
when supper was ready he bade his knights take their seats, and he
took the leper by the hand, and seated him next himself, and ate
with him out of the same dish. The knights were greatly offended at
this foul sight, insomuch that they rose up and left the chamber.
But Rodrigo ordered a bed to be made ready for himself and for the
leper, and they twain slept together. When it was midnight and Rodrigo
was fast asleep, the leper breathed against him between his shoulders,
and that breath was so strong that it passed through him, even through
his breast; and he awoke, being astounded, and felt for the leper by
him, and found him not; and he began to call him, but there was no
reply. Then he arose in fear, and called for light, and it was brought
him; and he looked for the leper and could see nothing; so he returned
into the bed, leaving the light burning. And he began to think
within himself what had happened, and of that breath which had
passed through him, and how the leper was not there. After a while, as
he was thus musing, there appeared before him one in white garments,
who said unto him, Sleepest thou or wakest thou, Rodrigo? and he
answered and said, I do not sleep: but who art thou that bringest with
thee such brightness and so sweet an odour? Then said he, I am Saint
Lazarus, and know that I was the leper to whom thou didst so much good
and so great honour for the love of God; and because thou didst this
for his sake hath God now granted thee a great gift; for whensoever
that breath which thou hast felt shall come upon thee, whatever
thing thou desirest to do, and shalt then begin, that shalt thou
accomplish to thy heart's desire, whether it be in battle or aught
else, so that thy honour shall go on increasing from day to day; and
thou shalt be feared both by Moors and Christians, and thy enemies
shall never prevail against thee, and thou shalt die an honourable
death in thine own house, and in thy renown, for God hath blessed
thee;-therefore go thou on, and evermore persevere in doing good;
and with that he disappeared. And Rodrigo arose and prayed to our lady
and intercessor St. Mary, that she would pray to her blessed Son for
him to watch over both his body and soul in all his undertakings;
and he continued in prayer till the day broke. Then he proceeded on
his way, and performed his pilgrimage, doing much good for the love of
God and of St. Mary.
X
Now the day came which had been appointed for the combat
concerning Calahorra, between Rodrigo and Don Martin Gonzalez, and
Rodrigo was not arrived; therefore his cousin Alvar Fanez Minaya
undertook the battle in his stead, and ordered his horse to be
harnessed right well. While he was arming himself Rodrigo came up
and took the horse of Alvar Fanez, and entered the lists; Don Martin
Gonzalez did the same, and the judges placed them fairly, each in
his place, so that neither should have the sun in his eyes. They ran
their career, one against the other, and met so fiercely that their
lances brake, and both were sorely wounded; but Don Martin began to
address Rodrigo, thinking to dismay him: Greatly dost thou now repent,
Don Rodrigo, said he, that thou hast entered into these lists with me;
for I shall so handle thee that never shalt thou marry Dona Ximena thy
spouse, whom thou lovest so well, nor ever return alive to Castille.
Rodrigo waxed angry at these words, and he replied, You are a good
knight, Don Martin Gonzalez, but these words are not suitable to
this place, for in this business we have to contend with hands and not
with empty speeches; and the power is in God who will give the
honour as he thinketh best. And in his anger he made at him, and smote
him upon his helmet, and the sword cut through and wounded as much
of the head as it could reach, so that he was sorely hurt and lost
much blood. And Don Martin Gonzalez struck at Rodrigo, and the sword
cut into the shield, and he plucked it towards him that with main
force he made Rodrigo lose the shield; but Rodrigo did not forget
himself, and wounded him again in the face. And they both became
greatly enraged, and cruel against each other, striking without mercy,
for both of them were men who knew how to demean themselves. But while
they thus struggled Don Martin Gonzalez lost much blood, and for
very weakness he could not hold himself upon his horse, but fell
from his horse upon the ground; and Rodrigo alighted and went to him
and slew him: and when he had slain him he asked the judges if there
was anything more to be done for the right of Calahorra: and they made
answer that there was not. Then came the King Don Ferrando to him, and
alighted by him, and helped to disarm him, and embraced him much;
and when he was disarmed he went with him from the field, he and all
the Castillians greatly rejoicing; but as great as was the pleasure of
King Don Ferrando and his people, so great was the sorrow of King
Don Ramiro of Aragon and of his. And he ordered them to take up Don
Martin Gonzalez, and they carried the body into his own lands, and
he went with it, and Calahorra remained in the power of King Don
Ferrando.
XI
But when the Counts of Castille saw how Rodrigo increased day by day
in honour, they took counsel together that they should plot with the
Moors, and fix a day of battle with them on the day of the Holy
Cross in May, and that they should invite Rodrigo to this battle,
and contrive with the Moors that they should slay him; by which
means they should be revenged upon him, and remain masters of
Castille, which now because of him they could not be. This counsel
they sent to communicate to the Moors and to the Moorish Kings who
were Rodrigo's vassals, being those whom he had made prisoners and set
at liberty. But they, when they saw this counsel and the falsehood
which was devised, took the letters of the Counts, and sent them to
Rodrigo their Lord, and sent to tell him all the secret of the
treason. Rodrigo thanked them greatly for their good faith, and took
the letters and carried them to the King, and showed him all the
enmity of the Counts, and especially of the Count Don Garcia, who
was afterwards called of Cabra. When the King saw this as it was, he
was astonished at their great falsehood, and he issued his letters
in which he ordered them to leave his dominions; then he went to
Santiago on a pilgrimage, and ordered Rodrigo to cast these Counts out
of the land; and Rodrigo did as the King commanded him. Then Dona
Elvira his kinswoman, the wife of the Count Don Garcia, came and
fell on her knees before him; but Rodrigo took her by the hand and
raised her up, and would not hear her till she was arisen. And when he
had raised her up she said, I beseech you, cousin, since you have
banished me and my husband, that you would give us a letter to some
King who is one of your vassals, enjoining him to befriend us, and
give us something for your sake whereon we may live. So he gave her
a letter to the King of Cordova, who received her and her husband well
for the love of Rodrigo, and gave Cabra to him, that he and his people
might dwell therein. This Count was afterwards so ungrateful to the
King of Cordova that he made war upon him from Cabra which the King
had given him, till Rodrigo came and took it.
XII
XII
The history relateth that at this time while the King was in
Galicia, the Moors entered Estremadura, and the people called upon
Rodrigo of Bivar to help them. And when he heard the summons he made
no delay, but gathered together his kinsmen and his friends, and
went against the misbelievers. And he came up with them between
Atienza and San Estevan de Gormaz, as they were carrying away a
great booty in captives and in flocks, and there he had a brave battle
with them in the field; and in fine Rodrigo conquered, smiting and
slaying, and the pursuit lasted for seven leagues, and he recovered
all the spoil, which was so great that two hundred horses were the
fifth, for the whole spoil was worth a hundred times a thousand
maravedis. Rodrigo divided the whole among his people without
covetousness, and returned with great honour.
XIII
XIII
Now the greater part of these Moors had been they of Merida,
Badajoz, Beja and Evora, and the King was minded to requite them in
their own land according to their deeds; and he entered into the heart
of their country, carrying with him fire and sword, and pressed them
sorely so that they yielded vassalage. Then turning through
Portugal, he won the town of Sea, which was upon the western slope
of the Serra da Estrella; and also another town called Gamne, the site
whereof cannot now be known, for in course of years names change and
are forgotten. And proceeding with his conquests he laid siege to
the city of Viseu, that he might take vengeance for the death of
King Don Alfonso, his wife's father, who had been slain before that
city. But the people of Viseu, as they lived with this fear before
their eyes, had fortified their city well, and stored it abundantly
with all things needful, and moreover, they put their trust in their
Alcayde, who was an African, by name Cid Alafum, a man tried in
arms. He encouraged them, saying that the city could not be taken in
ten years, by a greater power than the Christians; and there were many
good arbalisters in the city, who shot so strong that neither shield
nor armour availed against their quarrels. King Don Ferrando therefore
ordered mantles to be made, and also pavaises to protect his people;
and moreover he enjoined them to fasten boards upon their shields,
so that the quarrels from the cross-bows might not pierce through. And
he continued for eighteen days to combat the city, keeping such good
watch, that neither could they within receive help from without, nor
themselves issue forth; and on the eighteenth day, which was the
Vesper of St. Peter's, he won the city by force of arms; and few
were they who escaped from the sword of the conquerors, except those
who retreated with Alafum into the castle. And on the following day at
the hour of tierce they also came to terms, and yielded themselves
to his mercy, saving their lives. In this manner was Viseu recovered
by the Christians, and never after did that city fall into the hands
of the barbarians. And the Moor who had slain King Don Alfonso fell
into Ferrando's power, and the King took vengeance and punished him in
all the parts which had offended; he cut off the foot which had
prest down the Armatost, and lopt off the hands which had held the bow
and fitted the quarrel, and plucked out the eyes which had taken the
mark; and the living trunk was then set up as a butt for the archers.
XIV
XIV
In all these wars there was not a man who bore greater part, or
did better feats in arms, than Rodrigo of Bivar. And the King went
up against Lamego, and besieged it. Now Zadan Aben Huim, son of Huim
Alboazem, the King thereof, was mightier than all the Kings who had
reigned before him in Lamego, and he had peopled many places from
the Douro even to the rivers Tavora and Vouga. And because he was well
beloved and his city well stored and strong, all the chief Moors in
that district being dismayed by the fall of Viseu, retired into it, to
be under his protection. But maugre all their power, King Don Ferrando
girt the city round about, and brought against it so many engines, and
so many bastilles, that Zadan submitted, and opened his gates on the
twenty-second of July, the day of St. Mary Magdalene, being
twenty-five days after the capture of Viseu. And Zadan became
tributary to the King, and the King took with him many of the Moors,
to be employed in building up the churches which had fallen to ruin
since the land was lost.
XV
All this while was Coimbra in the power of the misbelievers. And the
Abbot of Lorvam took counsel with his Monks, and they said, Let us
go to King Ferrando and tell him the state of the city. And they chose
out two of the brethren for this errand. When the Moors therefore
who came to hunt among the mountains took up their lodging in the
Monastery as they were wont to do, these twain said unto them, We
would go to the holy Dominicum, to say prayers there for our sins.
So feigning this to be their errand they set forth, and came to the
King in the town of Carrion, and spake unto him in council, saying,
Sir King, we come to you through waters and over mountains and by
bad ways, to tell you concerning Coimbra in what plight it is, if
you desire to know, and in what guise the Moors dwell there, what they
are and how many, and with how little heed they keep the city. And
he said unto them, I beseech ye, for the love of God, say on. Then
told they him what they knew: and the King took counsel upon this
matter with Rodrigo of Bivar, and Rodrigo said, that certes the Lord
would help him to win the city; and he said that he would fain be
knighted by the King's hand, and that it seemed to him now that he
should receive knighthood at his hand in Coimbra. A covenant was
then made with the two Monks, that they should go with the army
against the city in the month of January without fail. Now this was in
October. Incontinently the King sent to summon his knights and people,
and when one part of them had assembled at Santa Maria, he bade them
do all the damage they could against Coimbra, and ravage the
country, which accordingly they did. In the meantime the King made a
pilgrimage to Santiago, as Rodrigo had exhorted him to do; and he
remained there three days and nights in prayer, offering great
gifts, and taking upon himself great devotion, that it might please
God to fulfil his desire. And with the help of Santiago he gathered
together a great host, and went up against Coimbra in the month of
January, even as he had covenanted, and laid siege to it. And he
fought against the city all February, and March, and April, May and
June, five months did he fight, and could not prevail against it.
And when July came the food of the besiegers failed them, insomuch
that they had only the dole for a few days left; then the baggage
was made ready, and the sumpter beasts and serving-men were ordered to
depart for Leon, and proclamation was made in the camp that the army
should remain yet four days, and on the fifth they might break up
and depart every one to his own house. But then the Monks of Lorvam
and the Abbot consulted together and said, Let us now go to the King
and give him all the food which we have, both oxen and cows, and sheep
and goats and swine, wheat and barley and maize, bread and wine,
fish and fowl, even all that we have; for if the city, which God
forbid, should not be won by the Christians, we may no longer abide
here. Then went they to the King and gave him all their stores, both
of flocks and herds, and pulse, and wine beyond measure, which they
had for a long time stored. Then was there abundance in the camp;
but they who were within the city waxed feeble for hunger and long
suffering, because the Christians beset them on all sides, and
warred upon them hotly, and brought their engines to bear on every
part, and the walls of the city were broken down. When the Moors saw
this they came to the King, and fell at his feet, and besought him
of his mercy that he would let them depart, leaving to him the city
and all that they had therein, for they asked for nothing but their
lives. And the King had compassion upon them and granted their prayer;
and the city was yielded to him on a Sunday at the hour of tierce,
which was before a week had run out since the Monks of Lorvam had
succoured the host.
XVI
XVI
Now it came to pass that while the King lay before Coimbra, there
came a pilgrim from the land of Greece on pilgrimage to Santiago;
his name was Estiano, and he was a Bishop. And as he was praying in
the church he heard certain of the townsmen and of the pilgrims saying
that Santiago was wont to appear in battle like a knight, in aid of
the Christians. And when he heard this it nothing pleased him, and
he said unto them, Friends, call him not a knight, but rather a
fisherman. Upon this it pleased God that he should fall asleep, and in
his sleep Santiago appeared to him with a good and cheerful
countenance, holding in his hand a bunch of keys, and said unto him,
Thou thinkest it a fable that they should call me a knight, and sayest
that I am not so: for this reason am I come unto thee that thou
never more mayest doubt concerning my knighthood; for a knight of
Jesus Christ I am and a helper of the Christians against the Moors.
While he was thus saying a horse was brought him the which was
exceeding white, and the Apostle Santiago mounted upon it, being
well clad in bright and fair armour, after the manner of a knight. And
he said to Estiano, I go to help King Don Ferrando who has lain
these seven months before Coimbra, and tomorrow, with these keys which
thou seest, will I open the gates of the city unto him at the hour
of tierce, and deliver it into his hand. Having said this he departed.
And the Bishop when he awoke in the morning called together the clergy
and people of Compostella, and told them what he had seen and heard.
And as he said, even so did it come to pass; for tidings came that
on that day, and at the hour of tierce, the gates of the city had been
opened.
XVII
XVII
King Don Ferrando then assembled his Counts and chief captains,
and told them all that the Monks of Lorvam had done, in bringing him
to besiege the city, and in supplying his army in their time of
need: and the Counts and chief captains made answer and said,
Certes, O King, if the Monks had not given us the stores of their
Monastery, thou couldest not have taken the city at this time. The
King then called for the Abbot and the brethren, for they were with
him in the host, and said the hours to him daily, and mass in St.
Andre's, and buried there and in their Monastery as many as had died
during the siege, either of arrow-wounds or by lances, or of their own
infirmities. So they came before him and gave him joy of his conquest;
and he said unto them, Take ye now of this city as much as ye
desire, since by God's favour and your council I have won it. But they
made answer, Thanks be to God and to you, and to your forefathers,
we have enough and shall have, if so be that we have your favour and
dwell among Christians. Only for the love of God, and for the remedy
of your own soul, give us one church with its dwelling-houses within
the city, and confirm unto us the gifts made to us in old times by
your forefathers, and the good men to whom God give a happy rest. With
that the King turned to his sons and his soldiers, and said, Of a
truth, by our Creator, these who desire so little are men of God. I
would have given them half the city, and they will have only single
church! Now therefore, since they require but this, on the part of God
Almighty let us grant and confirm unto them what they ask, to the
honour of God and St. Mamede. And the brethren brought him their
charters of King Ramiro, and King Bermudo, and King Alfonso, and of
Gonzalo Moniz, who was a knight and married a daughter of King
Bermudo, and of other good men. And the King confirmed them, and he
bade them make a writing of all which had passed between him and
them at the siege of Coimbra; and when they brought him the writing,
they brought him also a crown of silver and of gold, which had been
King Bermudo's, and which Gonzalo Moniz had given to the Monastery
in honour of God and St. Mamede. The King saw the crown, how it was
set with precious stones, and said to them, To what end bring ye
hither this crown? And they said, That you should take it, Sire, in
return for the good which you have done us. But he answered, Far be it
from me that I should take from your Monastery what the good men
before me have given to it! Take ye back the crown, and take also
ten marks of silver, and make with the money a good cross, to remain
with you for ever. And he who shall befriend you, may God befriend
him; but he who shall disturb you or your Monastery, may he be
cursed by the living God and by his Saints. So the King signed the
writing which he had commanded to be made, and his sons and chief
captains signed it also, and in the writing he enjoined his children
and his children's children, as many as should come after him, to
honour and protect the Monastery of Lorvam, upon his blessing he
charged them so to do, because he had found the brethren better than
all the other Monks in his dominions.
XVIII
XVIII
Then King Ferrando knighted Rodrigo of Bivar in the great mosque
of Coimbra, which he dedicated to St. Mary. And the ceremony was after
this manner: the King girded on his sword, and gave him the kiss,
but not the blow. To do him more honour the Queen gave him his
horse, and the Infanta Dona Urraca fastened on his spurs; and from
that day forth he was called Ruydiez. Then the King commanded him to
knight nine noble squires with his own hand; and he took his sword
before the altar, and knighted them. The King then gave Coimbra to the
keeping of Don Sisnando, Bishop of Iria; a man, who having more
hardihood than religion, had by reason of his misdeeds gone over to
the Moors, and sorely infested the Christians in Portugal. But
during the siege he had come to the King's service, and bestirred
himself well against the Moors; and therefore the King took him into
his favour, and gave him the city to keep, which he kept, and did much
evil to the Moors till the day of his death. And the King departed and
went to Compostella to return thanks to Santiago.
XIX
XIX
But then Benalfagi, who was the Lord of many lands in Estremadura,
gathered together a great power of the Moors and built up the walls of
Montemor, and from thence waged war against Coimbra, so that they of
Coimbra called upon the King for help. And the King came up against
the town, and fought against it, and took it. Great honour did Ruydiez
win at that siege; for having to protect the foragers, the enemy
came out upon him, and thrice in one day was he beset by them; but he,
though sorely prest by them, and in great peril, nevertheless would
not send to the camp for succour, but put forth his manhood and
defeated them. And from that day the King gave more power into his
hands, and made him head over all his household.
XX
Now the men of Leon besought the King that he would repeople Zamora,
which had lain desolate since it was destroyed by Almanzor. And he
went thither and peopled the city, and gave to it good privileges. And
while he was there came messengers from the five Kings who were
vassals to Ruydiez of Bivar, bringing him their tribute; and they came
to him, he being with the King, and called him Cid, which signifyeth
Lord, and would have kissed his hands, but he would not give them
his hand till they had kissed the hand of the King. And Ruydiez took
the tribute and offered the fifth thereof to the King, in token of his
sovereignty; and the King thanked him, but would not receive it, and
from that time he ordered that Ruydiez should be called the Cid,
because the Moors had so called him.
XXI
XXI
In those days Pope Victor II held a council at Florence, and the
Emperor Henry there made his complaint against King Don Ferrando, that
he did not acknowledge his sovereignty, and pay him tribute like all
other Kings; and he besought the Pope to admonish him so to do. And
the Pope being a German, and the friend of Henry, sent to the King
to admonish him, and told him that unless he obeyed he would
proclaim a crusade against him; and in like manner the Emperor, and
the King of France, and the other Kings, sent to exhort him to
obedience, defying him if he should refuse. When the King saw their
letters he was troubled, for he knew that if this thing were done,
great evil would follow to Castille and Leon. And he took counsel with
his honourable men. They seeing on the one hand the great power of the
Church, and on the other the great evil that it would be if Castille
and Leon should be made tributary, knew not what counsel to give;
howbeit at length they said to him that he should do the Pope's
bidding. At this council the Cid was not present, for he had lately
completed his marriage with Dona Ximena Gomez, and was then with
her; but at this time he arrived, and the King showed him the letters,
and told him the matter how it then stood, and what had been the
advice of his good men, and besought him to speak his advice, as a
good and true vassal to his Lord. When the Cid heard what had passed
it grieved him to the heart, more for the counsel which had been given
to the King, than because of the Pope's commands; and he turned to the
King and said, In an ill day, Sir, were you born in Spain, if it be in
your time to be made tributary, which it never was before; for all the
honour which God hath given you, and whatever good he hath done to
you, is lost if it should be so. And, Sir, whoever hath given you this
counsel is not a true man, neither one who regardeth your honour nor
your power. But send to defy them since they will have it so, and
let us carry the war home to them. You shall take with you five
thousand knights, all of whom are hidalgos, and the Moorish Kings
who are your vassals will give you two thousand knights; and, Sir, you
are such a one as God loves, and he will not that your honour should
perish. And the King thought that he was well counselled by him, for
the King was of a great heart.
XXII
XXII
Then the King ordered letters to be written, in which he besought
the Pope not to proceed farther against him without just cause, for
Spain had been conquered by those who dwelt therein, by the blood of
them and of their fathers, and they had never been tributary, and
never would be so, but would rather all die. Moreover he sent his
letters to the Emperor and to the other Kings, telling them that
they well knew the wrong which the Emperor did him, having no
jurisdiction over him, nor lawful claim; and he besought them to let
him alone that he might continue to wage war against the enemies of
the faith; but if they persisted to speak against him he then sent
them back their friendship, and defied them, and where they all were
there would he go seek them. While this reply was on its way he
gathered together his people, as he and the Cid had advised, and set
forward with eight thousand and nine hundred knights, both of his
own and of the Cid, and the Cid led the advance guard. When they had
passed the passes of Aspa they found that the country was up, and
the people would not sell them food; but the Cid set his hand to, to
burn all the country before him, and plunder from those who would
not sell, but to those who brought food he did no wrong. And after
such manner did he proceed, that wherever the King and his army
arrived they found all things of which they could stand in need; and
the news went sounding throughout all the land, so that all men
trembled.
XXIII
XXIII
Then Count Remon, Lord of Savoy, with the power of the King of
France, gathered together twenty thousand knights and came beyond
Tolosa, to hold the road against King Don Ferrando. And he met with
his harbinger the Cid, who went before him to prepare lodgings, and
they had a hard battle; and the men of the Count were discomfited, and
he himself made prisoner and many with him, and many were slain. And
the Count besought the Cid of his mercy to set him free, saying that
he would give him a daughter he had, the which was right fair; and the
Cid did as he besought him, and the daughter was given to him, and
he set the Count free. And by this woman King Don Ferrando had his son
the Cardinal Ferrando, who was so honourable a man.
XXIV
XXIV
After this the Cid had another battle with all the power of
France, and discomfited them, and at neither of these battles did
the King and his main army arrive. So the news went sounding before
them to the council, of the fierceness of the Cid; and as they all
knew that he was the conqueror of battles, they knew not what to
advise; and they besought the Pope that he would send to them, begging
them to turn back, and saying that they did not require tribute. These
letters came to the King when he had past Tolosa, and he took
counsel with the Cid and with his good men, and they advised that he
should send two of his good men to the Pope, who should tell him to
send a Cardinal with power to make a covenant, that this demand should
never again be made upon Spain; and that persons from the Emperor
and from the other Kings also should come to ratify this, and
meanwhile he would abide where he was. But if they did not come he
would go on to them. Count Don Rodrigo, and Alvar Fanez Minaya, and
certain learned men, were sent with this bidding. And when they came
to the Pope and gave him their letters, he was much dismayed, and he
assembled the good and honourable men of the council, and asked of
them what he should do. And they made answer that he must do as the
King willed him, for none was so hardy as to fight against the good
fortune of his vassal the Cid. And the Pope sent Master Roberto, the
Cardinal of St. Sabina, with full powers, and the representatives of
the Emperor and of the other Kings came also and signed the
covenant, that this demand should never again be made upon the King of
Spain. And the writings which they made were confirmed by the Pope and
by the Emperor and the other Kings, and sealed with their seals.
XXV
XXV
While this was doing the King abode where he was, beyond Tolosa; six
months did he abide there. And the Pope sent to ask of him the
daughter of Count Remon; and she was then five months gone with child;
and by the advice of his vassal the Cid the King sent her, and sent to
tell the Pope the whole truth, requesting that he would see she was
taken care of; and the Pope ordered that she should be taken care of
till the event should be. And she was delivered of the Abbot Don
Ferrando; the Pope was his godfather, and brought him up right
honourably, and dispensed with his bastardy that he might hold any
sacred dignity; and in process of time he was made an honourable
Cardinal. So the King returned with great honour into his own land,
and from that time he was called Don Ferrando the Great, the Emperor's
Peer; and it was said of him in songs that he had passed the passes of
Aspa in despite of the Frenchmen.
XXVI
XXVI
Many other things did King Don Ferrando, which are written in the
book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Spain, enriching churches and
monasteries, and honouring the saints and martyrs, and making war upon
the misbelievers. And it came to pass when he was waxed old, that as
he was one day saying his prayers, the confessor St. Isidro appeared
unto him, and told him the day and hour when he should die, to the
intent that he might make ready and confess his sins, and make
atonement for them, and take thought for his soul, that so he might
appear clean from offence before the face of God. From that day he,
being certain that his end was at hand, began to discharge his soul.
And he devised within himself how to dispose of the kingdoms which God
had given him, that there might be no contention between his sons
after his death; and he thought it best to divide his lands among
them; but this which he thought best proved to be the worst, and great
evil came thereof, for better had it been that he had left all to
the eldest. Howbeit it was his pleasure to divide them: he had three
sons, Don Sancho who was the eldest, and Don Alfonso who was the
second born, and Don Garcia who was the youngest; and two daughters,
Dona Urraca and Dona Elvira. The manner in which he divided his
lands was this: he gave to Don Sancho the kingdom of Castille as far
as to the river Pisuerga, on the side of Leon, with the border,
which included the dioceses of Osma, and Segovia, and Avila, and on
the side of Navarre as far as the Ebro, as he had won it from his
nephew Don Sancho Garcia, King of Navarre. To Don Alfonso he gave
the kingdom of Leon, and in Asturias as far as the river Deva, which
runs by Oviedo, and part of Campos as far as Carrion and the river
Pisuerga, with the border, which contained the dioceses of Zamora,
Salamanca, and Ciudad Rodrigo, and the city of Astorga, and other
lands in Galicia, with the town of Zebreros. To Don Garcia he gave the
kingdom of Galicia, and all the lands which he had won in Portugal,
with the title of King of Galicia, which country had had no King of
its own since the kingdom of the Suevi had been overthrown by King
Leovegildo. And to Dona Urraca he gave the city of Zamora with all its
dependencies, and with half the Infantazgo; and the other half, with
the city of Toro and its dependencies, to Dona Elvira.
XXVII
XXVII
When the Infante Don Sancho knew that the King his father had made
this allotment it displeased him, for he was the eldest son; and he
said to his father that he neither could nor ought to make this
division; for the Gothic Kings had in old time made a constitution for
themselves, that the kingdom and empire of Spain never should be
divided, but remain one dominion under one Lord. But the King
replied that he would not for this forbear to do as he had resolved,
for he had won the kingdom: then the Infante made answer, Do as you
will, being my father and Lord; but I do not consent unto it. So the
King made the division against the right of the Infante Don Sancho,
and it displeased many in the kingdom, and many it pleased; but they
who were of good understanding perceived the evil which would arise.
XXVIII
XXVIII
After this the King fell sick with the malady whereof he died. And
he made himself be carried to Leon, and there on his knees before
the bodies of the saints he besought mercy of them. And putting his
crown upon his head before the holy body of St. Isidro he called
upon God, saying, O Lord Jesus Christ, thine is the power over all,
and thine is the kingdom, for thou art King of all kingdoms, and of
all Kings, and of all nations, and all are at thy command. And now
Lord I return unto thee the kingdom which thou hast given me, but I
beseech thee of thy mercy that my soul may be brought to the light
which hath no end. Having said thus, he stript himself of the royal
robes adorned with gold in which he was arrayed, and took the crown
from his head and placed it upon the altar; and he put sackcloth
upon the carrion of his body, and prayed to God, confessing all the
sins which he had committed against him, and took his acquittal from
the Bishops, for they absolved him from his sins; and forthwith he
there received extreme unction, and strewed ashes upon himself.
After this, by his own order he was carried to St. Mary of Almazan
in pilgrimage, and there he remained thrice nine days, beseeching
St. Mary that she would have mercy upon him and intercede with her
blessed Son for his soul. From thence they carried him to Cabezon, and
there the Abbot Don Ferrando came to him, an honourable man, and
many other honourable men of his realms, and the Cid Ruydiez, whom the
King commended to the Infante Don Sancho, his son. And after he had
put all his affairs in order he remained three days lamenting in pain,
and on the fourth, being the day of St. John the Evangelist, he called
for the Cardinal Abbot, and commended Spain and his other sons to him,
and gave him his blessing, and then at the hour of sexts he rendered
up his soul without stain to God, being full of years. So they carried
him to Leon and buried him near his father, in the Church of St.
Isidro, which he had built. Thirty and one years did King Don Ferrando
the Great, who was peer with the Emperor, reign over Castille. The
Queen his wife lived two years after him, leading a holy life; a
good Queen had she been and of good understanding, and right loving to
her husband: always had she counselled him well, being in truth the
mirror of his kingdoms, and the friend of the widows and orphans.
Her end was a good end, like that of the King her husband: God give
them Paradise for their reward. Amen.
BOOK TWO
I
The history relates how after the death of King Don Ferrando, the
three Kings his sons reigned each in his kingdom, according to the
division made by their father, who had divided that which should all
by right have descended to the King Don Sancho. Now the Kings of Spain
were of the blood of the Goths, which was a fierce blood, for it had
many times come to pass among the Gothic Kings, that brother had slain
brother upon this quarrel; from this blood was King Don Sancho
descended, and he thought that it would be a reproach unto him if he
did not join together the three kingdoms under his own dominion, for
he was not pleased with what his father had given him, holding that
the whole ought to have been his. And he went through the land setting
it in order, and what thing soever his people asked at his hand that
did he grant them freely, to the end that he might win their hearts.
II
When King Don Sancho of Navarre saw that there was a new King in
Castille, he thought to recover the lands of Bureva and of Old
Castille as far as Laredo, which had been lost when the King his
father was defeated and slain at Atapuerca in the mountains of Oca.
And now seeing that the kingdom of Ferrando was divided, he asked help
of his uncle Don Ramiro, King of Aragon; and the men of Aragon and
of Navarre entered Castille together. But King Don Sancho gathered
together his host, and put the Cid at their head; and such account did
he give of his enemies, that he of Navarre was glad to enjoy Rioja
in peace, and lay no farther claim to what his father had lost. Now
the King of Castille was wroth against the King of Aragon, that he
should thus have joined against him without cause; and in despite of
him he marched against the Moors of Zaragoza, and laying waste their
country with fire and sword, he came before their city and gave orders
to assault it, and began to set up his engines. When the King of
Zaragoza saw the great will which the King had to do evil unto him,
and that there was none to help him, he thought it best to come to his
mercy, paying tribute, or serving him, or in any manner whatsoever.
And he sent interpreters to King Don Sancho saying, that he would give
him much gold and silver, and many gifts, and be his vassal, and pay
him tribute yearly. The King received them right honourably, and
when he had heard their bidding he answered resolutely, being of a
great heart, All this which the King of Zaragoza sends to say unto
me is well, but he hath another thing in his heart. He sends to bid me
break up the siege and depart from his land, and as soon as I should
have departed, he would make friends unto himself among Christians and
among Moors, and fail me in all which he covenants. Nevertheless I
will do this thing which your King requires of me; but if in the end
he lie, I will come back upon him and destroy him, trusting in God
that he cannot defend himself against me. And when the interpreters
heard this they were greatly dismayed, and they returned and told
their King all that he had said. And the Moors seeing that they
could not help themselves, made such terms with him as it pleased
him to grant, and gave him hostages that they might not be able to
prove false. And they gave him gold and silver and precious stones
in abundance, so that with great riches and full honourably did he and
all his men depart from the siege.
III
III
Greatly was the King of Aragon displeased at this which King Don
Sancho had done, thinking that it was to his great injury and
abasement, for Zaragoza he held to be within his conquest. And he came
out with all his power to cut off the King's return, and took
possession of the way, and said unto him that he should not pass
till he had made amends for the great dishonour which he had wrought
him, in coming into his conquest and against his vassals: the amends
which he required was, that he should yield unto him all the spoil,
and all which the King of Zaragoza had given him, else should he not
pass without battle. When King Don Sancho heard this, being a man of
great heart, he made answer, that he was the head of the kingdoms of
Castille and Leon, and all the conquests in Spain were his, for the
Kings of Aragon had no conquests appertaining unto them, being by
right his tributaries, and bound to appear at his Cortes. Wherefore he
counselled him to waive this demand, and let him pass in peace. But
the King of Aragon drew up his host for battle, and the onset was
made, and heavy blows were dealt on both sides, and many horses were
left without a master. And while the battle was yet upon the chance,
King Don Sancho riding right bravely through the battle, began to call
out Castille! Castille! and charged the main body so fiercely that
by fine force he broke them; and when they were thus broken, the
Castillians began cruelly to slay them, so that King Don Sancho had
pity thereof, and called out unto his people not to kill them, for
they were Christians. Then King Don Ramiro being discomfited,
retired to a mountain, and King Don Sancho beset the mountain round
about, and made a covenant with him that he should depart, and that
the King of Zaragoza should remain tributary to Castille; and but
for this covenant the King of Aragon would then have been slain, or
made prisoner. This was the battle whereof the Black Book of
Santiago speaketh, saying, that in this year, on the day of the
Conversion of St. Paul, was the great slaughter of the Christians in
Porca. In all these wars did my Cid demean himself after his wonted
manner; and because of the great feats which he performed the King
loved him well, and made him his Alferez; so that in the whole army he
was second only to the King. And because when the host was in the
field it was his office to chuse the encampment place, for this reason
was my Cid called the Campeador.
IV
While King Don Sancho was busied in these wars, King Don Garcia of
Galicia took by force from Dona Urraca his sister a great part of
the lands which the King their father had given her. And when she
heard this she began to lament aloud, saying, Ah! King Don Ferrando,
in an evil hour didst thou divide thy kingdom, for thereby will all
the land be brought to destruction. And now also will be
accomplished that which my fosterer Arias Gonzalo said, for now that
King Don Garcia who is my younger brother, hath dispossessed me and
broken the oath which he made unto my father, what will not the
elder do, who made the vow by compulsion, and always made protestation
against the division! God send that as thou hast disherited me, thou
mayest speedily thyself in like manner be disherited, Amen! But when
King Don Sancho heard what his brother had done he was well pleased
thereat, thinking that he might now bring to pass that which he so
greatly desired; and he assembled together his Ricos-omes and his
knights, and said unto them, The King my father divided the kingdoms
which should have been mine, and therein he did unjustly; now King Don
Garcia my brother hath broken the oath and disherited Dona Urraca my
sister; I beseech ye therefore counsel me what I shall do, and in what
manner to proceed against him, for I will take his kingdom away from
him. Upon this Count Don Garcia Ordonez arose and said, There is not a
man in the world, Sir, who would counsel you to break the command of
your father, and the vow which you made unto him. And the King was
greatly incensed at him and said, Go from before me, for I shall never
receive good counsel from thee. The King then took the Cid by the hand
and led him apart, and said unto him, Thou well knowest, my Cid,
that when the King my father commended thee unto me, he charged me
upon pain of his curse that I should take you for my adviser, and
whatever I did that I should do it with your counsel, and I have
done so even until this day; and thou hast always counselled me for
the best, and for this I have given thee a county in my kingdom,
holding it well bestowed. Now then I beseech you advise me how best to
recover these kingdoms, for if I have not counsel from you I do not
expect to have it from any man in the world.
V
Greatly troubled at this was the Cid, and he answered and said, Ill,
Sir, would it behove me to counsel you that you should go against
the will of your father. You well know that when I went to Cabezon
unto him, after he had divided his kingdoms, how he made me swear to
him that I would always counsel his sons the best I could, and never
give them ill counsel; and while I can, thus must I continue to do.
But the King answered, My Cid, I do not hold that in this I am
breaking the oath made to my father, for I ever said that the
partition should not be, and the oath which I made was forced upon me.
Now King Don Garcia my brother hath broken the oath, and all these
kingdoms by right are mine: and therefore I will that you counsel me
how I may unite them, for from so doing there is nothing in this world
which shall prevent me, except it be death. Then when the Cid saw that
he could by no means turn him from that course, he advised him to
obtain the love of his brother King Don Alfonso, that he might grant
him passage through his kingdom to go against Don Garcia: and if
this should be refused he counselled him not to make the attempt.
And the King saw that his counsel was good, and sent his letters to
King Don Alfonso beseeching him to meet him at Sahagun. When King
Don Alfonso received the letters he marvelled to what end this might
be: howbeit he sent to say that he would meet him. And the two kings
met in Sahagun. And King Don Sancho said, Brother, you well know
that King Don Garcia our brother hath broken the oath made unto our
father, and disherited our sister Dona Urraca: for this I will take
his kingdom away from him, and I beseech you join with me. But Don
Alfonso answered that he would not go against the will of his
father, and the oath which he had sworn. Then King Don Sancho said,
that if he would let him pass through his kingdom he would give him
part of what he should gain: and King Don Alfonso agreed to this.
And upon this matter they fixed another day to meet; and then forty
knights were named, twenty for Castille and twenty for Leon, as
vouchers that this which they covenanted should be faithfully
fulfilled on both sides.
VI
Then King Don Sancho gathered together a great host, Castillians and
Leonese, and they of Navarre and Biscay, Asturians, and men of
Aragon and of the border. And he sent Alvar Fanez, the cousin of the
Cid, to King Don Garcia, to bid him yield up his kingdom, and if he
refused to do this to defy him on his part. Alvar Fanez, albeit
unwillingly, was bound to obey the bidding of his Lord, and he went to
King Don Garcia and delivered his bidding. When King Don Garcia
heard it he was greatly troubled, and he cried out in his trouble
and said, Lord Jesus Christ, thou rememberest the oath which we made
to our father! for my sins I have been the first to break it, and have
disherited my sister. And he said to Alvar Fanez, Say to my brother
that I beseech him not to break the oath which he made to our
father; but if he will persist to do this thing I must defend myself
as I can. And with this answer Alvar Fanez returned. Then King Don
Garcia called unto him a knight of Asturias, whose name was Ruy
Ximenez, and bade him go to his brother King Don Alfonso and tell
him what had past, and how King Don Sancho would take away his kingdom
from him; and to beseech him as a brother that he would not let him
pass through his dominions. And King Don Alfonso replied, Say to my
brother that I will neither help King Don Sancho, nor oppose him:
and tell him that if he can defend himself I shall be well pleased.
And with this answer, Ruy Ximenez returned, and bade the King look
to himself for defence, for he would find no help in his brother.
VII
VII
Now Don Garcia was not beloved in his kingdom of Galicia, neither in
Portugal, for as much as he showed little favour to the hidalgos, both
Galegos and Portugueze, and vexed the people with tributes which he
had newly imposed. The cause of all this was a favourite, by name
Verna, to whom the King gave so much authority, that he displeased all
the chief persons in his dominions, and hearkened unto him in all
things; and by his advice it was that he had despoiled his sister Dona
Urraca of her lands, and his sister Dona Elvira also, and had done
other things, whereby Portugal and Galicia were now in danger to be
lost. And the knights and hidalgos took counsel together how they
might remedy these evils, and they agreed that the King should in
the name of them all be advised how ill he was served, and intreated
to put away his favourite. Don Rodrigo Frojaz was the one named to
speak unto the King; for being a man of approved valour, and the
Lord of many lands, it was thought that the King would listen more
to him than to any other. But it fell out otherwise than they had
devised, for Verna had such power over the mind of the King, that
the remonstrance was ill received, and Don Rodrigo and the other
hidalgos were contumeliously treated in public by the King. Don
Rodrigo would not bear this, being a right loyal and valiant man;
and he went one day into the palace, and finding Verna busied in
affairs of state, he drew forth his sword and slew him; then leaving
the palace, for none cared to lay hands on him, he left Portugal,
and took the road toward France; many of his vassals and kinsmen and
friends following him, to seek their fortunes in a country where
valour would be esteemed, for they were weary of the bad Government of
King Don Garcia.
VIII
VIII
But when King Don Garcia knew of the league which his brethren had
made to divide his kingdom between them, it was a greater trouble to
him than the death of Verna, and he called his chief captains together
and consulted with them; and they advised him that he should send to
recall Don Rodrigo Frojaz, for having him the realm would be secure,
and without him it was in danger to be lost. So two hidalgos were sent
after him, and they found him in Navarre, on the eve of passing into
France. But when he saw the King's letters, and knew the peril in
which he then stood, setting aside the remembrance of his own
wrongs, like a good and true Portugueze, he turned back, and went to
the King at Coimbra. In good time did he arrive, for the captains of
King Don Sancho had now gained many lands in Galicia and in the
province of Beira, finding none to resist them, and the Count Don Nuno
de Lara, and the Count of Monzon, and Don Garcia de Cabra, were
drawing nigh unto Coimbra. When Don Rodrigo heard this and knew that
the Castillians were approaching, and who they were, he promised the
King either to maintain his cause, or die for it; and he besought
him not to go into the battle himself, having so many vassals and so
good; for it was not fitting that he should expose himself when
there was no King coming against him. And it came to pass that when
the scouts gave notice that the Castillians were at hand, he ordered
the trumpets to be sounded, and the Portugueze sallied, and a little
below the city, at the place which is now called Agoa de Mayas, the
two squadrons met. Then was the saying of Arias Gonzalo fulfilled,
that kinsmen should kill kinsmen, and brother fall by his brother's
hand. But the Portugueze fought so well, and especially Don Rodrigo,
and his brothers Don Pedro and Don Vermui Frojaz, that at length
they discomfited the Castillians, killing of them five hundred and
forty, of whom three hundred were knights, and winning their pennons
and banners. Howbeit this victory was not obtained without great
loss to themselves; for two hundred and twenty of their people were
left upon the field, and many were sorely wounded, among whom, even to
the great peril of his life, was Don Rodrigo Frojaz, being wounded
with many and grievous wounds. In this battle was slain the Count
Don Fafes Sarracem de Lanhoso, with many of his vassals, he from
whom the Godinhos are descended: he was a right good knight.
IX
A sorrowful defeat was that for King Don Sancho, more for the
quality of the slain than for their number; and he put himself at
the head of his army, and hastened through the midst of Portugal, to
go against his brother. And King Don Garcia hearing of his approach,
called together his knights and hidalgos, and said unto them, Friends,
we have no land whereunto to fly from the King Don Sancho my
brother, let us therefore meet him in battle, and either conquer him
or die; for better is it to die an honourable death than to suffer
this spoiling in our country. And to the Portugueze he said,
Friends, ye are right noble and haughty knights, and it is your custom
to have among you few lords and good ones; now therefore make me a
good one, which will be to your own great honour and profit; and if
I come out of this struggle well, I shall guerdon ye well, so that
ye shall understand the will I have to do good towards ye. And they
made answer and said that they would stand by him to the last, and
that he should not be put down by their default. Then spake he to
the Galegos and said, Friends, ye are right good and true knights, and
never was it yet said that lord was forsaken by you in the field. I
put myself in your hands, being assured that ye will well and
loyally advise me, and help me to the utmost of your power. Ye see how
King Don Sancho my brother presses upon us, and we have nothing left
us but to die or to conquer; but if ye know any other counsel, I
beseech ye tell it now. And the Galegos answered, that they would
serve and defend him loyally, and that they held it best to fight.
Nevertheless they were too few in number to stand against the King Don
Sancho: so they retired before him. And Don Garcia took with him three
hundred horsemen, and went to the Moors, and besought them to lend him
aid against his brother, saying that he would give them the kingdom of
Leon. And the Moors made answer, O King, thou canst not defend
thyself; how then canst thou give unto us the kingdom of Leon? Howbeit
they did him honour and gave him great gifts, and he returned to his
people and recovered many of the castles which he had lost.
X
When King Don Sancho came against his brother, to besiege him in
Santarem. And the Portugueze and Galegos took counsel together what
they should do; for some were of advice that it was better to defend
the cities and fortresses which they held, and so lengthen out the
war; others that they should harass the army of the Castillians with
frequent skirmishes and assaults, and never give them battle power
to power, thinking that in this manner they might baffle them till the
winter came on. Don Rodrigo Frojaz was at this time recovering of
the wounds which he had received at Agoa de Mayas, and he said unto
the King that it behoved him above all things to put his kingdom
upon the hazard of a battle; for his brother being a greater lord of
lands than he, and richer in money and more powerful in vassals, could
maintain the war longer than he could do, who peradventure would
find it difficult another year to gather together so good an army as
he had now ready. For this cause he advised him to put his trust in
God first, and then in the hidalgos who were with him, and without
fear give battle to the King his brother, over whom God and his good
cause would give him glorious victory. And to show his own good will
to the King, he besought of him the leading of the van for himself and
the Counts Don Pedro and Don Vermui Frojaz his brethren, and his two
nephews. Greatly was the King Don Garcia encouraged by his gallant
cheer, and he bade his host make ready to give battle to King Don
Sancho, as soon as he should arrive; and he marched out from the city,
and took his stand near unto it in a field where afterwards were the
vineyards of the town. And when the banners of the Castillians were
seen advancing, the Galegos and Portugueze drew up in battle array,
Don Rodrigo and his brethren having the van, as he had requested,
and a body of chosen knights with them.
XI
Count Don Garcia came in the front of King Don Sancho's army, and in
the one wing was the Count de Monzon and Count Don Nuno de Lara; and
the Count Don Fruela of Asturias in the other; and the King was in the
rear, with Don Diego de Osma, who carried his banner: and in this
manner were they arrayed on the one side and on the other, being ready
for the onset. And King Don Garcia bravely encouraged his men, saying,
Vassals and friends, ye see the great wrong which the King my
brother doth unto me, taking from me my kingdom; I beseech ye help
me now to defend it; for ye well know that all which I had therein I
divided among ye, keeping ye for a season like this. And they
answered, Great benefits have we received at your hands, and we will
serve you to the utmost of our power. Now when the two hosts were
ready to join battle, Alvar Fanez came to King Don Sancho and said
to him, Sir, I have played away my horse and arms; I beseech you
give me others for this battle, and I will be a right good one for you
this day; if I do not for you the service of six knights, hold me
for a traitor. And the Count Don Garcia, who heard this, said to the
King, Give him, Sir, what he asketh; and the King ordered that horse
and arms should be given him. So the armies joined battle bravely on
both sides, and it was a sharp onset; many were the heavy blows
which were given on both sides, and many were the horses that were
slain at that encounter, and many the men. Now my Cid had not yet come
up into the field.
XII
XII
Now Don Rodrigo Frojaz and his brethren and the knights who were
with them had resolved to make straight for the banner of the King
of Castille. And they broke through the ranks of the Castillians,
and made their way into the middle of the enemy's host, doing
marvellous feats of arms. Then was the fight at the hottest, for
they did their best to win the banner, and the others to defend it;
the remembrance of what they had formerly done, and the hope of
gaining more honours, heartened them; and with the Castillians there
was their King, giving them brave example as well as brave words.
The press of the battle was here; here died Gonzalo de Sies, a right
valiant Portugueze, on the part of Don Garcia; but on Don Sancho's
part the Count Don Nuno was sorely wounded and thrown from his
horse; and Count Don Garcia Ordonez was made prisoner, and the
banner of King Don Sancho was beaten down, and the King himself
also. The first who encountered him was Don Gomes Echiguis, he from
whom the old Sousas of Portugal derived their descent; he was the
first who set his lance against King Don Sancho, and the other one was
Don Moninho Hermigis, and Don Rodrigo made way through the press and
laid hands on him and took him. But in the struggle his old wounds
burst open, and having received many new ones he lost much blood,
and perceiving that his strength was failing, he sent to call the King
Don Garcia with all speed. And as the King came, the Count Don Pedro
Frojaz met him and said, An honourable gift, Sir, hath my brother
Don Rodrigo to give you, but you lose him in gaining it. And tears
fell from the eyes of the King, and he made answer and said, It may
indeed be that Don Rodrigo may lose his life in serving me, but the
good name which he hath gained, and the honour which he leaveth to his
descendants, death cannot take away. Saying this, he came to the place
where Don Rodrigo was, and Don Rodrigo gave into his hands the King
Don Sancho his brother, and asked him three times if he was discharged
of his prisoner; and when the King had answered Yes, Don Rodrigo said,
For me, Sir, the joy which I have in your victory is enough; give
the rewards to these good Portugueze, who with so good a will have put
their lives upon the hazard to serve you, and in all things follow
their counsel, and you will not err therein. Having said this he
kissed the King's hand, and lying upon his shield, for he felt his
breath fail him, with his helmet for a pillow, he kissed the cross
of his sword in remembrance of that on which the incarnate Son of
God had died for him, and rendered up his soul into the hands of his
Creator. This was the death of one of the worthy knights of the world,
Don Rodrigo Frojaz. In all the conquests which King Don Ferrando had
made from the Moors of Portugal, great part had he borne, insomuch
that that King was wont to say that other Princes might have more
dominions than he, but two such knights as his two Rodrigos, meaning
my Cid and this good knight, there was none but himself who had for
vassals.
XIII
XIII
When King Don Garcia being desirous to be in the pursuit himself,
delivered his brother into the hands of six knights that they should
guard him, which he ought not to have done. And when he was gone
King Don Sancho said unto the knights, Let me go and I will depart out
of your country and never enter it again; and I will reward ye well as
long as ye live; but they answered him, that for no reward would
they commit such disloyalty, but would guard him well, not offering
him any injury, till they had delivered him to his brother the King
Don Garcia. While they were parleying Alvar Fanez Minaya came up, he
to whom the King had given horse and arms before the battle; and he
seeing the King held prisoner, cried out with a loud voice, Let
loose my Lord the King: and he spurred his horse and made at them; and
before his lance was broken he overthrew two of them, and so bestirred
himself that he put the others to flight; and he took the horses of
the two whom he had smote down, and gave one to the King, and
mounted upon the other himself, for his own was hurt in the rescue;
and they went together to a little rising ground where there was yet a
small body of the knights of their party, and Alvar Fanez cried out to
them aloud, Ye see here the King our Lord, who is free; now then
remember the good name of the Castillians, and let us not lose it this
day. And about four hundred knights gathered about him. And while they
stood there they saw the Cid Ruydiez coming up with three hundred
knights, for he had not been in the battle, and they knew his green
pennon. And when King Don Sancho beheld it his heart rejoiced, and
he said, Now let us descend into the plain, for he of good fortune
cometh: and he said, Be of good heart, for it is the will of God
that I should recover my kingdom, for I have escaped from captivity,
and seen the death of Don Rodrigo Frojaz who took me, and Ruydiez
the fortunate one cometh. And the King went down to him and welcomed
him right joyfully, saying, In happy time are you come, my fortunate
Cid; never vassal succoured his Lord in such season as you now succour
me, for the King my brother had overcome me. And the Cid answered,
Sir, be sure that you shall recover the day, or I will die; for
wheresoever you go, either you shall be victorious or I will meet my
death.
XIV
XIV
By this time King Don Garcia returned from the pursuit, singing as
he came full joyfully, for he thought that the King his brother was
a prisoner, and his great power overthrown. But there came one and
told him that Don Sancho was rescued and in the field again, ready
to give him battle a second time. Bravely was that second battle
fought on both sides; and if it had not been for the great prowess
of the Cid, the end would not have been as it was: in the end the
Galegos and Portugueze were discomfited, and the King Don Garcia taken
in his turn. And in that battle the two brethren of Don Rodrigo
Frojaz, Don Pedro and Don Vermui, were slain, and the two sons of
Don Pedro, so that five of that family died that day. And the King Don
Sancho put his brother in better ward than his brother three hours
before had put him, for he put him in chains and sent him to the
strong castle of Luna.
XV
When King Don Sancho had done this he took unto himself the
kingdom of Galicia and of Portugal, and without delay sent to his
brother King Don Alfonso, commanding him to yield up to him the
kingdom of Leon, for it was his by right. At this was the King of Leon
troubled at heart; howbeit he answered that he would not yield up
his kingdom, but do his utmost to defend it. Then King Don Sancho
entered Leon, slaying and laying waste before him, as an army of
infidels would have done; and King Don Alfonso sent to him to bid
him cease from this, for it was inhuman work to kill and plunder the
innocent: and he defied him to a pitched battle, saying that to
whichsoever God should give the victory, to him also would he give the
kingdom of Leon: and the King of Castille accepted the defiance, and a
day was fixed for the battle, and the place was to be Lantada, which
is near unto Carrion. The chief counsellor of King Don Alfonso was Don
Pero Ansures, a notable and valiant knight, of the old and famous
stock of the Ansures, Lords of Monzon, which is nigh unto Palencia;
the same who in process of time was Count of Carrion and of Saldana
and Liebana, and Lord of Valladolid, a city which was by him greatly
increased. This good knight commanded the army of his King Don
Alfonso, and on the part of King Don Sancho came Ruydiez the Cid. Both
Kings were in the field that day, and full hardily was the battle
contested, and great was the mortality on either side, for the
hatred which used to be between Moors and Christians was then
between brethren. And that day also was the saying of Arias Gonzalo
fulfilled. But in the end the skill and courage of my Cid prevailed,
and King Don Alfonso was fain to avail himself of his horse's feet
to save himself.
XVI
XVI
Nevertheless the power of King Don Alfonso was not yet destroyed,
and he would not yield up his kingdom: and he sent to his brother a
second time to bid him battle, saying that whosoever conquered
should then certainly remain King of Leon; and the place appointed was
at Vulpegera, beside the river Carrion. And the two armies met and
joined battle, and they of Leon had the victory, for my Cid was not in
the field. And King Don Alfonso had pity upon the Castillians
because they were Christians, and gave orders not to slay them; and
his brother King Don Sancho fled. Now as he was flying, my Cid came up
with his green pennon; and when he saw that the King his Lord had been
conquered it grieved him sorely: howbeit he encouraged him saying,
This is nothing, Sir! to fail or to prosper is as God pleases. But
do you gather together your people who are discomfited, and bid them
take heart. The Leonese and Galegos are with the King your brother,
secure as they think themselves in their lodging, and taking no
thought of you; for it is their custom to extol themselves when
their fortune is fair, and to mock at others, and in this boastfulness
will they spend the night, so that we shall find them sleeping at
break of day, and will fall upon them. And it came to pass as he had
said. The Leonese lodged themselves in Vulpegera, taking no thought of
their enemies, and setting no watch; and Ruydiez arose betimes in
the morning and fell upon them, and subdued them before they could
take their arms. King Don Alfonso fled to the town of Carrion, which
was three leagues distant, and would have fortified himself there in
the Church of St. Mary, but he was surrounded and constrained to
yield.
XVII
XVII
Now the knights of Leon gathered together in their flight, and
when they could not find their King they were greatly ashamed, and
they turned back and smote the Castillians; and as it befell, they
encountered King Don Sancho and took him prisoner, not having those in
his company whom he should have had, for his people considered the
victory as their own, and all was in confusion. And thirteen knights
took him in their ward and were leading him away,-but my Cid beheld
them and galloped after them: he was alone, and had no lance, having
broken his in the battle. And he came up to them and said, Knights,
give me my Lord and I will give unto you yours. They knew him by his
arms, and they made answer, Ruydiez, return in peace and seek not to
contend with us, otherwise we will carry you away prisoner with him.
And he waxed wroth and said, Give me but a lance and I will, single as
I am, rescue my Lord from all of ye: by God's help I will do it. And
they held him as nothing because he was but one, and gave him a lance.
But he attacked them therewith so bravely that he slew eleven of the
thirteen, leaving two only alive, on whom he had mercy; and thus did
he rescue the King. And the Castillians rejoiced greatly at the King's
deliverance: and King Don Sancho went to Burgos, and took with him his
brother prisoner.
XVIII
XVIII
Great was the love which the Infanta Dona Urraca bore to her brother
King Don Alfonso, and when she heard that he was made prisoner, she
feared lest he should be put to death: and she took with her the Count
Don Peransures, and went to Burgos. And they -spake with the Cid,
and besought him that he would join with them and intercede with the
King that he should release his brother from prison, and let him
become a Monk at Sahagun. Full willing was the Cid to serve in any
thing the Infanta Dona Urraca, and he went with her before the King.
And she knelt down before the King her brother, and besought mercy for
Don Alfonso, his brother and hers. And the King took her by the hand
and raised her from her knees, and made her sit beside him, and said
unto her, Now then, my sister, say what you would have. And she
besought him that he would let their brother Don Alfonso take the
habit of St. Benedict, in the royal Monastery of Sahagun, and my
Cid, and Count Peransures and the other chief persons who were there
present, besought him in like manner. And the King took my Cid
aside, and asked counsel of him what he should do; and the Cid said,
that if Don Alfonso were willing to become a Monk, he would do well to
set him free upon that condition, and he besought him so to do. Then
King Don Sancho, at my Cid's request, granted to Dona Urraca what
she had asked. And he released King Don Alfonso from prison, and Don
Alfonso became a Monk in the Monastery at Sahagun, more by force
than of free will. And being in the Monastery he spake with Don
Peransures, and took counsel with him, and fled away by night from the
Monks, and went among the Moors to King Alimaymon of Toledo. And the
Moorish King welcomed him with a good will, and did great honour to
him and gave him great possessions many gifts.
XIX
XIX
When Dona Urraca knew that her brother King Don Alfonso had fled
to Toledo, she sent to him three good men of the kingdom of Leon, that
they should be his counsellors, for she loved him well. These were Don
Pero Ansures, and Don Ferran Ansures, and Don Gonzalo Ansures, all
three brethren: and they went with King Don Sancho's permission, for
it was God's pleasure. Now Alimaymon rejoiced in the King Don Alfonso,
and loved him as if he had been his own son. And Don Alfonso made a
covenant with him to love him and defend him and serve him always,
so long as he should remain with him, and not to depart from him
without his leave; and the King covenanted on his side to love him and
honour him, and defend him to the utmost of his power. And Alimaymon
ordered fair palaces to be edified for him, by the wall of the
Alcazar, on the outer part, that the Moors of the city might do no
displeasure neither to him nor to his companions: and they were hard
by a garden of the King's, that he might go out and disport himself
therein whensoever it pleased him. And for these things King Don
Alfonso loved to serve King Alimaymon. Nevertheless when he saw the
great honour of the King of Toledo, and how powerful he was, and
that he was the Lord of so great chivalry, and of the noblest city
which had belonged unto the Gothic Kings, from whom he himself was
descended, it grieved him in his heart to see that city in the hands
of the Moors: and he said within his heart, Lord God and Father
Jesus Christ, it is wholly in thy power to give and to take away,
and right it is that thy will should be done, even as thou hast done
it to me, to whom thou gavest a kingdom, and it was thy will to take
it away from me, and thou hast made me come hither to serve the
enemies who were at the service of the King my father. Lord, I put
my hope in thee that thou wilt deliver me from this servitude, and
give me a land and kingdom to command, and that thou wilt show unto me
such favour that this land and this city shall by me be won, that
thy holy body may be sacrificed in it to the honour of Christendom.
This prayer he made with great devotion and with many tears; and the
Lord God heard him, as hereafter you shall hear in this history. In
those days King Alimaymon was at war with other Moorish Kings his
enemies, and King Don Alfonso fought against them on his side, and did
such good service that he quelled their power, and they durst no
longer offend him. And in time of peace Don Alfonso and his companions
went fowling along the banks of the Tagus, for in those days there was
much game there, and venison of all kinds; and they killed venison
among the mountains. And as he was thus sporting he came to a place
which is now called Brihuega, and it pleased him well, for it was a
fair place to dwell in, and abounded with game, and there was a
dismantled castle there, and he thought that he would ask the King for
this place. And he returned to Toledo and asked it of the King, and
King Alimaymon gave it him, and he placed there his huntsmen and his
fowlers who were Christians, and fortified the place as his own. And
the lineage of these people continued there till Don Juan, the third
archbishop of Toledo, enlarged it, and peopled the parish of St.
Pedro.
XX
It came to pass after this that both the Kings one day came out of
Toledo, and past over the bridge of Alcantara, and went into the royal
garden to disport themselves therein and take their pleasure. And at
evening Don Alfonso lay down upon a bed to sleep, and King Alimaymon
fell in talk with his favourites concerning his city of Toledo, how
strong it was and how well provided with all things, and that he
feared neither war of Moor nor Christian against it; and he asked them
if it could by any means be lost in war. Then one of them answered and
said, Sir, if you would not hold it ill, I would tell you how it might
be lost, and by no other manner in the world could it be so. And the
King bade him say on. And the favourite then said, If this city were
beset for seven years, and the bread and the wine and the fruits
should be cut down year by year, it would be lost for lack of food.
All this King Don Alfonso heard, for he was not sleeping, and he
took good heed of it. Now the Moors knew not that he was lying
there. And when they had thus spoken, Alimaymon arose to walk in the
palace, and he saw King Don Alfonso lying there as if he were
sleeping: and it troubled him, and he said to his favourites, We did
not heed Alfonso who is lying there, and has heard all that we have
said. And the favourites made answer, Kill him, Sir. But the King
said, How shall I go against my true promise? moreover he sleepeth,
and peradventure hath heard nothing. And they said to him, Would you
know whether or not he sleepeth? and he answered, Yea: and they
said, Go then and wake him, and if he have drivelled he hath slept,
but if not he hath been awake and hath heard us. Then King Don Alfonso
immediately wetted the pillow, and feigned himself hard to be
awakened, so that Alimaymon thought he slept.
XXI
XXI
And when the Easter of the Sheep was come, which the Moors
celebrate, the King of Toledo went out of the city to kill the sheep
at the place accustomed, as he was wont to do, and King Don Alfonso
went with him. Now Don Alfonso was a goodly personage and of fair
demeanour, so that the Moors liked him well. And as he was going by
the side of the King, two honourable Moors followed them, and the
one said unto the other, How fair a knight is this Christian, and of
what good customs! well doth he deserve to be the lord of some great
land. And the other made answer, I dreamed a dream last night, that
this Alfonso entered the city riding upon a huge boar, and many
swine after him, who rooted up all Toledo with their snouts, and
even the Mosques therein: Certes, he will one day become King of
Toledo. And while they were thus communing every hair upon King Don
Alfonso's head stood up erect, and Alimaymon laid his hand upon them
to press them down, but so soon as his hand was taken off they rose
again; and the two Moors held it for a great token, and spake with
each other concerning it, and one of King Alimaymon's favourites heard
all which they said. And after the sheep had been sacrificed they
returned into the city, and the favourite told the King what he had
heard the two Moors say; and the King sent for them forthwith, and
questioned them, and they repeated to him what they had said, even
as ye have heard. And King Alimaymon said unto them, What then shall I
do? and they made answer, that he should put Don Alfonso to death; but
the King replied, that this he would not do, nor go against the true
promise which he had given him, but that he would so deal that no evil
should ever come towards himself from Alfonso. So he sent for Don
Alfonso and bade him swear that he would never come against him, nor
against his sons, and that no evil should come against them from
him; and King Don Alfonso did as Alimaymon required, and did him
homage to this effect. And thenceforth was the King of Toledo more
secure of him, and held him even in greater favour than before. All
this while did King Don Alfonso govern himself by the advice of
Count Peransures, who always advised him discreetly and well.
XXII
XXII
But when King Don Sancho heard how his brother had fled from the
Monastery, he drew out his host and went against the city of Leon. The
Leonese would fain have maintained the city against him, but they
could not, and he took the city of Leon, and all the towns and castles
which had been under the dominion of his brother King Don Alfonso. And
then he put the crown upon his head, and called himself King of the
three kingdoms. He was a fair knight and of marvellous courage, so
that both Moors and Christians were dismayed at what they saw him
do, for they saw that nothing which he willed to take by force could
stand against him. And when the Infanta Dona Urraca, and the men of
Zamora, saw that he had quiet possession of both his brothers'
kingdoms, they feared that he would come against them and disherit his
sister also. And for this reason they took Don Arias Gonzalo to be
their chief captain, Dona Urraca's foster-father, that by his means
they might protect themselves, if need should be. And it came to
pass as they had feared, for King Don Sancho knew that his sisters
greatly loved Don Alfonso, and he thought that by their counsel he had
fled from the Monastery, especially by Dona Urraca's, because Don
Alfonso guided himself in all things by her counsel, holding her in
place of a mother, for she was a lady of great understanding. And he
went forth with his army, and took from the Infanta Dona Elvira the
half of the Infantazgo which she possessed, and also from Dona
Urraca the other half. And he went against Toro, the city of Dona
Elvira, and took it; and then he went to Zamora to Dona Urraca,
bidding her yield him up the city, and saying that he would give her
lands as much as she required in the plain country. But she returned
for answer, that she would in no manner yield unto him that which
the King her father had given her; and she besought him that he
would suffer her to continue to dwell peaceably therein, saying that
no disservice should ever be done against him on her part.
XXIII
XXIII
When King Don Sancho went to Burgos, because it was not the season
for besieging a town, being winter. And he sent his letters through
all the land, calling upon his vassals to assemble together upon the
first day of March in Sahagun, upon pain of forfeiting his favour. Now
though the King was yet but a young man, whose beard was but just
coming, he was of so great courage that the people feared him, and
dared not do otherwise than as he commanded. And they assembled
together in Sahagun on the day appointed; and when the King heard in
what readiness they were, it gladdened him, and he lifted up his hands
to God and said, Blessed be thy name, O Lord, because thou hast
given me all the kingdoms of my father. And when he had said this he
ordered proclamation to be made through the streets of Burgos, that
all should go forth to protect the host and the body of the King their
Lord. And the day in which they left Burgos they took up their lodging
at Fromesta; and the next day they came to Carrion, but the King would
not lodge there, and he went on to Sahagun, where the army awaited
him, and took up his lodging without the town; and on the following
morning he bade the host advance, and they made such speed that in
three days they arrived before Zamora, and pitched their tents upon
the banks of the Douro; and he ordered proclamation to be made
throughout the host that no harm should be done until he had commanded
it. And he mounted on horseback with his hidalgos and rode round the
town, and beheld how strongly it was situated upon a rock, with strong
walls, and many and strong towers, and the River Douro running at
the foot thereof; and he said unto his knights, Ye see how strong it
is, neither Moor nor Christian can prevail against it; if I could have
it from my sister either for money or exchange, I should be Lord of
Spain.
XXIV
XXIV
Then the King returned to his tents, and incontinently he sent for
the Cid, and said unto him, Cid, you well know how manifoldly you
are bound unto me, both by nature, and by reason of the breeding which
the King my father gave you; and when he died he commanded you to
me, and I have ever shown favour unto you, and you have ever served me
as the loyalest vassal that ever did service to his Lord; and I have
for your good deserts given unto you more than there is in a great
county, and have made you the chief of all my household. Now therefore
I beseech you as my friend and true vassal, that you go to Zamora to
my sister Dona Urraca, and say unto her again, that I beseech her to
give me the town either for a price, or in exchange, and I will give
to her Medina de Rio-seco, with the whole Infantazgo, from Villalpando
to Valladolid, and Tiedra also, which is a good Castle; and I will
swear unto her, with twelve knights of my vassals, never to break this
covenant between us; but if she refuseth to do this I will take away
the town from her by force. And my Cid kissed the hand of the King and
said unto him, This bidding, Sir, should be for other messenger, for
it is a heavy thing for me to deliver it; for I was brought up in
Zamora by your father's command, in the house of Don Arias Gonzalo,
with Dona Urraca and with his sons, and it is not fitting that I
should be the bearer of such bidding. And the King persisted in
requiring of him that he should go, insomuch that he was constrained
to obey his will. And he took with him fifteen of his knights and rode
towards Zamora, and when he drew nigh he called unto those who kept
guard in the towers not to shoot their arrows at him, for he was
Ruydiez of Bivar, who came to Dona Urraca with the bidding of her
brother King Don Sancho. With that there came down a knight who was
nephew to Arias Gonzalo, and had the keeping of the gate, and he
bade the Cid enter, saying that he would order him to be well lodged
while he went to Dona Urraca to know if she would be pleased to see
him. So the Cid went in, and the knight went to the Infanta, and
told her that Ruydiez of Bivar was come with a message from King Don
Sancho; and it pleased her well that he should be the messenger, and
she bade him come before that she might know what was his bidding; and
she sent Arias Gonzalo and the other knights of her party to meet
him and accompany him. And when the Cid entered the palace Dona Urraca
advanced to meet him, and greeted him full well, and they seated
themselves both upon the Estrado. And Dona Urraca said unto him,
Cid, you well know that you were brought up with me here in Zamora, in
the house of Don Arias Gonzalo, and when my father was at the point of
death he charged you that you should always counsel his sons the
best you could. Now therefore tell me I beseech you what is it which
my brother goes about to do, now that he has called up all Spain in
arms, and to what lands he thinks to go, whether against Moors or
Christians. Then the Cid answered and said, Lady, to messenger and a
letter no wrong should be done; give me safe assurance and I will tell
unto you that which the King your brother hath sent me to say. And she
said she would do as Don Arias Gonzalo should advise her. And Don
Arias answered that it was well to hear what the King her brother
had sent to say: Peradventure, said he, he goeth against the Moors,
and requires aid of you, which it would be right to give; and for such
service I and my sons would go with him, and I would give fifteen of
my people well mounted and armed, and supply them with food for ten
years, if he needed them. Dona Urraca then said to the Cid, that he
might speak his bidding safely. Then said my Cid, The King your
brother sends to greet you, and beseeches you to give him this town of
Zamora, either for a price or in exchange; and he Will give to you
Medina de Rio-seco, with the whole Infantazgo, from Villalpando to
Valladolid, and the good castle of Tiedra, and he will swear unto you,
with twelve knights his vassals, never to do you hurt or harm; but
if you will not give him the town, he will take it against your Will.
XXV
XXV
When Dona Urraca heard this she was sorely grieved, and in her
sorrow she lamented aloud, saying, Wretch that I am, many are the evil
messages which I have heard since my father's death! He hath
disherited my brother King Don Garcia of his kingdom, and taken him,
and now holds him in irons as if he were a thief or a Moor: and he
hath taken his lands from my brother King Don Alfonso, and forced
him to go among the Moors, and live there exiled, as if he had been
a traitor; and would let none go with him except Don Peransures and
his brethren, whom I sent: and he hath taken her lands from my
sister Dona Elvira against her will, and now would he take Zamora from
me also! Now then let the earth open and swallow me, that I may not
see so many troubles! And with that, in her strong anger against her
brother King Don Sancho, she said, I am a woman, and know that I
cannot strive with him in battle; but I will have him slain either
secretly or openly. Then Don Arias Gonzalo stood up and said, Lady
Dona Urraca, in thus complaining and making lamentation you do
inconsiderately; for in time of trouble it befits us to take thought
of what best is to be done, and so must we do. Now then, Lady, give
order that all the men of Zamora assemble in St. Salvador's and know
of them whether they will hold with you, seeing that your father
gave them to you to be your vassals. And if they will hold with you,
then give not you up the town, neither for a price, nor in exchange;
but if they will not, let us then go to Toledo among the Moors,
where your brother King Don Alfonso abideth. And she did as her
foster-father had advised, and it was proclaimed through the streets
that the men of Zamora should meet in council at St. Salvador's. And
when they were all assembled, Dona Urraca arose and said, Friends
and vassals, ye have seen how my brother King Don Sancho hath
disherited all his brethren, against the oath which he made to the
King my father, and now he would disherit me also. He hath sent to bid
me give him Zamora, either for a price or in exchange. Now
concerning this I would know whereunto ye advise me, and if you will
hold with me as good vassals and true, for he saith that he will
take it from me whether I will or no; but if ye will keep my career
I think to defend it by God's mercy and with your help. Then by
command of the council there rose up a knight who was called Don Nuno,
a man of worth, aged, and of fair speech; and he said, God reward you,
Lady, this favour which you have shown us in thinking good to come
to our council, for we are your vassals, and should do what you
command. And we beseech you give not up Zamora, neither for price
nor for exchange, for he who besieges you upon the rock would soon
drive you from the plain. The council of Zamora will do your
bidding, and will not desert you neither for trouble nor for danger
which may befall them, even unto death. Sooner, Lady, will we expend
all our possessions, and eat our mules and horses, yea sooner feed
upon our children and our wives, than give up Zamora, unless by your
command. And they all with one accord confirmed what Don Nuno had
said. When the Infanta Dona Urraca heard this she was well pleased,
and praised them greatly; and she turned to the Cid and said unto him,
You were bred up with me in this town of Zamora, where Don Arias
Gonzalo fostered you by command of the King my father, and through
your help it was that the King my father gave it unto me to be my
inheritance. I beseech you help me now against my brother, and intreat
him that he will not seek to disherit me; but if he will go on with
what he hath begun, say to him that I will rather die with the men
of Zamora, and they with me, than give him up the town, either for
price or exchange. And with this answer did the Cid return unto the
King.
XXVI
XXVI
When King Don Sancho heard what the Cid said, his anger kindled
against him, and he said, You have given this counsel to my sister
because you were bred up with her. And my Cid answered and said,
Faithfully have I discharged your bidding, and as a true vassal.
Howbeit, O King, I will not bear arms against the Infanta your sister,
nor against Zamora, because of the days which are passed;-and I
beseech you do not persist in doing this wrong. But then King Don
Sancho was more greatly incensed, and he said unto him, If it were not
that my father left you commended to me, I would order you this
instant to be hanged. But for this which you have said I command you
to quit my kingdom within nine days. And the Cid went to his tent in
anger, and called for his kinsmen and his friends, and bade them
make ready on the instant to depart with him. And he set forth with
all the knights and esquires of his table, and with all their
retainers horse and foot, twelve hundred persons, all men of
approved worth, a goodly company;-and they took the road to Toledo,
meaning to join King Don Alfonso among the Moors. And that night
they slept at Castro Nuno. But when the Counts and Ricos-omes, and the
other good men of the host saw this, they understood the great evil
and disservice which might arise to the King, and to the land, from
the departure of the Cid, who went away in wrath. And they went to the
King and said unto him, Sir, wherefore would you lose so good a
vassal, who has done you such great service? If he should go unto your
brother Don Alfonso among the Moors, he would not let you besiege this
city thus in peace. And the King perceived that they spake rightly,
and he called for Don Diego Ordonez, the son of Count Don Bermudo, who
was the son of the Infante Don Ordonez of Leon, and bade him follow
the Cid, and beseech him in his name to return; and whatever
covenant he should make it should be confirmed unto him; and of this
he ordered his letters of credence to be made out. And Don Diego
Ordonez went to horse, and rode after the Cid, and overtook him
between Castro Nuno and Medina del Campo. And when it was told unto
the Cid that Don Diego Ordonez was coming, he turned to meet him,
and greeted him well, and asked him wherefore he was come. And he
delivered the King's bidding, and showed unto him his letters of
credence, and said unto him that the King besought him not to bear
in mind the words which he had spoken unto him, being in anger. Then
the Cid called together his kinsmen and friends, and asked them what
they should do. And they counselled him that he should return to the
King, for it was better to remain in his land and serve God, than to
go among the Moors. And he held their counsel good, and called for Don
Diego, and said unto him that he would do the will of the King: and
Don Diego sent to the King to tell him how he had sped. And when the
Cid drew nigh unto the host, the King went out with five hundred
knights to meet him, and received him gladly, and did him great
honour. And the Cid kissed his hand and asked him if he confirmed what
Don Diego had said; and the King confirmed it before all the knights
who were there present, promising to give him great possessions. And
when they came to the army great was the joy because of the Cid's
return, and great were the rejoicings which were made: but as great
was the sorrow in Zamora, for they who were in the town held that
the siege was broken up by his departure. Nevertheless my Cid would
not bear arms against the Infanta, nor against the town of Zamora,
because of the days which were past.
XXVII
XXVII
And the King ordered proclamation to be made throughout the host
that the people should make ready to attack the town. And they
fought against it three days and three nights so bravely that all
the ditches were filled up, and the barbicans thrown down, and they
who were within fought sword in hand with those without, and the
waters of the Douro, as they past below the town, were all discoloured
with blood. And when Count Don Garcia de Cabra saw the great loss
which they were suffering, it grieved him; and he went unto the King
and told him that many men were slain, and advised him to call off the
host that they should no longer fight against the town, but hold it
besieged, for by famine it might soon be taken. Then the King
ordered them to draw back, and he sent to each camp to know how many
men had died in the attack, and the number was found to be a
thousand and thirty. And when the King knew this he was greatly
troubled for the great loss which he had received, and he ordered
the town to be beleagered round about, and in this manner he begirt
it, that none could enter into it, neither go out therefrom; and there
was a great famine within the town. And when Don Arias Gonzalo saw the
misery, and the hunger, and the mortality which were there, he said to
the Infanta Dona Urraca, You see, Lady, the great wretchedness which
the people of Zamora have suffered, and do every day suffer to
maintain their loyalty; now then call together the Council, and
thank them truly for what they have done for you, and bid them give up
the town within nine days to the King your brother. And we, Lady, will
go to Toledo to your brother King Don Alfonso, for we cannot defend
Zamora; King Don Sancho is of so great heart and so resolute, that
he will never break up the siege, and I do not hold it good that you
should abide here longer. And Dona Urraca gave orders that the good
men of Zamora should meet together in Council; and she said unto them,
Friends, ye well see the resoluteness of King Don Sancho my brother;
and already have ye suffered much evil and much wretchedness for doing
right and loyally, losing kinsmen and friends in my service. Ye have
done enough, and I do not hold it good that ye should perish; I
command ye therefore give up the town to him within nine days, and I
will go to Toledo to my brother King Don Alfonso. The men of Zamora
when they heard this had great sorrow, because they had endured the
siege so long, and must now give up the town at last; and they
determined all to go with the Infanta, and not remain in the town.
XXVIII
XXVIII
When Vellido Dolfos heard this, he went to Dona Urraca and said,
Lady, I came here to Zamora to do you service with thirty knights, all
well accoutred, as you know; and I have served you long time, and
never have I had from you guerdon for my service, though I have
demanded it: but now if you will grant my demand I will relieve
Zamora, and make King Don Sancho break up the siege. Then said Dona
Urraca, Vellido, I shall repeat to thee the saying of the wise man,
A man bargains well with the slothful and with him who is in need; and
thus you would deal with me. I do not bid the commit any evil thing,
if such thou hast in thy thought; but I say unto you, that there is
not a man in the world to whom if he should relieve Zamora, and make
the King my brother raise the siege, I would not grant whatsoever he
might require. And when Vellido heard this he kissed her hand, and
went to a porter who kept one of the gates of the town, and spake with
him, saying, that he should open the gate unto him when he saw him
flying toward it, and he gave him his cloak. Then went he to his
lodging, and armed himself, and mounted his horse, and rode to the
house of Don Arias Gonzalo, and cried with a loud voice, We all know
the reason, Don Arias Gonzalo, why you will not let Dona Urraca
exchange Zamora with her brother; it is because you deal with her as a
harlot, like an old traitor. When Arias Gonzalo heard this, it grieved
him to the heart, and he said, In an evil day was I born, that so
shameful a falsehood as this should be said to me in mine old age, and
there should be none to revenge me! Then his sons arose and armed
themselves hastily, and went after Vellido, who fled before them
toward the gate of the town. The porter when he saw him coming
opened the gate, and he rode out and galloped into the camp of the
King Don Sancho, and the others followed him till they were nigh the
camp, but farther they did not venture. And Vellido went to the King
and kissed his hand, and said unto him these false words with a
lying tongue: Sir, because I said to the Council of Zamora that they
should yield the town unto you, the sons of Arias Gonzalo would have
slain me, even as you have seen. And therefore come I to you, Sir, and
will be your vassal, if I may find favour at your hands. And I will
show you how in a few days you may have Zamora, if God pleases; and if
I do not as I have said, then let me be slain. And the King believed
all that he said, and received him for his vassal, and did him great
honour. And all that night they talked together of his secrets, and he
made the King believe that he knew a postern by means of which he
would put Zamora into his hands.
XXIX
XXIX
On the morrow in the morning, one of the knights who were in the
town went upon the wall, and cried out with a loud voice, so that
the greater part of the host heard him, King Don Sancho, give ear to
what I say; I am a knight and hidalgo, a native of the land of
Santiago; and they from whom I spring were true men and delighted in
their loyalty, and I also will live and die in my truth. Give ear, for
I would undeceive you, and tell you the truth, if you will believe me.
I say unto you, that from this town of Zamora there is gone forth a
traitor to kill you; his name is Vellido Dolfos; he is the son of
Adolfo, who slew Don Nuno like a traitor, and the grandson of Laino,
another traitor, who killed his gossip and threw him into the river;
and this is as great a traitor as the rest of his race; look to
yourself therefore and take heed of him. I say this to you, that if
peradventure evil should befall you by this traitor, it may not be
said in Spain that you were not warned against him. Now the name of
this knight was Bernal Dianez de Ocampo. And the men of Zamora sent
also to the King to bid him beware of Vellido, and the King took their
warning in good part, and sent to say unto them, that when he had
the town he would deal bountifully with them, for this which they
had done; nevertheless he gave no heed to the warning. And Vellido,
when he heard this went to the King, and said, Sir, the old Arias
Gonzalo is full crafty, and hath sent to say this unto you, because he
knows that by my means you would have won the town. And he called
for his horse, feigning that he would depart because of what had
been said. But the King took him by the hand and said, Friend and
vassal, take no thought for this; I say unto you, that if I may have
Zamora, I will make you chief therein, even as Arias Gonzalo is now.
Then Vellido kissed his hand and said, God grant you life, Sir, for
many and happy years, and let you fulfil what you desire. But the
traitor had other thoughts in his heart.
XXX
XXX
After this Vellido took the King apart and said to him, If it please
you, Sir, let us ride together alone; we will go round Zamora, and see
the trenches which you have ordered to be made; and I will show unto
you the postern which is called the Queen's, by which we may enter the
town, for it is never closed. When it is night you shall give me a
hundred knights who are hidalgos, well armed, and we will go on
foot, and the Zamorans because they are weak with famine and misery,
will let us conquer them, and we will enter and open the gate, and
keep it open till all your host shall have entered in; and thus
shall we win the town of Zamora. The King believed what he said, and
they took horse and went riding round the town, and the King looked at
the trenches, and that traitor showed him the postern whereof he had
spoken. And after they had ridden round the town the King had need
to alight upon the side of the Douro and go apart; now he carried in
his hand a light hunting spear which was gilded over, even such as the
Kings from whom he was descended were wont to bear; and he gave this
to Vellido to hold it while he went aside, to cover his feet. And
Vellido Dolfos, when he saw him in that guise, took the hunting
spear and thrust it between his shoulders, so that it went through him
and came out at his breast. And when he had stricken him he turned the
reins and rode as fast as he could toward the postern; this was not
the first treason which he had committed, for he had killed the
Count Don Nuno treacherously. Now it chanced that the Cid saw him
riding thus, and asked him wherefore he fled, and he would not answer;
and then the Cid understood that he had done some treason, and his
heart misgave him that he had slain the King; and he called in haste
for his horse, but while they were bringing it, Vellido had ridden far
away; and the Cid being eager to follow him, took only his lance and
did not wait to have his spurs buckled on. And he followed him to
the postern and had well nigh overtaken him, but Vellido got in; and
then the Cid said in his anger, Cursed be the knight who ever gets
on horseback without his spurs. Now in all the feats of the Cid
never was fault found in him save only in this, that he did not
enter after Vellido into the town; but he did not fail to do this
for cowardice, neither for fear of death, or of imprisonment; but
because he thought that peradventure this was a device between him and
the King, and that he fled by the King's command; for certes, if he
had known that the King was slain, there was nothing which would
have prevented him from entering the town, and slaying the traitor
in the streets, thereright.
XXXI
XXXI
Now the history saith, that when Vellido Dolfos had got within the
postern, he was in such fear both of those who were in the town and of
those who were without, that he went and placed himself under the
mantle of the Infanta Dona Urraca. And when Don Arias Gonzalo knew
this, he went unto the Infanta and said, Lady, I beseech you that
you give up this traitor to the Castillians, otherwise be sure that it
will be to your own harm; for the Castillians will impeach all who are
in Zamora, and that will be greater dishonour for you and for us.
And Dona Urraca made answer, Counsel me then so that he may not die
for this which he hath done. Don Arias Gonzalo then answered, Give him
unto me, and I will keep him in custody for three days, and if the
Castillians impeach us we will deliver him into their hands; and if
they do not impeach us within that time, we will thrust him out of the
town so that he shall not be seen among us. And Don Arias Gonzalo took
him from thence, and secured him with double fetters, and guarded
him well.
XXXII
XXXII
Meantime the Castillians went to seek their King, and they found him
by the side of the Douro, where he lay sorely wounded, even unto
death; but he had not yet lost his speech, and the hunting spear was
in his body, through and through, and they did not dare to take it out
lest he should die immediately. And a master of Burgos came up who was
well skilled in these things, and he sawed off the ends of the
spear, that he might not lose his speech, and said that he should be
confessed, for he had death within him. Then Count Don Garcia de
Cabra, the curly-haired one of Granon, said unto him, Sir, think of
your soul, for you have a desperate wound. And the King made answer,
Blessed be you, Count, who thus counsel me, for I perceive that I am
slain; the traitor Vellido has killed me, and I well know that this
was for my sins, because I broke the oath which I made unto the King
my father. And as the King was saying this the Cid came up and knelt
before him and said, I, Sir, remain more desolate than any other of
your vassals, for for your sake have I made your brethren mine
enemies, and all in the world who were against you, and against whom
it pleased you to go. The King your father commended me to them as
well as to you, when he divided his kingdoms, and I have lost their
love for your sake, having done them great evil. And now neither can I
go before King Don Alfonso, your brother, nor remain among the
Christians before Dona Urraca your sister, because they hold that
whatsoever you have done against them was by my counsel. Now then,
Sir, remember me before you depart. The King then commanded that
they should raise him up in the bed, and the Counts and Ricos-omes
stood round about him, and the Bishops and Archbishops who had come
thither to make accord between him and his sister Dona Urraca, and
they heard what the Cid said, and knew that he said truly; for
whatever good speed King Don Sancho had had in his doings was all by
means of my Cid. And the King said unto them, I beseech all ye who are
here present, Counts and Ricos-omes, and all my other vassals, that if
my brother King Don Alfonso should come from the land of the Moors, ye
beseech him to show favour unto you, my Cid, and that he always be
bountiful unto you, and receive you to be his vassal; and if he always
doth this and listen unto you, he will not be badly advised. Then
the Cid arose and kissed his hand, and all the chief persons who
were there present did the like. And after this the King said unto
them, I beseech ye intreat my brother King Don Alfonso to forgive me
whatever wrong I have done him, and to pray to God to have mercy
upon my soul. And when he had said this he asked for the candle, and
presently his soul departed. And all who were there present made great
lamentation for the King.
BOOK THREE
I
Now when the King was dead, the townsmen who were in the camp
forsook their tents and fled, and much did they lose in their
flight; but the noble Castillians, thinking rather of what they were
bound to do as men who had always preserved their loyalty, like
their ancestors before them, would not depart from Zamora, nor break
up the siege thereof, but remained bravely before it, though they
had lost their Lord. And they summoned all the Bishops, and took the
body of the King and sent it full honourably to the Monastery of
Ona, and buried him there as beseemed a King: and while one part of
the chief men of the host accompanied the body, the rest remained in
the camp before Zamora. And when the prelates and good men had
returned to the army, they took counsel together how they should
proceed against the men of Zamora for this great treason which had
been committed. Then Count Don Garcia de Cabra arose and said,
Friends, ye see that we have lost our Lord the King Don Sancho; the
traitor, Vellido, being his vassal, slew him, and they of Zamora
have received and harboured him within their walls; and therefore as
we think, and as has been said unto us, he did this treason by their
counsel. Now then if there be one here who will impeach them for
this thing, we will do whatever may be needful that he may come off
with honour, and the impeachment be carried through. Then Don Diego
Ordonez arose, the son of Count Don Ordono, a man of royal lineage and
great hardihood; and he said unto them, If ye will all assent to
this which ye have heard, I will impeach the men of Zamora, for the
death of the King our Lord: and they all assented, promising to fulfil
what had been said. Now my Cid did not make this impeachment against
the people of Zamora, because of the oath which he had sworn.
II
When Don Diego Ordonez went to his lodging and armed himself well,
and armed his horse also, and mounted and rode towards Zamora. And
when he drew nigh unto the town, he covered himself with his shield
that they might not hurt him from the walls, and began to cry aloud,
asking if Don Arias Gonzalo were there, for he would speak with him. A
squire who was keeping guard upon the wall went to Don Arias and
told him that there was a knight well armed calling for him, without
the walls, and he said that if it pleased Don Arias he would shoot
at him with a cross-bow, and strike him or kill his horse: but Don
Arias forbade him, saying that he should no ways harm him. And Don
Arias Gonzalo went with his sons upon the wall to see who called for
him, and he spake to the knight, saying, Friend, what wouldest thou?
And Don Diego Ordonez answered, The Castillians have lost their
Lord; the traitor Vellido slew him, being his vassal, and ye of Zamora
have received Vellido and harboured him within your walls. Now
therefore I say that he is a traitor who hath a traitor with him, if
he knoweth and consenteth unto the treason. And for this I impeach the
people of Zamora, the great as well as the little, the living and
the dead, they who now are and they who are yet unborn; and I
impeach the waters which they drink and the garments which they put
on; their bread and their wine, and the very stones in their walls. If
there be any one in Zamora to gainsay what I have said, I will do
battle with him, and with God's pleasure conquer him, so that the
infamy shall remain upon you. Don Arias Gonzalo replied, If I were
what thou sayest I am, it had been better for me never to have been
born; but in what thou sayest thou liest. In that which the great do
the little have no fault, nor the dead for the deeds of the living,
which they neither see nor hear: but setting aside these and the
things which have no understanding, as to the rest I say that thou
liest, and I will do battle with thee upon this quarrel, or give
thee one in my stead. But know that you have been ill advised in
making this impeachment, for the manner is, that whosoever
impeacheth a Council must do battle with five, one after another,
and if he conquer the five he shall be held a true man, but if
either of the five conquer him, the Council is held acquitted and he a
liar. When Don Diego heard this it troubled him; howbeit he dissembled
this right well, and said unto Don Arias Gonzalo, I will bring
twelve Castillians, and do you bring twelve men of Zamora, and they
shall swear upon the Holy Gospel to judge justly between us, and if
they find that I am bound to do battle with five, I will perform it.
And Don Arias made answer that he said well, and it should be so.
And truce was made for three times nine days, till this should have
been determined and the combat fought.
III
III
Then when the truce was made, Don Arias Gonzalo went out from the
town into the host of the Castillians, and his sons with him, and many
of the knights of the town; and all the Ricos-omes and knights who
were in the host assembled together with them, and consulted what
was to be done in this impeachment. And they chose out twelve
alcades on the one part, and twelve on the other, who should decide in
what manner he was bound to perform combat who impeached a Council.
And the four and twenty alcades accorded concerning what was the law
in this case; and two of them who were held the most learned in
these things arose, the one being a Castillian and the other of
Zamora, and said that they had found the law as it was written to be
this: That whosoever impeacheth the Council of a town which was a
bishop's seat, must do battle with five in the field, one after
another; and that after every combat there should be given unto him
fresh arms and horse, and three sops of bread, and a draught either of
wine or of water, as he chose. And in this sentence which the twain
pronounced, the other twenty and two accorded.
IV
On the morrow before the hour of tierce the four and twenty
alcades marked out the lists upon the sand beside the river, at the
place which is called Santiago, and in the middle of the lists they
placed a bar, and ordained that he who won the battle should lay
hand on the bar, and say that he had conquered: and then they
appointed a term of nine days for the combatants to come to those
lists which had been assigned. And when all was appointed as ye have
heard, Don Arias returned to Zamora, and told the Infanta Dona
Urraca all that had been done, and she ordered a meeting to be called,
at which all the men of the town assembled. And when they were
gathered together, Don Arias Gonzalo said unto them, Friends, I
beseech ye, if there be any here among ye who took counsel for the
death of King Don Sancho, or were privy thereunto, that ye now tell
me, and deny it not; for rather would I go with my sons to the land of
the Moors, than be overcome in the field, and held for a traitor. Then
they all replied, that there was none there who knew of the treason,
nor had consented unto it. At this was Don Arias Gonzalo well pleased,
and he bade them go each to his house; and he went to his house also
with his sons, and chose out four of them to do combat, and said
that he would be the fifth himself; and he gave them directions how to
demean themselves in the lists, and said, that he would enter first;
and if, said he, what the Castillian saith be true, I would die first,
not to see the infamy; but if what he saith be false, I shall
conquer him, and ye shall ever be held in honour.
V
When the day appointed was come, Don Arias Gonzalo early in the
morning armed his sons, and they armed him; and it was told him that
Don Diego Ordonez was already in the lists. Then he and his sons
mounted their horses, and as they rode through the gates of their
house, Dona Urraca, with a company of dames met them, and said to
Don Arias, weeping, Remember now how my father, King Don Ferrando,
left me to your care, and you swore between his hands that you would
never forsake me; and lo! now you are forsaking me. I beseech you
remain with me, and go not to this battle; for there is reason
enough why you should be excused, and not break the oath which you
made unto my father. And she took hold on him, and would not let him
go, and made him be disarmed. Then came many knights around him, to
demand arms of him, and request that they might do battle in his
stead; nevertheless he would give them to none. And he called for
his son Pedro Arias, who was a right brave knight, though but of green
years, and who had greatly intreated his father before this, that he
would suffer him to fight in his stead. And Don Arias armed him
compleatly with his own hands, and instructed him how to demean
himself, and gave him his blessing with his right hand, and said
unto him, that in such a point he went to save the people of Zamora,
as when our Lord Jesus Christ came through the Virgin Mary, to save
the people of this world, who were lost by our father Adam. Then
went they into the field, where Don Diego Ordonez was awaiting them,
and Pedrarias entered the lists, and the judges placed them each in
his place, and divided the sun between them, and went out, leaving
them in the lists.
VI
Then they turned their horses one against the other, and ran at each
other full bravely, like good knights. Five times they encountered,
and at the sixth encounter their spears brake, and they laid hand upon
their swords, and dealt each other such heavy blows that the helmets
failed; and in this manner the combat between them continued till
noon. And when Don Diego Ordonez saw that it lasted so long, and he
could not yet conquer him, he called to mind that he was there
fighting to revenge his Lord, who had been slain by a foul treason,
and he collected together all his strength. And he lifted up his sword
and smote Pedrarias upon the helmet, so that he cut through it, and
through the hood of the mail also, and made a wound in the head. And
Pedrarias with the agony of death, and with the blood which ran over
his eyes, bowed down to the neck of the horse; yet with all this he
neither lost his stirrups, nor let go his sword. And Don Diego Ordonez
seeing him thus, thought that he was dead, and would not strike him
again; and he called aloud, saying, Don Arias, send me another son,
for this one will never fulfil your bidding. When Pedrarias heard
this, grievously wounded as he was, he wiped the blood away with the
sleeve of his mail, and went fiercely against him: and he took the
sword in both hands, and thought to give it him upon his head; but the
blow missed, and fell upon the horse, and cut off great part of his
nostrils, and the reins with it; and the horse immediately ran away
because of the great wound which he had received. And Don Diego had no
reins wherewith to stop him, and perceiving that he should else be
carried out of the lists, he threw himself off. And while he did this,
Pedrarias fell down dead, just without the mark. And Don Diego Ordonez
laid hand on the bar, and said, Praised be the name of God, one is
conquered. And incontinently the judges came and took him by the hand,
and led him to a tent and disarmed him, and gave him three sops, and
he drank of the wine and rested awhile. And afterwards they gave him
other arms, and a horse that was a right good one, and went with him
to the lists.
VII
VII
Then Don Arias Gonzalo called for another son, whose name was
Diego Arias, and said unto him, To horse! and go fight to deliver this
Council and to revenge the death of your brother: and he answered, For
this am I come hither. Then his father gave him his blessing and
went with him to the lists. And the judges took the reins of the two
champions and led them each to his place, and went out and left them
in the lists. And they ran against each other with such force that
both shields failed, and in another career they brake their lances.
Then laid they hand on their good swords, and delivered such blows
that their helmets were cut away, and the sleeves of the mail. And
at length Diego Arias received such a blow near the heart that he fell
dead. And Don Diego Ordonez went to the bar and laid hold on it, and
cried out to Don Arias Gonzalo, Send me another son, for I have
conquered two, thanks be to God. Then the judges came and said that
the dead knight was not yet out of the lists, and that he must
alight and cast him out. And Don Diego Ordonez did as they had
directed him, and alighted from his horse and took the dead man by the
leg, and dragged him to the line, and then letting the leg fall he
thrust him out of the lists with his feet. And then he went and laid
hand upon the bar again, saying that he had liefer fight with a living
man than drag a dead one out of the field. And then the judges came to
him, and led him to the tent, and disarmed him, and gave him the three
sops and the wine, as they had done before, and sent to say to Don
Arias Gonzalo that this son also was slain, and that he should send
another.
VIII
VIII
When Don Arias Gonzalo, in great rage and in great trouble called
for his son Rodrigo Arias, who was a good knight, right hardy and
valiant, the elder of all the brethren; he had been in many a
tournament, and with good fortune. And Don Arias said unto him, Son,
go now and do battle with Diego Ordonez, to save Dona Urraca your
Lady, and yourself, and the Council of Zamora; and if you do this,
in happy hour were you born. Then Rodrigo Arias kissed his hand and
answered, Father, I thank you much for what you have said, and be sure
that I will save them, or take my death. And he took his arms and
mounted, and his father gave him his blessing, and went with him to
the lists; and the judges took his reins and led him in. And when
the judges were gone out, they twain ran at each other, and Don
Diego missed his blow, but Rodrigo Arias did not miss, for he gave him
so great a stroke with the lance that it pierced through the shield,
and broke the saddle-bow behind, and made him lose his stirrups, and
he embraced the neck of his horse. But albeit that Don Diego was
sorely bested with that stroke, he took heart presently, and went
bravely against him, and dealt him so great a blow that he broke the
lance in him; for it went through the shield and all his other arms,
and great part of the lance remained in his flesh. After this they
laid hand to sword, and gave each to the other great blows, and
great wounds with them. And Rodrigo Arias gave so great a wound to
Diego Ordonez, that he cut his left arm through to the bone. And Don
Diego Ordonez, when he felt himself so sorely wounded, went against
Rodrigo Arias and delivered him a blow upon the head which cut through
the helmet and the hood of the mail, and entered into his head. When
Rodrigo Arias felt himself wounded to death, he let go the reins and
took his sword in both hands, and gave so great a blow to the horse of
Don Diego that he cut his head open. And the horse in his agony ran
out of the lists, and carried Don Diego out also, and there died.
And Rodrigo Arias fell dead as he was following him. Then Don Diego
Ordonez would have returned into the field to do battle with the other
two, but the judges would not permit this, neither did they think good
to decide whether they of Zamora were overcome in this third duel or
not. And in this manner the thing was left undecided. Nevertheless,
though no sentence was given, there remained no infamy upon the people
of Zamora. But better had it been for Don Arias Gonzalo if he had
given up Vellido to the Castillians, that he might have died the death
of a traitor; he would not then have lost these three sons, who died
like good men, in their duty. Now what was the end of Vellido the
history sayeth not, through the default of the Chroniclers; but it
is to be believed, that because the impeachment was not made within
three days, Don Arias Gonzalo thrust him out of the town as Dona
Urraca had requested, and that he fled into other lands,
peradventure among the Moors. And though it may be that he escaped
punishment in this world, yet certes he could not escape it in hell,
where he is tormented with Dathan and Abiram, and with Judas the
Traitor, for ever and ever.
IX
In the meantime the Infanta Dona Urraca wrote letters secretly and
sent messengers with them to Toledo to King Don Alfonso, telling him
that King Don Sancho his brother was dead, and had left no heir, and
that he should come as speedily as he could to receive the kingdoms.
And she bade her messengers deliver these privately that the Moors
might not discover what had taken place, lest they should seize upon
King Don Alfonso, whom she dearly loved. Moreover the Castillians
assembled together and found that as King Don Sancho had left no son
to succeed him they were bound by right to receive King Don Alfonso as
their Lord; and they also sent unto him in secret. Howbeit, certain of
those spies who discover to the Moors whatever the Christians design
to do, when they knew the death of King Don Sancho, went presently
to acquaint the Moors therewith. Now Don Peransures, as he was a man
of great understanding and understood the Arabick tongue, when he knew
the death of King Don Sancho, and while he was devising how to get his
Lord away from Toledo, rode out every day, as if to solace himself, on
the way towards Castille, to see whom he might meet, and to learn
tidings. And it fell out one day that he met a man who told him he was
going with news to King Alimaymon, that King Don Sancho was dead;
and Don Peransures took him aside from the road as if to speak to him,
and cut off his head. And Peransures returned into the road and met
another man coming with the same tidings to the King, and he slew
him in like manner. Nevertheless the tidings reached King Alimaymon.
Now Peransures and his brethren feared that if the Moor knew this he
would not let their Lord depart, but would seize him and make hard
terms for his deliverance; and on the other hand, they thought that if
he should learn it from any other than themselves, it would be yet
worse. And while they were in doubt what they should do, King Don
Alfonso, trusting in God's mercy, said unto them, When I came hither
unto this Moor, he received me with great honour, and gave to me
abundantly all things of which I stood in need, even as if I had
been his son; how then should I conceal from him this favour which
it hath pleased God to show me? I will go and tell it unto him. But
Don Peransures besought him not to tell him of his brother's death.
And he went to King Alimaymon and said unto him, that he would fain go
into his own country, if it pleased him, to help his vassals, who
stood greatly in need of him, and he besought him that he would give
him men. The death of King Don Sancho he did not make known. And
King Alimaymon answered that he should not do this, because he
feared that King Don Sancho his brother would take him. And King Don
Alfonso said, that he knew the ways and customs of his brother, and
did not fear him, if it pleased the King to give him some Moors to
help him. Now Alimaymon had heard of the death of King Don Sancho, and
he had sent to occupy the roads and the passes, that King Don
Alfonso might be stopt if he should attempt to depart without his
knowledge. Howbeit he did not fully believe the tidings, seeing that
King Don Alfonso did not speak of it; and he rejoiced in his heart
at what the King said, and he said unto him, I thank God, Alfonso,
that thou hast told me of thy wish to go into thine own country; for
in this thou hast dealt loyally by me, and saved me from that which
might else have happened, to which the Moors have always importuned
me. And hadst thou departed privily thou couldest not have escaped
being slain or taken. Now then go and take thy kingdom; and I will
give thee whatever thou hast need of to give to thine own people and
win their hearts that they may serve thee. And he then besought him to
renew the oath which he had taken, never to come against him nor his
sons, but always to befriend them; and this same oath did the King
of Toledo make unto him. Now Alimaymon had a grandson whom he dearly
loved, who was not named in the oath, and King Don Alfonso therefore
was not bound to keep it towards him. And King Don Alfonso made
ready for his departure, and Alimaymon and the chief persons of the
court went out from the city with him and rode with him as far as
the Sierra del Dragon, which is now called Valtome; and he gave him
great gifts, and there they took leave of each other with great love.
X
As soon as King Don Alfonso arrived at Zamora, he pitched his
tents in the field of Santiago, and took counsel with his sister.
And the Infanta Dona Urraca, who was a right prudent lady and a
wise, sent letters throughout the land, that a Cortes should
assemble and receive him for their Lord. And when the Leonese and
the Gallegos knew that their Lord King Don Alfonso was come, they were
full joyful, and they came to Zamora and received him for their Lord
and King. And afterwards the Castillians arrived, and they of Navarre,
and they also received him for their Lord and King, but upon this
condition, that he should swear that he had not taken counsel for
the death of his brother King Don Sancho. Howbeit they did not come
forward to receive the oath, and they kissed his hands in homage, all,
save only Ruydiez, my Cid. And when King Don Alfonso saw that the
Cid did not do homage and kiss his hand, as all the other chief
persons and prelates and Councils had done, he said, Since now ye have
all received me for your Lord, and given me authority over ye, I would
know of the Cid Ruydiez why will he not kiss my hand and acknowledge
me; for I would do something for him, as I promised unto my father
King Don Ferrando, when he commended him to me and to my brethren. And
the Cid arose and said, Sir, all whom you see here present, suspect
that by your counsel the King Don Sancho your brother came to his
death; and therefore, I say unto you that, unless you clear yourself
of this, as by right you should do, I will never kiss your hand, nor
receive you for my Lord. Then said the King, Cid, what you say pleases
me well; and here I swear to God and to St. Mary, that I never slew
him, nor took counsel for his death, neither did it please me,
though he had taken my kingdom from me. And I beseech ye therefore
all, as friends and true vassals, that ye tell me how I may clear
myself. And the chiefs who were present said, that he and twelve of
the knights who came with him from Toledo, should make this oath in
the church at St. Gadea at Burgos, and that so he should be cleared.
XI
So the King and all his company took horse and went to Burgos. And
when the day appointed for the oath was come, the King went to hear
mass in the church of Gadea, and his sisters the Infantas Dona
Urraca and Dona Elvira with him, and all his knights. And the King
came forward upon a high stage that all the people might see him,
and my Cid came to him to receive the oath; and my Cid took the book
of the Gospels and opened it, and laid it upon the altar, and the King
laid his hands upon it, and the Cid said unto him, King Don Alfonso,
you came here to swear concerning the death of King Don Sancho your
brother, that you neither slew him nor took counsel for his death; say
now you and these hidalgos, if ye swear this. And the King and the
hidalgos answered and said Yea, we swear it. And the Cid said, If ye
knew of this thing, or gave command that it should be done, may you
die even such a death as your brother the King Don Sancho, by the hand
of a villain whom you trust; one who is not a hidalgo, from another
land, not a Castillian; and the King and the knights who were with him
said Amen. And the King's colour changed; and the Cid repeated the
oath unto him a second time, and the King and the twelve knights
said Amen to it in like manner, and in like manner the countenance
of the King was changed again. And my Cid repeated the oath unto him a
third time, and the King and the knights said Amen; but the wrath of
the King was exceeding great, and he said to the Cid, Ruydiez, why
dost thou thus press me, man? To-day thou swearest me, and to-morrow
thou wilt kiss my hand. And from that day forward there was no love
towards my Cid in the heart of the King.
XII
XII
After this was the King Don Alfonso crowned King of Castille,
Leon, Galicia, and Portugal; and he called himself King and Emperor of
all Spain, even as his father had done before him. And in the
beginning of his reign he did in all things according to the counsel
of the Infanta Dona Urraca his sister; and he was a good King, and
kept his kingdom so well, that rich and poor alike dwelt in peace
and security, neither did one man take arms against another, nor
dare to do it, if he valued the eyes in his head. And if the King
was noble and high of lineage, much more was he of heart; and in his
days justice abounded in the land so, that if a woman had gone alone
throughout the whole of his dominions, bearing gold and silver in
her hand, she would have found none to hurt her, neither in the waste,
nor in the peopled country. The merchants and pilgrims also who passed
through his lands were so well protected, that none durst do them
wrong. Never while the kingdom was his, had they of his land to do
service to any other Lord. And he was a comforter of the sorrowful,
and an increaser of the faith, and a defender of the churches, and the
strength of the people; a judge without fear; there was not in Spain a
consoler of the poor and of those who were oppressed, till he came.
Now there was a mortal enmity between my Cid and Count Garcia Ordonez,
and in this year did my Cid gather together those of his table, and
all his power, and entered into the lands of Logrono, and Navarre, and
Calahorra, burning and spoiling the country before him. And he laid
siege to the Castle of Faro and took it. And he sent messengers to the
Count his enemy, to say that he would wait for him seven days, and
he waited. And the mighty men of the land came to the Count Don
Garcia, but come against my Cid that they dared not do, for they
feared to do battle with him.
XIII
XIII
In the second year of the reign of King Don Alfonso, the King of
Cordova made war upon Alimaymon, King of Toledo, and did great
damage in his land, and held him besieged in Toledo; and King Don
Alfonso drew forth a great host and went to help the King of Toledo.
When Alimaymon knew that he was coming with so great a power, he was
greatly dismayed, thinking that he came against him; and he sent to
remind him of the love and the honour which he had shown unto him in
the days of his brother King Don Sancho, and of the oath which he
had taken; and to beseech him that he would continue in peace with
him. And the King detained his messengers, giving them no reply, and
went on advancing into the land, doing no hurt therein. And when he
came to Olias, he ordered the whole army to halt. And when the King of
Cordova knew that King Don Alfonso was coming, he rose up from
before Toledo, and fled away, and the men of Toledo pursued him, and
inflicted great loss upon him in his flight.
XIV
XIV
And when the army had halted at Olias, the King called for the
messengers of Alimaymon, and took with him five knights, and rode to
Toledo. And when they came to the gate which is called Visagra, the
messengers who went with him made him enter the town, and he sent
one of them to tell the King that he was there, and went on in the
meantime towards the Alcazar. And when King Alimaymon heard this, he
would not wait till a beast should be brought him that he might
ride, but set out on foot and went to meet him; and as he was going
out he met King Don Alfonso, and they embraced each other. And the
King of Toledo kissed King Don Alfonso's shoulder, for the joy and
pleasure that he had in his heart at seeing him; and he gave thanks to
God for what he had done to King Don Alfonso, and thanked him also for
the truth which was in him, in coming thus to his deliverance, and for
remembering the oath which they had made each to the other. And they
rejoiced together all that night, and great was the joy of the
people of Toledo, because of the love which King Don Alfonso bore
towards their Lord. But great was the sorrow in the host of the
Castillians, for they never thought to see their Lord again; and
they thought that he had committed a great folly in thus putting
himself into the power of the Moors.
XV
On the morrow, King Don Alfonso besought King Alimaymon that he
would go and eat with him at Olias, and see how he came to help him.
And they went both together with a little company, and when they of
the host saw their Lord they were all right joyful, and the two
Kings went through the camp, and they sat down to eat in the tent of
the King, which was a large one. And while they were at meat King
Don Alfonso gave order in secret that five hundred knights should
arm themselves and surround the tent. And when the King of Toledo
saw these armed knights, and that the tent was surrounded, he was in
great fear, and he asked of King Don Alfonso what it should be; and
the King bade him eat, and said, that afterwards they would tell
him. And after they had eaten, King Don Alfonso said to Alimaymon, You
made me swear and promise when you had me in Toledo in your power,
that no evil should ever come against you on my part: now since I have
you in my power I will that you release me from this oath and
covenant. And the King of Toledo consented to release him, and
besought him to do him no other wrong, and he acquitted him from the
promise three times. And when he had done this King Don Alfonso called
for the book of the Gospels, and said unto him, Now then that you
are in my power, I swear and promise unto you, never to go against
you, nor against your son, and to aid you against all other men in the
world. And I make this oath unto you because there was reason why I
should have broken that other one, seeing that it was made when I
was in your hands; but against this I must not go, for I make it
when you are in mine, and I could do with you even whatever pleased
me; and he laid his hands upon the book, and swore even as he had
said. Right joyful was the King of Toledo at this which King Don
Alfonso had done, for the loyalty which he had shown towards him.
And they remained that night together; and on the morrow Alimaymon
returned to his city full gladly, and King Don Alfonso made his host
move on towards Cordova, and Alimaymon went with him; and they overran
the land, and burnt towns and villages, and destroyed castles, and
plundered whatever they could find; and they returned each into his
own country with great spoils. And from thenceforward the King of
Cordova durst no more attack the King of Toledo.
XVI
XVI
In the following years nothing is found to be related, save that
my Cid did battle by command of the King with a knight called Ximen
Garcia de Tiogelos, who was one of the best of Navarre: they fought
for the castle of Pazluengas, and for two other castles, and my Cid
conquered him, and King Don Alfonso had the castles. And after this my
Cid did battle in Medina Celi, with a Moor called Faras, who was a
good knight in arms, and he defeated and slew him and another also.
And in the fifth year of the reign of King Don Alfonso, the King
sent the Cid to the Kings of Seville and of Cordova for the tribute
which they were bound to pay him. Now there was at this time war
between Almocanis, King of Seville, and Almundafar, King of Granada,
and with Almundafar were these men of Castille, the Count Don Garcia
Ordonez, and Fortun Sanchez, the son-in-law of King Don Garcia of
Navarre, and Lope Sanchez his brother, and Diego Perez, one of the
best men of Castille; and they aided him all that they could, and went
against the King of Seville, and when my Cid knew this it troubled
him, and he sent unto them requiring them not to go against the King
of Seville, nor to destroy his country, because he was King Don
Alfonso's vassal; otherwise the King must defend him. And the King
of Granada and the Ricos-omes who were with him cared nothing for
his letters, but entered boldly into the land of Seville, and advanced
as far as Cabra, burning and laying waste before them. When the Cid
saw this he gathered together what Christians he could and went
against them. And the King of Granada and the Christians who were with
him, sent to tell him that they would not go out of the country for
him. And the wrath of the Cid was kindled, and he went against them,
and fought with them in the field, and the battle lasted from the hour
of tierce even until the hour of sexts; and many died upon the part of
the King of Granada, and at length my Cid overcame them and made
them take to flight. And Count Garcia Ordonez was taken prisoner,
and Lope Sanchez, and Diego Perez, and many other knights, and of
other men so many that they were out of number; and the dead were so
many that no man could count them; and the spoils of the field were
very great. And the Cid held these good men prisoners three days and
then set them free, and he returned with great honour and great riches
to Seville. And King Almocanis received him full honourably, and
gave him great gifts for himself, and paid him the full tribute for
the King; and he returned rich to Castille, and with great honour. And
King Don Alfonso was well pleased with the good fortune of the Cid
in all his feats; but there were many who wished ill to him, and
sought to set the King against him.
XVII
XVII
After this King Don Alfonso assembled together all his power and
went against the Moors. And the Cid should have gone with him, but
fell sick and perforce therefore abode at home. And while the King was
going through Andalusia, having the land at his mercy, a great power
of the Moors assembled together on the other side, and entered the
land, and besieged the castle of Gormaz, and did much evil. At this
time the Cid was gathering strength; and when he heard that the
Moors were in the country, laying waste before them, he gathered
together what force he could, and went after them; and the Moors, when
they heard this, dared not abide his coming, but began to fly. And the
Cid followed them to Atienza, and to Ciguenza, and Fita, and
Guadalajara, and through the whole land of St. Esteban, as far as
Toledo, slaying and burning, and plundering and destroying, and laying
hands on all whom he found, so that he brought back seven thousand
prisoners, men and women; and he and all his people returned rich
and with great honour. But when the King of Toledo heard of the hurt
which he had received at the hands of the Cid, he sent to King Don
Alfonso to complain thereof, and the King was greatly troubled. And
then the Ricos-omes who wished ill to the Cid, had the way open to
do him evil with the King, and they said to the King, Sir, Ruydiez
hath broken your faith, and the oath and promise which you made to the
King of Toledo: and he hath done this for no other reason but that the
Moors of Toledo may fall upon us here, and slay both you and us. And
the King believed what they said, and was wroth against the Cid,
having no love towards him because of the oath which he had pressed
upon him at Burgos concerning the death of King Don Sancho his
brother. And he went with all speed to Burgos, and sent from thence to
bid the Cid come unto him.
XVIII
XVIII
Now my Cid knew the evil disposition of the King towards him, and
when he received his bidding, he made answer that he would meet him
between Burgos and Bivar. And the King went out from Burgos and came
nigh unto Bivar; and the Cid came up to him and would have kissed
his hand, but the King withheld it, and said angrily unto him,
Ruydiez, quit my land. Then the Cid clapt spurs to the mule upon which
he rode, and vaulted into a piece of ground which was his own
inheritance, and answered, Sir, I am not in your land, but in my
own. And the King replied full wrathfully, Go out of my kingdoms
without any delay. And the Cid made answer, Give me then thirty days
time, as is the right of the hidalgos; and the King said he would not,
but that if he were not gone in nine days time he would come and
look for him. The Counts were well pleased at this; but all the people
of the land were sorrowful. And then the King and the Cid parted.
And the Cid sent for all his friends and his kinsmen and vassals,
and told them how King Don Alfonso had banished him from the land, and
asked of them who would follow him into banishment, and who would
remain at home. Then Alvar Fanez, who was his cousin-german, came
forward and said, Cid, we will all go with you, through desert and
through peopled country, and never fail you. In your service will we
spend our mules and horses, our wealth and our garments, and ever
while we live be unto you loyal friends and vassals. And they all
confirmed what Alvar Fanez had said; and the Cid thanked them for
their love, and said that there might come a time in which he should
guerdon them.
XIX
XIX
And as he was about to depart he looked back upon his own home,
and when he saw his hall deserted, the household chests unfastened,
the doors open, no cloaks hanging up, no seats in the porch, no
hawks upon the perches, the tears came into his eyes, and he said,
My enemies have done this. . . God be praised for all things. And he
turned towards the East and knelt and said, Holy Mary Mother, and
all Saints, pray to God for me, that he may give me strength to
destroy all the Pagans, and to win enough from them to requite my
friends therewith, and all those who follow and help me. Then he
called for Alvar Fanez and said unto him, Cousin, the poor have no
part in the wrong which the King hath done us; see now that no wrong
be done unto them along our road: and he called for his horse. And
then an old woman who was standing at her door said, Go in a lucky
minute, and make spoil of whatever you wish. And with this proverb
he rode on, saying, Friends, by God's good pleasure we shall return to
Castille with great honour and great gain. And as they went out from
Bivar they had a crow on their right hand, and when they came to
Burgos they had a crow on the left.
XX
My Cid Ruydiez entered Burgos, having sixty streamers in his
company. And men and women went forth to see him, and the men of
Burgos and the women of Burgos were at their windows, weeping, so
great was their sorrow; and they said with one accord, God, how good a
vassal if he had but a good Lord! and willingly would each have bade
him come in, but no one dared so to do. For King Don Alfonso in his
anger had sent letters to Burgos, saying that no man should give the
Cid a lodging; and that whosoever disobeyed should lose all that he
had, and moreover the eyes in his head. Great sorrow had these
Christian folk at this, and they hid themselves when he came near them
because they did not dare speak to him; and my Cid went to his Posada,
and when he came to the door he found it fastened, for fear of the
King. And his people called out with a loud voice, but they within
made no answer. And the Cid rode up to the door, and took his foot out
of the stirrup, and gave it a kick, but the door did not open with it,
for it was well secured; a little girl of nine years old then came out
of one of the houses and said unto him, O Cid, the King hath forbidden
us to receive you. We dare not open our doors to you, for we should
lose our houses and all that we have, and the eyes in our head. Cid,
our evil would not help you, but God and all his Saints be with you.
And when she had said this she returned into the house. And when the
Cid knew what the King had done he turned away from the door and
rode up to St. Mary's, and there he alighted and knelt down, and
prayed with all his heart; and then he mounted again and rode out of
the town, and pitched his tent near Arlanzon, upon the Glera, that
is to say, upon the sands. My Cid Ruydiez, he who in a happy hour
first girt on his sword, took up his lodging upon the sands, because
there was none who would receive him within their door. He had a
good company round about him, and there he lodged as if he had been
among the mountains.
XXI
XXI
Moreover the King had given orders that no food should be sold
them in Burgos, so that they could not buy even a pennyworth. But
Martin Antolinez, who was a good Burgalese, he supplied my Cid and all
his company with bread and wine abundantly. Campeador, said he to
the Cid, to-night we will rest here, and to-morrow we will be gone:
I shall be accused for what I have done in serving you, and shall be
in the King's displeasure; but following your fortunes, sooner or
later, the King will have me for his friend, and if not, I do not care
a fig for what I leave behind. Now this Martin Antolinez was nephew
unto the Cid, being the son of his brother, Ferrando Diaz. And the Cid
said unto him, Martin Antolinez, you are a bold Lancier; if I live I
will double you your pay. You see I have nothing with me, and yet must
provide for my companions. I will take two chests and fill them with
sand, and do you go in secret to Rachel and Vidas, and tell them to
come hither privately; for I cannot take my treasures with me
because of their weight, and will pledge them in their hands. Let them
come for the chests at night, that no man may see them. God knows that
I do this thing more of necessity than of wilfulness; but by God's
good help I shall redeem all. Now Rachel and Vidas were rich Jews,
from whom the Cid used to receive money for his spoils. And Martin
Antolinez went in quest of them, and he passed through Burgos and
entered into the Castle; and when he saw them he said, Ah Rachel and
Vidas, my dear friends! now let me speak with ye in secret. And they
three went apart. And he said to them, Give me your hands that you
will not discover me neither to Moor nor Christian! I will make you
rich men for ever. The Campeador went for the tribute and he took
great wealth, and some of it he has kept for himself. He has two
chests full of gold; ye know that the King is in anger against him,
and he cannot carry these away with him without their being seen. He
will leave them therefore in your hands, and you shall lend him
money upon them, swearing with great oaths and upon your faith, that
ye will not open them till a year be past. Rachel and Vidas took
counsel together and answered, We well knew he got something when he
entered the land of the Moors; he who has treasures does not sleep
without suspicion; we will take the chests, and place them where
they shall not be seen. But tell us with what will the Cid be
contented, and what gain will he give us for the year? Martin
Antolinez answered like a prudent man, My Cid requires what is
reasonable; he will ask but little to leave his treasures in safety.
Men come to him from all parts. He must have six hundred marks. And
the Jews said, We will advance him so much. Well then, said Martin
Antolinez, ye see that the night is advancing; the Cid is in haste,
give us the marks. This is not the way of business, said they; we must
take first, and then give. Ye say well, replied the Burgalese: come
then to the Campeador, and we will help you to bring away the
chests, so that neither Moors nor Christians may see us. So they
went to horse and rode out together, and they did not cross the
bridge, but rode through the water that no man might see them, and
they came to the tent of the Cid.
XXII
XXII
Meantime the Cid had taken two chests, which were covered with
leather of red and gold, and the nails which fastened down the leather
were well gilt; they were ribbed with bands of iron, and each fastened
with three locks; they were heavy, and he filled them with sand. And
when Rachel and Vidas entered his tent with Martin Antolinez, they
kissed his hand; and the Cid smiled and said to them, Ye see that I am
going out of the land, because of the King's displeasure; but I
shall leave something with ye. And they made answer, Martin
Antolinez has covenanted with us, that we shall give you six hundred
marks upon these chests, and keep them a fun year, swearing not to
open them till that time be expired, else shall we be perjured. Take
the chests, said Martin Antolinez; I will go with you, and bring
back the marks, for my Cid must move before cock-crow. So they took
the chests, and though they were both strong men they could not
raise them from the ground; and they were full glad of the bargain
which they had made. And Rachel then went to the Cid and kissed his
hand and said, Now, Campeador, you are going from Castille among
strange nations, and your gain will be great, even as your fortune is.
I kiss your hand, Cid, and have a gift for you, a red skin; it is
Moorish and honourable. And the Cid said, It pleases me: give it me if
ye have brought it, if not, reckon it upon the chests. And they
departed with the chests, and Martin Antolinez and his people helped
them, and went with them. And when they had placed the chests in
safety, they spread a carpet in the middle of the hall, and laid a
sheet upon it, and they threw down upon it three hundred marks of
silver. Don Martin counted them, and took them without weighing. The
other three hundred they paid in gold. Don Martin had five squires
with him, and he loaded them all with the money. And when this was
done he said to them, Now Don Rachel and Vidas, you have got the
chests, and I who got them for you well deserve a pair of hose. And
the Jews said to each other, Let us give him a good gift for this
which he has done; and they said to him, We will give you enough for
hose and for a rich doublet and a good cloak; you shall have thirty
marks. Don Martin thanked them and took the marks, and bidding them
both farewell, he departed right joyfully.
XXIII
XXIII
When Martin Antolinez came into the Cid's tent he said unto him, I
have sped well, Campeador! you have gained six hundred marks, and I
thirty. Now then strike your tent and be gone. The time draws on,
and you may be with your Lady Wife at St. Pedro de Cardena, before the
cock crows. So the tent was struck, and my Cid and his company went to
horse at this early hour. And the Cid turned his horse's head
towards St. Mary's, and with his right hand he blest himself on the
forehead, and he said, God be praised! help me, St. Mary. I go from
Castille because the anger of the King is against me, and I know not
whether I shall ever enter it again in all my days. Help me,
glorious Virgin, in my goings, both by night and by day. If you do
this and my lot be fair, I will send rich and goodly gifts to your
altar, and will have a thousand masses sung there. Then with a good
heart he gave his horse the reins. And Martin Antolinez said to him,
Go ye on; I must back to my wife and tell her what she is to do during
my absence. I shall be with you in good time. And back he went to
Burgos, and my Cid and his company pricked on. The cocks were
crowing amain, and the day began to break, when the good Campeador
reached St. Pedro's. The Abbot Don Sisebuto was saying matins, and
Dona Ximena and five of her ladies of good lineage were with him,
praying to God and St. Peter to help my Cid. And when he called at the
gate and they knew his voice, God, what a joyful man was the Abbot Don
Sisebuto! Out into the court yard they went with torches and with
tapers, and the Abbot gave thanks to God that he now beheld the face
of my Cid. And the Cid told him all that had befallen him, and how
he was a banished man; and he gave him fifty marks for himself, and
a hundred for Dona Ximena and her children. Abbot, said he, I leave
two little girls behind me, whom I commend to your care. Take you care
of them and of my wife and of her ladies: when this money be gone,
if it be not enough, supply them abundantly; for every mark which
you expend upon them I will give the Monastery four. And the Abbot
promised to do this with a right good will. Then Dona Ximena came up
and her daughters with her, each of them borne in arms, and she
knelt down on both her knees before her husband, weeping bitterly, and
she would have kissed his hand; and she said to him, Lo now you are
banished from the land by mischief-making men, and here am I with your
daughters, who are little ones and of tender years, and we and you
must be parted, even in your life time. For the love of St. Mary
tell me now what we shall do. And the Cid took the children in his
arms, and held them to his heart and wept, for he dearly loved them.
Please God and St. Mary, said he, I shall yet live to give these my
daughters in marriage with my own hands, and to do you service yet, my
honoured wife, whom I have ever loved, even as my own soul.
XXIV
XXIV
A great feast did they make that day in the Monastery for the good
Campeador, and the bells of St. Pedro's rung merrily. Meantime the
tidings had gone through Castille how my Cid was banished from the
land, and great was the sorrow of the people. Some left their houses
to follow him, others forsook their honourable offices which they
held. And that day a hundred and fifteen knights assembled at the
bridge of Arlanzon, all in quest of my Cid; and there Martin Antolinez
joined them, and they rode on together to St. Pedro's. And when he
of Bivar knew what a goodly company were coming to join him, he
rejoiced in his own strength, and rode out to meet them and greeted
them full courteously; and they kissed his hand, and he said to
them, I pray to God that I may one day requite ye well, because ye
have forsaken your houses and your heritages for my sake, and I
trust that I shall pay ye two fold. Six days of the term allotted were
now gone, and three only remained: if after that time he should be
found within the King's dominions, neither for gold nor for silver
could he then escape. That day they feasted together, and when it
was evening the Cid distributed among them all that he had, giving
to each man according to what he was; and he told them that they
must meet at mass after matins, and depart at that early hour.
Before the cock crew they were ready, and the Abbot said the mass of
the Holy Trinity, and when it was done they left the church and went
to horse. And my Cid embraced Dona Ximena and his daughters, and blest
them; and the parting between them was like separating the nail from
the quick flesh: and he wept and continued to look round after them.
Then Alvar Fanez came up to him and said, Where is your courage, my
Cid? In a good hour were you born of woman. Think of our road now;
these sorrows will yet be turned into joy. And the Cid spake again
to the Abbot, commending his family to his care;-well did the Abbot
know that he should one day receive good guerdon. And as he took leave
of the Cid, Alvar Fanez said to him, Abbot, if you see any who come to
follow us, tell them what route we take, and bid them make speed,
for they may reach us either in the waste or in the peopled country.
And then they loosed the reins and pricked forward.
XXV
XXV
That night my Cid lay at Spinar de Can, and people flocked to him
from all parts, and early on the morrow he set out; Santestevan lay on
his left hand, which is a good city, and Ahilon on the right, which
belongs to the Moors, and he passed by Alcobiella, which is the
boundary of Castille. And he went by the Calzada de Quinea, and
crost the Douro upon rafts. That night, being the eighth, they
rested at Figeruela, and more adventurers came to join him. And when
my Cid was fast asleep, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him in a vision,
and said, Go on boldly and fear nothing; for everything shall go
well with thee as long as thou livest, and all the things which thou
beginnest, thou shalt bring to good end, and thou shalt be rich and
honourable. And the Cid awoke and blest himself; and he crost his
forehead and rose from his bed, and knelt down and gave thanks to
God for the mercy which he had vouchsafed him, being right joyful
because of the vision. Early on the morrow they set forth; now this
was the last day of the nine. And they went on towards the Sierra de
Miedes. Before sunset the Cid halted and took account of his
company; there were three hundred lances, all with streamers,
besides foot-soldiers. And he said unto them, Now take and eat, for we
must pass this great and wild Sierra, that we may quit the land of
King Alfonso this night. To-morrow he who seeks us may find us. So
they passed the Sierra that night.
BOOK FOUR
I
Now hath my Cid left the kingdom of King Don Alfonso, and entered
the country of the Moors. And at day-break they were near the brow
of the Sierra, and they halted there upon the top of the mountains,
and gave barley to their horses, and remained there until evening. And
they set forward when the evening had closed, that none might see
them, and continued their way all night, and before dawn they came
near to Castrejon, which is upon the Henares. And Alvar Fanez said
unto the Cid, that he would take with him two hundred horsemen, and
scour the country as far as Fita and Guadalajara and Alcala, and lay
hands on whatever he could find, without fear either of King Alfonso
or of the Moors. And he counselled him to remain in ambush where he
was, and surprise the castle of Castrejon: and it seemed good unto
my Cid. Away went Alvar Fanez, and Alvar Alvarez with him, and Alvar
Salvadores, and Galin Garcia, and the two hundred horsemen; and the
Cid remained in ambush with the rest of his company. And as soon as it
was morning, the Moors of Castrejon, knowing nothing of these who were
so near them, opened the castle gates, and went out to their work as
they were wont to do. And the Cid rose from ambush and fell upon them,
and took all their flocks, and made straight for the gates, pursuing
them. And there was a cry within the castle that the Christians were
upon them, and they who were within ran to the gates to defend them,
but my Cid came up sword in hand; eleven Moors did he slay with his
own hand, and they forsook the gate and fled before him to hide
themselves within, so that he won the castle presently, and took
gold and silver, and whatever else he would.
II
Alvar Fanez meantime scoured the country along the Henares as far as
Alcala, and he returned driving flocks and herds before him, with
great stores of wearing apparel, and of other plunder. He came with
the banner of Minaya, and there were none who dared fall upon his
rear. And when the Cid knew that he was nigh at hand he went out to
meet him, and praised him greatly for what he had done, and gave
thanks to God. And he gave order that all the spoils should be
heaped together, both what Alvar Fanez had brought, and what had
been taken in the castle; and he said to him, Brother, of all this
which God hath given us, take you the fifth, for you well deserve
it; but Minaya would not, saying, You have need of it for our support.
And the Cid divided the spoil among the knights and foot-soldiers,
to each his due portion; to every horseman a hundred marks of
silver, and half as much to the foot-soldiers: and because he could
find none to whom to sell his fifth, he spake to the Moors of
Castrejon, and sent to those of Fita and Guadalajara, telling them
that they might come safely to purchase the spoil, and the prisoners
also whom he had taken, both men prisoners and women, for he would
have none with him. And they came, and valued the spoil and the
prisoners, and gave for them three thousand marks of silver, which
they paid within three days: they bought also much of the spoil
which had been divided, making great gain, so that all who were in
my Cid's company were full rich. And the heart of my Cid was joyous,
and he sent to King Don Alfonso, telling him that he and his
companions would yet do him service upon the Moors.
III
III
Then my Cid assembled together his good men and said unto them,
Friends, we cannot take up our abode in this castle, for there is no
water in it, and moreover the King is at peace with these Moors, and I
know that the treaty between them hath been written; so that if we
should abide here he would come against us with all his power, and
with all the power of the Moors, and we could not stand against him.
If therefore it seem good unto you, let us leave the rest of our
prisoners here, for it does not beseem us to take any with us, but
to be as free from all encumbrance as may be, like men who are to live
by war, and to help ourselves with our arms. And it pleased them
well that it should be so. And he said to them, Ye have all had your
shares, neither is there anything owing to any one among ye. Now
then let us be ready to take horse betimes on the morrow, for I
would not fight against my Lord the King. So on the morrow they went
to horse and departed, being rich with the spoils which they had
won: and they left the castle to the Moors, who remained blessing them
for this bounty which they had received at their hands. Then my Cid
and his company went up the Henares as fast as they could go, and they
passed by the Alcarias, and by the caves of Anquita, and through the
waters, and they entered the plain of Torancio, and halted between
Fariza and Cetina: great were the spoils which they collected as
they went along. And on the morrow they passed Alfama, and leaving the
Gorge below them they passed Bobierca, and Teca which is beyond it,
and came against Alcocer. There my Cid pitched his tents upon a
round hill, which was a great hill and a strong; and the river Salon
ran near them, so that the water could not be cut off. My Cid
thought to take Alcocer: so he pitched his tents securely, having
the Sierra on one side, and the river on the other, and he made all
his people dig a trench, that they might not be alarmed, neither by
day nor by night.
IV
When my Cid had thus encamped, he went to look at the Alcazar, and
see if he could by any means enter it. And the Moors offered tribute
to him if he would leave them in peace; but this he would not do,
and he lay before the town. And news went through all the land that
the Cid was come among then, and they of Calatayud were in fear. And
my Cid lay before Alcocer fifteen weeks; and when he saw that the town
did not surrender, he ordered his people to break up their camp, as if
they were flying, and they left one of their tents behind them, and
took their way along the Salon, with their banners spread. And when
the Moors saw this they rejoiced greatly, and there was a great stir
among them, and they praised themselves for what they had done in
withstanding him, and said, that the Cid's bread and barley had failed
him, and he had fled away, and left one of his tents behind him. And
they said among themselves, Let us pursue them and spoil them, for
if they of Teruel should be before us the honour and the profit will
be theirs, and we shall have nothing. And they went out after him,
great and little, leaving the gates open and shouting as they went;
and there was not left in the town a man who could bear arms. And when
my Cid saw them coming he gave orders to quicken their speed, as if he
was in fear, and would not let his people turn till the Moors were far
enough from the town. But when he saw that there was a good distance
between them and the gates, then he bade his banner turn, and
spurred towards them, crying, Lay on, knights, by God's mercy the
spoil is our own. God! what a good joy was theirs that morning! My
Cid's vassals laid on without mercy;-in one hour, and in a little
space, three hundred Moors were slain, and the Cid and Alvar Fanez had
good horses, and got between them and the Castle, and stood in the
gateway sword in hand, and there was a great mortality among the
Moors; and my Cid won the place, and Pero Bermudez planted his
banner upon the highest point of the Castle. And the Cid said, Blessed
be God and all his Saints, we have bettered our quarters both for
horses and men. And he said to Alvar Fanez and all his knights, Hear
me, we shall get nothing by killing these Moors;-Let us take them
and they shall show us their treasures which they have hidden in their
houses, and we will dwell here and they shall serve us. In this manner
did my Cid win Alcocer, and take up his abode therein.
V
Much did this trouble the Moors of Teca, and it did not please those
of Teruel, nor of Calatayud. And they sent to the King of Valencia
to tell him that one who was called Ruydiez the Cid, whom King Don
Alfonso had banished, was come into their country, and had taken
Alcocer; and if a stop were not put to him, the King might look upon
Teca and Teruel and Calatayud as lost, for nothing could stand against
him, and he had plundered the whole country, along the Salon on the
one side, and the Siloca on the other. When the King of Valencia,
whose name was Alcamin, heard this, he was greatly troubled. And
incontinently he spake unto two Moorish Kings who were his vassals,
bidding them take three thousand horsemen, and all the men of the
border, and bring the Cid to him alive, that he might make atonement
to him for having entered his land.
VI
Fariz and Galve were the names of these two Moorish Kings, and
they set out with the companies of King Alcamin from Valencia, and
halted the first night in Segorve, and the second night at Celfa de
Canal. And they sent their messengers through the land to all the
Councils thereof, ordering all men at arms, as well horsemen as
footmen, to join them, and the third night they halted at Calatayud,
and great numbers joined them; and they came up against Alcocer, and
pitched their tents round about the Castle. Every day their host
increased, for their people were many in number, and their watchmen
kept watch day and night; and my Cid had no succour to look for except
the mercy of God, in which he put his trust. And the Moors beset
them so close that they cut off their water, and albeit the
Castillians would have sallied against them, my Cid forbade this. In
this guise were my Cid and his people besieged for three weeks, and
when the fourth week began, he called for Alvar Fanez, and for his
company, and said unto them, Ye see that the Moors have cut off our
water, and we have but little bread; they gather numbers day by day,
and we become weak, and they are in their own country. If we would
depart they would not let us, and we cannot go out by night because
they have beset us round about on all sides, and we cannot pass on
high through the air, neither through the earth which is underneath.
Now then if it please you let us go out and fight with them, though
they are many in number, and either defeat them or die an honourable
death.
VII
VII
Then Minaya answered and said, We have left the gentle land of
Castille, and are come hither as banished men, and if we do not beat
the Moors they will not give us food. Now though we are but few, yet
are we of a good stock, and of one heart and one will; by God's help
let us go out and smite them to-morrow, early in the morning, and
you who are not in a state of penitence, go and shrieve yourselves and
repent ye of your sins. And they all held that what Alvar Fanez had
said was good. And my Cid answered, Minaya, you have spoken as you
should do. Then ordered he all the Moors, both men and women, to be
thrust out of the town, that it might not be known what they were
preparing to do; and the rest of that day and the night also they
passed in making ready for the battle. And on the morrow at sunrise
the Cid gave his banner to Pero Bermudez, and bade him bear it
boldly like a good man as he was, but he charged him not to thrust
forward with it without his bidding. And Pero Bermudez kissed his
hand, being well pleased. Then leaving only two foot-soldiers to
keep the gates, they issued out; and the Moorish scouts saw them and
hastened to the camp. Then was there such a noise of tambours as if
the earth would have been broken, and the Moors armed themselves in
great haste. Two royal banners were there, and five city ones, and
they drew up their men in two great bodies, and moved on, thinking
to take my Cid and all his company alive; and my Cid bade his men
remain still and not move till he should bid them.
VIII
VIII
Pero Bermudez could not bear this, but holding the banner in his
hand, he cried, God help you, Cid Campeador; I shall put your banner
in the middle of that main body; and you who are bound to stand by
it-I shall see how you will succour it. And he began to prick forward.
And the Campeador called unto him to stop as he loved him, but Pero
Bermudez replied he would stop for nothing, and away he spurred and
carried his banner into the middle of the great body of Moors. And the
Moors fell upon him that they might win the banner, and beset him on
all sides, giving him many and great blows to beat him down;
nevertheless his arms were proof, and they could not pierce them,
neither could they beat him down, nor force the banner from him, for
he was a right brave man and a strong, and a good horseman, and of
great heart. And when the Cid saw him thus beset he called to his
people to move on and help him. Then placed they their shields
before their hearts, and lowered their lances with the streamers
thereon, and bending forward, rode on. Three hundred lances were they,
each with its pendant, and every man at the first charge slew his
Moor. Smite them, knights, for the love of charity, cried the
Campeador. I am Ruydiez, the Cid of Bivar! Many a shield was pierced
that day, and many a false corselet was broken, and many a white
streamer dyed with blood, and many a horse left without a rider. The
Misbelievers called on Mahomet, and the Christians on Santiago, and
the noise of the tambours and of the trumpets was so great that none
could hear his neighbour. And my Cid and his company succoured Pero
Bermudez, and they rode through the host of the Moors, slaying as they
went, and they rode back again in like manner; thirteen hundred did
they kill in this guise. If you would know who they were, who were the
good men of that day, it behoves me to tell you, for though they are
departed, it is not fitting that the names of those who have done well
should die, nor would they who have done well themselves, or who
hope so to do, think it right; for good men would not be so bound to
do well if their good feats should be kept silent. There was my Cid,
the good man in battle, who fought well upon his gilt saddle; and
Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Martin Antolinez the Burgalese of prowess, and
Muno Gustios, and Martin Munoz who held Montemayor, and Alvar Alvarez,
and Alvar Salvadores, and Galin Garcia the good one of Aragon, and
Felez Munoz the nephew of the Campeador. Wherever my Cid went, the
Moors made a path before him, for he smote them down without mercy.
And while the battle still continued, the Moors killed the horse of
Alvar Fanez, and his lance was broken, and he fought bravely with
his sword afoot. And my Cid, seeing him, came up to an Alguazil who
rode upon a good horse, and smote him with his sword under the right
arm, so that he cut him through and through, and he gave the horse
to Alvar Fanez, saying, Mount, Minaya, for you are my right hand.
IX
When Alvar Fanez was thus remounted, they fell upon the Moors again,
and by this time the Moors were greatly disheartened, having
suffered so great loss, and they began to give way. And my Cid, seeing
King Fariz, made towards him, smiting down all who were in his way;
and he came up to him, and made three blows at him; two of them
failed, but the third was a good one, and went through his cuirass, so
that the blood ran down his legs. And with that blow was the army of
the Moors vanquished, for King Fariz, feeling himself so sorely
wounded, turned his reins and fled out of the field, even to Teruel.
And Martin Antolinez the good Burgalese came up to King Galve, and
gave him a stroke on the head, which scattered all the carbuncles
out of his helmet, and cut through it even to the skin; and the King
did not wait for another such, and he fled also. A good day was that
for Christendom, for the Moors fled on all sides. King Fariz got
into Teruel, and King Galve fled after him, but they would not receive
him within the gates, and he went on to Calatayud. And the
Christians pursued them even to Calatayud. And Alvar Fanez had a
good horse; four and thirty did he slay in that pursuit with the
edge of his keen sword, and his arm was all red, and the blood dropt
from his elbow. And as he was returning from the spoil he said, Now
I am well pleased, for good tidings will go to Castille, how my Cid
has won a battle in the field. My Cid also turned back; his coif was
wrinkled, and you might see his full beard; the hood of his mail
hung down upon his shoulders, and the sword was still in his hand.
He saw his people returning from the pursuit, and that of all his
company fifteen only of the lower sort were slain, and he gave
thanks to God for this victory. Then they fell to the spoil, and
they found arms in abundance, and great store of wealth; and five
hundred and ten horses. And he divided the spoil, giving to each man
his fair portion, and the Moors whom they had put out of Alcocer
before the battle, they now received again into the castle, and gave
to them also a part of the booty, so that all were well content. And
my Cid had great joy with his vassals.
X
Then the Cid called unto Alvar Fanez and said, Cousin, you are my
right hand, and I hold it good that you should take of my fifth as
much as you will, for all would be well bestowed upon you; but
Minaya thanked him, and said, that he would take nothing more than his
share. And the Cid said unto him, I will send King Don Alfonso a
present from my part of the spoils. You shall go into Castille, and
take with you thirty horses, the best which were taken from the Moors,
all bridled and saddled, and each having a sword hanging from the
saddle-bow; and you shall give them to the King, and kiss his hand for
me, and tell him that we know how to make our way among the Moors. And
you shall take also this bag of gold and silver, and purchase for me a
thousand masses in St. Mary's at Burgos, and hang up there these
banners of the Moorish Kings whom we have overcome. Go then to St.
Pedro's at Cardena, and salute my wife Dona Ximena, and my
daughters, and tell them how well I go on, and that if I live I will
make them rich women. And salute for me the Abbot Don Sancho, and give
him fifty marks of silver; and the rest of the money, whatever shall
be left, give to my wife, and bid them all pray for me. Moreover the
Cid said unto him, This country is all spoiled, and we have to help
ourselves with sword and spear. You are going to gentle Castille; if
when you return you should not find us here, you will hear where we
are.
XI
Alvar Fanez went his way to Castille, and he found the King in
Valladolid, and he presented to him the thirty horses, with all
their trappings, and swords mounted with silver hanging from the
saddle-bows. And when the King saw them, before Alvar Fanez could
deliver his bidding, he said unto him, Minaya, who sends me this
goodly present; and Minaya answered, My Cid Ruydiez, the Campeador,
sends it, and kisses by me your hands. For since you were wroth
against him, and banished him from the land, he being a man
disherited, hath helped himself with his own hands, and hath won
from the Moors the Castle of Alcocer. And the King of Valencia sent
two Kings to besiege him there, with all his power, and they begirt
him round about, and cut off the water and bread from us so that we
could not subsist. And then holding it better to die like good men
in the field, than shut up like bad ones, we went out against them,
and fought with them in the open field, and smote them and put them to
flight; and both the Moorish Kings were sorely wounded, and many of
the Moors were slain, and many were taken prisoners, and great was the
spoil which we won in the field, both of captives and of horses and
arms, gold and silver and pearls, so that all who are with him are
rich men. And of his fifth of the horses which were taken that day, my
Cid hath sent you these, as to his natural Lord, whose favour he
desireth. I beseech you, as God shall help you, show favour unto
him. Then King Don Alfonso answered, This is betimes in the morning
for a banished man to ask favour of his Lord; nor is it befitting a
King, for no Lord ought to be wroth for so short a time. Nevertheless,
because the horses were won from the Moors, I will take them, and
rejoice that my Cid hath sped so well. And I pardon you, Minaya, and
give again unto you all the lands which you have ever held of me,
and you have my favour to go when you will, and come when you will. Of
the Cid Campeador, I shall say nothing now, save only that all who
chuse to follow him may freely go, and their bodies and goods and
heritages are safe. And Minaya said, God grant you many and happy
years for his service. Now I beseech you, this which you have done for
me, do also to all those who are in my Cid's company, and show
favour unto them also, that their possessions may be restored unto
them. And the King gave order that it should be so. Then Minaya kissed
the King's hand and said, Sir, you have done this now, and you will do
the rest hereafter.
XII
XII
My Cid remained awhile in Alcocer, and the Moors of the border
waited to see what he would do. And in this time King Fariz got well
of his wound, and my Cid sent to him and to the Moors, saying, that if
they would give him three thousand marks of silver, he would leave
Alcocer and go elsewhere. And King Fariz and the Moors of Techa, and
of Teruel, and of Calatayud, were right glad of this, and the covenant
was put in writing, and they sent him the three thousand marks. And my
Cid divided it among his company, and he made them all rich, both
knights and esquires and footmen, so that they said to one another, He
who serves a good Lord, happy man is his dole. But the Moors of
Alcocer were full sorry to see him depart, because he had been to them
a kind master and a bountiful; and they said unto him, Wherever you
go, Cid, our prayers will go before you: and they wept both men and
women when my Cid went his way. So the Campeador raised his banner and
departed, and he went down the Salon, and crossed it; and as he
crossed the river they saw good birds, and signs of good fortune.
And they of Za and of Calatayud were well pleased, because he went
from them. My Cid rode on till he came to the knoll above
Monte-Real; it is a high hill and strong, and there he pitched his
tents, being safe on all sides. And from thence he did much harm to
the Moors of Medina and of the country round about; and he made Daroca
pay tribute, and Molina also, which is on the other side, and Teruel
also, and Celfa de Canal, and all the country along the river
Martin. And the news went to the King of Zaragoza, and it neither
pleased the King nor his people.
XIII
XIII
Ever after was that knoll called the Knoll of the Cid. And when
the perfect one had waited a long time for Minaya and saw that he
did not come, he removed by night, and passed by Teruel and pitched
his camp in the pine-forest of Tebar. And from thence he infested
the Moors of Zaragoza, insomuch that they held it best to give him
gold and silver and pay him tribute. And when this covenant had been
made, Almudafar, the King of Zaragoza, became greatly his friend,
and received him full honourably into the town. In three weeks time
after this came Alvar Fanez from Castille. Two hundred men of
lineage came with him, every one of whom wore sword girt to his
side, and the foot-soldiers in their company were out of number.
When my Cid saw Minaya he rode up to him, and embraced him without
speaking, and kissed his mouth and the eyes in his head. And Minaya
told him all that he had done. And the face of the Campeador
brightened, and he gave thanks to God and said, It will go well with
me, Minaya, as long as you live! God, how joyful was that whole host
because Alvar Fanez was returned! for he brought them greetings from
their kinswomen and their brethren, and the fair comrades whom they
had left behind. God, how joyful was my Cid with the fleecy beard,
that Minaya had purchased the thousand masses, and had brought him the
biddings of his wife and daughters! God, what a joyful man was he!
XIV
XIV
Now it came to pass that while my Cid was in Zaragoza the days of
King Almudafar were fulfilled: and he left his two sons Zulema and
Abenalfange, and they divided his dominions between them; and Zulema
had the kingdom of Zaragoza, and Abenalfange the kingdom of Denia. And
Zulema put his kingdom under my Cid's protection, and bade all his
people obey him even as they would himself. Now there began to be
great enmity between the two brethren, and they made war upon each
other. And King Don Pedro of Aragon, and the Count Don Ramon Berenguer
of Barcelona, helped Abenalfange, and they were enemies to the Cid
because he defended Zulema. And my Cid chose out two hundred
horsemen and went out by night, and fell upon the lands of Alcaniz;
and he remained out three days in this inroad, and brought away
great booty. Great was the talk thereof among the Moors; and they of
Monzon and of Huesca were troubled, but they of Zaragoza rejoiced,
because they paid tribute to the Cid, and were safe. And when my Cid
returned to Zaragoza he divided the spoil among his companions, and
said to them, Ye know, my friends, that for all who live by their
arms, as we do, it is not good to remain long in one place. Let us
be off again to-morrow. So on the morrow they moved to the Puerto de
Alucant, and from thence they infested Huesca and Montalban. Ten
days were they out upon this inroad; and the news was sent
everywhere how the exile from Castille was handling them, and
tidings went to the King of Denia and to the Count of Barcelona, how
my Cid was over-running the country.
XV
When Don Ramon Berenguer the Count of Barcelona heard this, it
troubled him to the heart, and he held it for a great dishonour,
because that part of the land of the Moors was in his keeping. And
he spake boastfully saying, Great wrong doth that Cid of Bivar offer
unto me; he smote my nephew in my own court and never would make
amends for it, and now he ravages the lands which are in my keeping,
and I have never defied him for this nor renounced his friendship; but
since he goes on in this way I must take vengeance. So he and King
Abenalfange gathered together a great power both of Moors and
Christians, and went in pursuit of the Cid, and after three days and
two nights they came up with him in the pine-forest of Tebar, and they
came on confidently, thinking to lay hands on him. Now my Cid was
returning with much spoil, and had descended from the Sierra into
the valley when tidings were brought him that Count Don Ramon
Berenguer and the King of Denia were at hand, with a great power, to
take away his booty, and take or slay him. And when the Cid heard this
he sent to Don Ramon saying, that the booty which he had won was
none of his, and bidding him let him go on his way in peace: but the
Count made answer, that my Cid should now learn whom he had
dishonoured, and make amends once for all. Then my Cid sent the
booty forward, and bade his knights make ready. They are coming upon
us, said he, with a great power both of Moors and Christians, to
take from us the spoils which we have so hardly won, and without doing
battle we cannot be quit of them; for if we should proceed they
would follow till they overtook us: therefore let the battle be
here, and I trust in God that we shall win more honour, and
something to boot. They come down the hill, drest in their hose,
with their gay saddles, and their girths wet; we are with our hose
covered and on our Galician saddles;-a hundred such as we ought to
beat their whole company. Before they get upon the plain ground let us
give them the points of our lances; for one whom we run through, three
will jump out of their saddles; and Ramon Berenguer will then see whom
he has overtaken to-day in the pine-forest of Tebar, thinking to
despoil him of the booty which I have won from the enemies of God
and of the faith.
XVI
XVI
While my Cid was speaking, his knights had taken their arms, and
were ready on horseback for the charge. Presently they saw the
pendants of the Frenchmen coming down the hill, and when they were
nigh the bottom, and had not yet set foot upon the plain ground, my
Cid bade his people charge, which they did with a right good will,
thrusting their spears so stiffly, that by God's good pleasure not a
man whom they encountered but lost his seat. So many were slain and so
many wounded, that the Moors were dismayed forthwith, and began to
fly. The Count's people stood firm a little longer, gathering round
their Lord; but my Cid was in search of him, and when he saw where
he was, he made up to him, clearing the way as he went, and gave him
such a strike with his lance that he felled him down to the ground.
When the Frenchmen saw their Lord in this plight they fled away and
left him; and the pursuit lasted three leagues, and would have been
continued farther if the conquerors had not had tired horses. So
they turned back and collected the spoils, which were more than they
could carry away. Thus was Count Ramon Berenguer made prisoner, and my
Cid won from him that day the good sword Colada, which was worth
more than a thousand marks of silver. That night did my Cid and his
men make merry, rejoicing over their gains. And the Count was taken to
my Cid's tent, and a good supper was set before him; nevertheless he
would not eat, though my Cid besought him so to do. And on the
morrow my Cid ordered a feast to be made, that he might do pleasure to
the Count, but the Count said that for all Spain he would not eat
one mouthful, but would rather die, since he had been beaten in battle
by such a set of ragged fellows. And Ruydiez said to him, Eat and
drink, Count, of this bread and of this wine, for this is the chance
of war; if you do as I say you shall be free; and if not you will
never return again into your own lands. And Don Ramon answered, Eat
you, Don Rodrigo, for your fortune is fair and you deserve it; take
you your pleasure, but leave me to die. And in this mood he
continued for three days, refusing all food. But then my Cid said to
him, Take food, Count, and be sure that I will set you free, you and
any two of your knights, and give you wherewith to return into your
own country. And when Don Ramon heard this, he took comfort and
said, If you will indeed do this thing I shall marvel at you as long
as I live. Eat then, said Ruydiez, and I will do it: but mark you,
of the spoil which we have taken from you I will give you nothing; for
to that you have no claim neither by right nor custom, and besides
we want it for ourselves, being banished men, who must live by
taking from you and from others as long as it shall please God. Then
was the Count full joyful, being well pleased that what should be
given him was not of the spoils which he had lost; and he called for
water and washed his hands, and chose two of his kinsmen to be set
free with him; the one was named Don Hugo, and the other Guillen
Bernalto. And my Cid sate at the table with them, and said, If you
do not eat, Count, you and I shall not part yet. Never since he was
Count did he eat with better will than that day! And when they had
done he said, Now, Cid, if it be your pleasure let us depart. And my
Cid clothed him and his kinsmen well with goodly skins and mantles,
and gave them each a goodly palfrey, with rich caparisons, and he rode
out with them on their way. And when he took leave of the Count he
said to him, Now go freely, and I thank you for what you have left
behind; if you wish to pay for it again let me know, and you shall
either have something back in its stead, or leave what you bring to be
added to it. The Count answered, Cid, you jest safely now, for I
have paid you and all your company for this twelvemonths, and shall
not be coming to see you again so soon. Then Count Ramon pricked on
more than apace, and many times looked behind him, fearing that my Cid
would repent what he had done, and send to take him back to prison,
which the perfect one would not have done for the whole world, for
never did he do disloyal thing.
XVII
XVII
Then he of Bivar returned to Zaragoza, and divided the spoil,
which was so great that none of his men knew how much they had. And
the Moors of the town rejoiced in his good speed, liking him well,
because be protected them so well that they were safe from all harm.
And my Cid went out again from Zaragoza, and rode over the lands of
Monzon and Huerta and Onda and Buenar. And King Pedro of Aragon came
out against him, but my Cid took the Castle of Monzon in his sight;
and then he went to Tamarit: and one day as he rode out hunting from
thence with twelve of his knights, he fell in with a hundred and fifty
of the King of Aragon's people, and he fought with them and put them
to flight, and took seven knights prisoners, whom he let go freely.
Then he turned towards the seacoast, and won Xerica and Onda and
Almenar, and all the lands of Borriana and Murviedro; and they in
Valencia were greatly dismayed because of the great feats which he did
in the land. And when he had plundered all that country he returned to
Tamarit, where Zulema then was.
XVIII
XVIII
Now Zulema had sent for my Cid, and the cause was this. His
brother the King of Denia had taken counsel with Count Ramon
Berenguer, and with the Count of Cardona, and with the brother the
Count of Urgel, and with the chiefs of Balsadron and Remolin and
Cartaxes, that they should besiege the Castle of Almenar, which my Cid
had refortified by command of King Zulema. And they came up against it
while my Cid was away, besieging the Castle of Estrada, which is in
the rivers Tiegio and Sege, the which he took by force. And they
fought against it and cut off the water. And when my Cid came to the
King at Tamarit, the King asked him to go and fight with the host
which besieged Almenar; but my Cid said it would be better to give
something to King Abenalfange that he should break up the siege and
depart; for they were too great a power to do battle with, being as
many in number as the sands on the sea-shore. And the King did as he
counselled him, and sent to his brother King Abenalfange, and to the
chiefs who were with him, to propose this accord, and they would
not. Then my Cid, seeing that they would not depart for fair means,
armed his people, and fell upon them. That was a hard battle and
well fought on both sides, and much blood was shed, for many good
knights on either party were in the field; howbeit he of good
fortune won the day at last, he who never was conquered. King
Abenalfange and Count Ramon and most of the others fled, and my Cid
followed, smiting and slaying for three leagues; and many good
Christian knights were made prisoners. Ruydiez returned with great
honour and much spoil, and gave all his prisoners to King Zulema,
who kept them eight days, and then my Cid begged their liberty and set
them free. And he and the King returned to Zaragoza, and the people
came out to meet them, with great joy, and shouts of welcome. And
the King honoured my Cid greatly, and gave him power in all his
dominions.
XIX
XIX
At this time it came to pass that Almofalez, a Moor of Andalusia,
rose up with the Castle of Rueda, which was held for King Don Alfonso.
And because he held prisoner there the brother of Adefir, another
Moor, Adefir sent to the King of Castille, beseeching him to come to
succour him, and recover the Castle. And the King sent the Infante Don
Ramiro his cousin, and the Infante Don Sancho, son to the King of
Navarre, and Count Don Gonzalo Salvadores, and Count Don Nuno Alvarez,
and many other knights with them; and they came to the Castle, and
Almofalez said he would not open the gates to them, but if the King
came he would open to him. And when King Don Alfonso heard this,
incontinently he came to Rueda. And Almofalez besought him to enter to
a feast which he had prepared; howbeit the King would not go in,
neither would his people have permitted him so to have risked his
person. But the Infante Don Sancho entered, and Don Nuno, and Don
Gonzalo, and fifteen other knights; and as soon as they were within
the gate, the Moors threw down great stones upon them and killed
them all. This was the end of the good Count Don Gonzalo Salvadores,
who was so good a knight in battle that he was called He of the Four
Hands. The bodies were ransomed, seeing that there was no remedy,
the Castle being so strong, and Don Gonzalo was buried in the
Monastery of Ona, according as he had appointed in his will; and the
Infante Don Sancho with his forefathers the Kings of Navarre, in the
royal Monastery of Naxara.
XX
Greatly was King Don Alfonso troubled at this villainy, and he
sent for the Cid, who was in those parts; and the Cid came to him with
a great company. And the King told him the great treason which had
been committed, and took the Cid into his favour, and said unto him
that he might return with him into Castille. My Cid thanked him for
his bounty, but he said he never would accept his favour unless the
King granted what he should request; and the King bade him make his
demand. And my Cid demanded, that when any hidalgo should be banished,
in time to come, he should have the thirty days, which were his right,
allowed him, and not nine only, as had been his case; and that neither
hidalgo nor citizen should be proceeded against till they had been
fairly and lawfully heard; also, that the King should not go against
the privileges and charters and good customs of any town or other
place, nor impose taxes upon them against their right; and if he
did, that it should be lawful for the land to rise against him, till
he had amended the misdeed. And to all this the King accorded, and
said to my Cid that he should go back into Castille with him; but my
Cid said he would not go into Castille till he had won that castle
of Rueda, and delivered the villainous Moors thereof into his hands,
that he might do justice upon them. So the King thanked him greatly,
and returned into Castille, and my Cid remained before the Castle of
Rueda. And he lay before it so long, and beset it so close, that the
food of the Moors failed, and they had no strength to defend
themselves; and they would willingly have yielded the castle, so
they might have been permitted to leave it and go whither they
would; but he would have their bodies, to deliver them up to the King.
When they saw that it must be so, great part of them came out, and
yielded themselves prisoners; and then my Cid stormed the Castle,
and took Almofalez and they who held with him, so that none escaped;
and he sent him and his accomplices in the treason to the King. And
the King was right glad when they were brought before him, and he
did great justice upon them, and sent to thank my Cid for having
avenged him.
XXI
XXI
After my Cid had done this good service to King Don Alfonso, he
and King Zulema of Zaragoza entered Aragon, slaying, and burning,
and plundering before them, and they returned to the Castle of
Monzon with great booty. Then the Cid went into King Abenalfange's
country, and did much mischief there; and he got among the mountains
of Moriella, and beat down every thing before him, and destroyed the
Castle of Moriella. And King Zulema sent to bid him build up the
ruined Castle of Alcala, which is upon Moriella; and the Cid did so.
But King Abenalfange being sorely grieved hereat, sent to King Pedro
of Aragon, and besought him to come and help him against the
Campeador. And the King of Aragon gathered together a great host in
his anger, and he and the King of Denia came against my Cid, and
they halted that night upon the banks of the Ebro; and King Don
Pedro sent letters to the Cid, bidding him leave the castle which he
was then edifying. My Cid made answer, that if the King chose to
pass that way in peace, he would let him pass, and show him any
service in his power. And when the King of Aragon saw that he would
not forsake the work, he marched against him, and attacked him. Then
was there a brave battle, and many were slain; but my Cid won the day,
and King Abenalfange fled, and King Don Pedro was taken prisoner,
and many of his Counts and knights with him. My Cid returned to
Zaragoza with this great honour, taking his prisoners with him; and he
set them all freely at liberty, and having tarried in Zaragoza a few
days, set forth for Castille, with great riches and full of honours.
XXII
XXII
Having done all these things in his banishment, my Cid returned to
Castille, and the King received him well, and gave him the Castle of
Duenas, and of Orcejon, and Ybia, and Campo, and Gana, and
Berviesca, and Berlanga, with all their districts. And he gave him
privileges with leaden seals appendant, and confirmed with his own
hand, that whatever castles, towns, and places, he might win from
the Moors, or from any one else, should be his own, quit and free
for ever, both for him and for his descendants. Thus was my Cid
received into the King's favour, and he abode with him long time,
doing him great services, as his Lord.
BOOK FIVE
I
In these days King Yahia reigned in Toledo, the grandson of King
Alimaymon, who had been the friend of King Don Alfonso; for
Alimaymon was dead, and his son Hicem also. Now Yahia was a bad
King, and one who walked not in the ways of his fathers. Insolent he
was towards the elders, and cruel towards his people: and his yoke was
so heavy that all men desired to see his death, because there was no
good in him. And the people seeing that he did not protect them, and
that their lands were ravaged sorely, went to him and said, Stand
up, Sir, for thy people and thy country, else we must look for some
other Lord who will defend us. But he was of such lewd customs that he
gave no heed to their words. And when they knew that there was no hope
of him, the Moors sent to the King of Badajoz, inviting him to come
and be their protector, saying that they would deliver the city into
his hands in spite of Yahia. And the Muzarabes who dwelt in the city
sent to King Don Alfonso, exhorting him to win Toledo, which he
might well do, now that he was no longer bound by his oath. Then
both Kings came, thinking to have the city: and the King of Badajoz
came first, and the gates were opened to him in despite of Yahia.
Howbeit King Don Alfonso speedily arrived, and the King of Badajoz,
seeing that he could not maintain Toledo against him, retreated, and
King Don Alfonso pursued him into his own dominions and gave orders
that he should be attacked along the whole of his border, and did
not leave him till he had plainly submitted. In this manner was
Yahia delivered from the King of Badajoz; but King Don Alfonso knowing
how that city was to be taken, contented himself with overrunning
the country, and despoiling it, even to the walls of the city; and
thus he did for four years, so that he was master of the land.
II
In all this time did my Cid do good service to King Don Alfonso. And
in these days King Don Alfonso fought at Consuegra with King
Abenalfange of Denia, and in this battle the Christians were defeated,
and Diego Rodriguez, the son of my Cid, was slain. Greatly was his
death lamented by the Christians, for he was a youth of great hope,
and one who was beginning to tread in the steps of his father. And
King Don Alfonso was fain to retire into the Castle of that town.
And Abenalfange gathered together the greatest power of the Moors that
he could, and entered the land of the Christians, and past the
mountains, and came even to Medina del Campo, and there Alvar Fanez
Minaya met him. Minaya had but five and twenty hundred horse with him,
and of the Moors there were fifteen thousand; nevertheless by God's
blessing he prevailed against them. And by the virtue of God Alvar
Fanez gave King Abenalfange a cruel wound in the face, so that he fled
away. Great honour did Minaya win for this victory.
III
III
Now had King Don Alfonso for many years cut down the bread and the
wine and the fruits in all the country round about Toledo, and he made
ready to go against the city. The tidings of this great enterprise
spread far and wide, and adventurers came from all parts to be
present, not only they of Castille and Leon, Asturias and Nagera,
Galicia and Portugal, but King Sancho Ramirez of Aragon came also,
with the flower of Aragon and Navarre and Catalonia, and Franks and
Germans and Italians, and men of other countries, to bear their part
in so great and catholic a war. And the King entertained them well,
being full bountiful, insomuch that he was called He of the Open Hand.
Never had so goodly a force of Christians been assembled in Spain, nor
so great an enterprise attempted, since the coming of the Moors. And
of this army was my Cid the leader. So soon as the winter was over
they began their march. And when they came to a ford of the Tagus,
behold the river was swoln, and the best horsemen feared to try the
passage. Now there was a holy man in the camp, by name Lesmes, who was
a monk of St. Benedict's; and he being mounted upon an ass rode
first into the ford, and passed safely through the flood; and all
who beheld him held it for a great miracle.
IV
Greatly to be blamed are they who lived in those days for not
handing down to everlasting remembrance the worthy feats which were
achieved at this siege. For not only was Toledo a strong city, both by
nature and in its walls and towers, but the flower of the chivalry
of all Spain and of all Christendom was there assembled, and the Moors
of Spain also, knowing that this was, as it were, the heart of their
empire, did all they could to defend it: greatly to be blamed are they
who neglected to transmit to us the memory of their deeds, and greatly
have they wronged the worthy knights whose exploits should else have
gained for them a never-dying renown. Nothing more, owing to their
default, can we say of this so notable a siege, than that when Don
Cabrian, the Bishop of Leon, was earnestly engaged in prayer for the
success of the Christian arms, the glorious St. Isidro appeared unto
him, and certified that in fifteen days the city should be
surrendered; and even so it came to pass, for the gates were opened to
the King on Thursday the twenty-fifth of May, in the year of the
aera 1123, which is the year of Christ 1085. The first Christian
banner which entered the city was the banner of my Cid, and my Cid was
the first Christian Alcayde of Toledo. Of the terms granted unto the
Moors, and how they were set aside for the honour of the Catholic
faith, and of the cunning of the Jews who dwelt in the city, and how
the Romish ritual was introduced therein, this is not the place to
speak; all these things are written in the Chronicles of the Kings
of Spain.
V
Now, Yahia, when he saw that he could by no means hold Toledo,
because on the one hand the Moors would give it to the King of
Badajoz, and on the other King Don Alfonso warred against it, he
made a covenant with King Don Alfonso to yield the city to him, if
he with the help of Alvar Fanez would put him in possession of
Valencia, which had belonged unto Hicem and Alimaymon, his fathers,
but which the Guazil Abdalla Azis held now as his own, calling himself
King thereof. And he covenanted that King Don Alfonso should also
put into his hand Santa Maria de Albarrazin, and the kingdom of Denia;
and the King assented to the covenant, thinking that in this manner
the land would be all his own. Yahia therefore sent Abenfarat, who was
his cousin, to Valencia, to spy out what the Guazil would do,
whether he would peaceably deliver up the kingdom unto him, or whether
he would oppose his coming, which he greatly doubted, because it was
rumoured that he was about to give his daughter in marriage to the
King of Zaragoza. Abenfarat went his way, and took up his abode in the
house of a Moor who was called Abenlupo; and while he sojourned
there the marriage of the Guazil's daughter was effected, and the
Guazil himself fell sick and died. Then Abenfarat tarried yet awhile
to see what would be the issue, for the men of Valencia were greatly
troubled because of the death of their King. He left two sons, between
whom there was no brotherly love during his life, and now that he
was dead there was less. And they divided between them all that he had
left, even the least thing did they divide, each being covetous to
possess all that he could; and they made two factions in the town,
each striving to possess himself of the power therein. But the men
of Valencia who were not engaged on their side, and they also who held
the castles round about, they were greatly troubled because of this
strife which was between them; and they also were divided between
two opinions, they who were of the one wishing to give the kingdom
to the King of Zaragoza, and they who were of the other to yield
themselves unto Yahia the grandson of Alimaymon, because of the
covenant which King Don Alfonso had made with him. When Abenfarat knew
these things he returned unto Yahia, and told him all even as it
was; and Yahia saw that he should have the city, because of the
discord which was therein.
VI
Then Yahia gathered together all his people, knights, and
cross-bow men, and foot-soldiers, and they of his board, and the
officers of his household which are the eunuchs; and he set forward on
the way towards Valencia, and Alvar Fanez and his body of Christians
with him. And he sent to the townsmen greeting them, and saying that
he was coming to dwell among them and to be their King, and that he
would deal bountifully by them; and that he should wait awhile in
the town which was called Sera. The chief men of the town took counsel
together what they should do, and at length they agreed to receive him
for their Lord; and this they did more in fear of King Don Alfonso and
of Alvar Fanez than for any love towards him. This answer they sent
him by Aboeza the Alcayde. Now Aboeza would fain have departed from
Valencia when the Guazil Abdalla Azis died, because of the strife
which was in the city, and he thought to betake himself to his own
Castle of Monviedro and dwell there, away from the troubles which were
to come. Upon this purpose he took counsel with his friend Mahomed
Abenhayen the Scribe, for there was great love between them; and
when the Scribe heard what he purposed to do he was grieved thereat,
and represented unto him that it was not fitting for him to forsake
the city at such a time, so that Aboeza was persuaded. And they
twain covenanted one to the other, to love and defend each other
against all the men in the world, and to help each other with their
persons and possessions; and Aboeza sent trusty men of his kinsfolk
and friends to keep the Castles of Monviedro and Castro and Santa
Cruz, and other Castles which were in his possession, and he himself
abode in Valencia. And now he went out to Yahia to give unto him the
keys of the city, and the good men of the city went out with him,
and they made obeisance to him and promised to serve him loyally. Then
Yahia, the grandson of Alimaymon, set forth with all his company
from Sera, and all the people of Valencia, high and low, went out to
meet him with great rejoicings. And Aboeza adorned the Alcazar right
nobly, that Yahia and his women and they of his company might lodge
within. The most honourable of his knights took up their lodging in
the town, and the cross-bow men and others of low degree lodged
round about the Alcazar, and in certain dwellings which were between
it and the Mosque, and Alvar Fanez and the Christians who were with
him, in the village which was called Ruzaf.
VII
VII
Yahia being now King in Valencia, made Aboeza his Guazil, and gave
him authority throughout all his kingdom. Nevertheless he bore
displeasure against him in his heart, because he had served Abdalla
Azis; and on his part also Aboeza secretly feared the King, and knew
not whether it were better to depart from him, or not; howbeit he
thought it best to remain and serve him right loyally and well, that
so he might win his good will; and when the-King perceived this, his
anger abated and was clean put out of mind. And he made Aboeza his
favorite, and made a vow unto him and confirmed it by a writing,
that he would never take away his favour from him, nor change him
for another, nor do any thing in his dominions without him. With
this was Aboeza satisfied, and the fear which he felt in his heart was
removed. And they who held the castles brought great gifts to Yahia,
with much humility and reverence, such as the Moors know how to put
on. This they did to set his heart at rest, that he might confide in
them, and send away Alvar Fanez into his own country, and not keep him
and his people at so great a charge, for it cost them daily six
hundred maravedis, and the King had no treasure in Valencia, neither
was he so rich that he could support his own company and supply this
payment; and for this reason the Moors complained of the great cost.
But on the other hand, Yahia feared that if he should send away
Alvar Fanez, the Moors would rise against him; and to maintain him
he laid a great tax upon the city and its district, saying that it was
for barley. This tax they levied upon the rich as well as the poor,
and upon the great as well as the little, which they held to be a
great evil and breach of their privileges, and thought that by his
fault Valencia would be lost, even as Toledo had been. This tribute so
sorely aggrieved the people, that it became as it were a bye word in
the city, Give the barley. They say there was a great mastiff, with
whom they killed beef in the shambles, who, whenever he heard, 'Give
the barley,' began to bark and growl: upon which a Trobador said,
Thanks be to God, we have many in the town who are like the mastiff.
VIII
VIII
When they who held the Castles sent presents to King Yahia, there
was one among them, by name Abenmazot, who held Xativa, who neither
sent him gifts, nor came to offer obedience. And the King sent to
bid him come before him. But then Abenmazot sent a messenger with
letters and full rich presents, saying that he could by no means
come himself, and this not from any feigning, and that he would always
do him service with a true good will. And he besought him as his
Lord to let him remain in Xativa, and he would give him the rents
thereof; but if it was his pleasure to appoint some other in his
stead, he besought that he would then give him something for himself
and his company to subsist upon, seeing that he desired nothing but
the King's favour to be well with him. Then the King took counsel with
Aboeza the Guazil, and the Guazil advised him to do unto Abenmazot
even as he had requested, and let him keep Xativa; and to send away
Alvar Fanez because of the great charge it was to maintain him, and to
live in peace, and put his kingdom in order; in all which he advised
him like a good counsellor and a true. But the King would not give
heed to him; instead thereof he communicated his counsel to the two
sons of Abdalla Azis who had submitted unto him, and whom he had taken
into his favour, and they told him that Aboeza had advised him ill,
and that it behoved him to lead out his host and bring Abenmazot to
obedience. And the King believed them and went out and besieged
Xativa. And the first day he entered the lower part of the town, but
Abenmazot retired to the Alcazar and the fortresses, and defended
the upper part; and the King besieged him there for four months,
attacking him every day, till food began to fail both in the army of
the King and in the town. And they of Valencia could not supply what
was to be paid to Alvar Fanez and his company, much less what the King
wanted. Then the King understood that he had been ill advised, and for
this reason he condemned one of the sons of Abdalla Azis to pay
Alvar Fanez for thirty days; and he seized a Jew who was one of his
Almoxarifes in Valencia, that is to say, one who collected the
taxes, and took from him all that he had, because he had advised him
ill, and while this lasted the people of Valencia had some respite.
IX
When Abenmazot saw that the King was bent upon destroying him, and
that every day he prest him more and more, he sent to Abenalfange
who was King of Denia and Tortosa, saying, that if he would come and
help him, he would make him Lord of Xativa and of all his other
Castles, and would be at his mercy; and this he did to escape from the
hands of Yahia. When Abenalfange heard this it pleased him well, and
he sent one of his Alcaydes, who was called the Left-handed, to
enter the Alcazar, and help to defend it till he could collect a
company of Christians who might deal with Alvar Fanez. So that
Left-handed one entered the Alcazar with his company, and the Lord
of the Castle which was called Almenar, was already there to help
Abenmazot, and encourage him that he should not submit. Then
Abenalfange gathered together all his host and his cavalry, and
brought with him Giralte the Roman, with a company of French
knights, and came towards Xativa, as a hungry lion goes against a
sheep, or like the coming of a flood in its hour; so that Yahia was
dismayed at the tidings of his approach, and fled as fast as he
could to the Isle of Xucar, and though that Isle was so near, he
thought he had done a great thing; and from thence he went to
Valencia, holding himself greatly dishonoured. Then Abenalfange had
Xativa and all its Castles, so that it was all one kingdom as far as
Denia. And he took Abenmazot with all his women and his household
and all that he had, to Denia, and gave him possessions there, and did
him much honour. And when it was seen that King Yahia was thus
dishonoured, and that Alvar Fanez had not helped him as had been
looked for, they who held the Castles lost all fear of him, so that
their hearts were changed towards him, as well they of Valencia as
of the other Castles, and they said that they would rather belong to
Abenalfange than to him, because the town could not bear the charge of
the Christians, nor the oppressions which they suffered because of
them.
X
Abenalfange abode some days in Xativa, and then moved on towards
Valencia, thinking to win the city; for he knew how greatly the people
were oppressed because of the Christians, and that they could not bear
it, and that there was no love between them and their Lord. And he
passed by a place which was an oratory of the Moors in their
festivals, which they call in Arabic Axera, or Araxea; and he halted
near Valencia, so that they in the town might see him; and he went
round about the town, to the right and to the left, wheresoever he
would. The King of Valencia with his knights was near the wall
watching him, and Alvar Fanez and his company were in readiness lest
the French should defy them. And after Abenalfange had staid there
awhile he drew off and went his way to Tortosa. And Yahia was
perplexed with Alvar Fanez, and sought for means to pay him; and he
threw the two sons of Abdalla Azis into prison, and many other good
men of the town also, and took from them great riches. Then he made
a covenant with Alvar Fanez, that he should remain with him, and
gave him great possessions. And when the Moors saw that Alvar Fanez
was in such power, all the ruffians and lewd livers in the town
flocked unto him, so that Valencia was in the hands of him and his
followers; and the Moors being desperate of remedy deserted the
town, and went whither they could, setting at nought their
inheritances, for no man was safe, neither in his goods nor person.
Then Alvar Fanez made an inroad into the lands of Abenalfange, and
overran the lands of Buriana, and other parts; and there went with him
a great company of those Moorish desperadoes who had joined him, and
of other Moorish Almogavares, and they stormed towns and castles,
and slew many Moors, and brought away flocks and herds both of
cattle and of brood mares, and much gold and silver, and store of
wearing apparel, all which they sold in Valencia.
XI
Now when one of the sons of Abdalla Azis was loosed from prison,
he placed his love upon Alvar Fanez and gave him goodly gifts, and
upon Aboeza the King's Guazil, and upon a Jew who was a messenger from
King Don Alfonso. And they all sent to King Don Alfonso to beseech him
that he would take the son of Abdalla Azis and all that he had under
his protection, so that Yahia might do no evil unto him, neither
take by force from him anything that was his; and for this
protection he promised to give the King thirty thousand maravedis
yearly. This request King Don Alfonso granted, and incontinently he
took him under his protection, and sent to the King of Valencia to
request that he would do him no wrong. Therefore the son of Abdalla
Azis was from that time held in more honour because of the love of
King Don Alfonso; nevertheless he was still kept under a guard in
his own house, that he should not issue forth. And because of this
confinement not thinking himself safe, he made a hole through the wall
and got out by night in woman's apparel, and lay hid all the next
day in a garden, and on the following night mounted on horseback and
rode to Monviedro. When the Guazil knew this he took his son and his
uncle as sureties for him for the thirty thousand maravedis, which the
Jew was now come to receive for King Don Alfonso. And they went to
Monviedro to him, and communed with him, and accorded with him that he
should pay the one-half immediately, and whenever he returned to
Valencia and was safe there in possession of all his rents and
inheritances, that then he should pay the remainder: so he paid the
fifteen thousand forthwith in silver, and in rings of gold, and in
cloth, and in strings of pearls, and the Jew returned therewith to
King Don Alfonso. At this time his brother was released from prison by
desire of the King of Zaragoza, and he went unto him; and many of
the rich men of the city also betook themselves to Monviedro,
because they were not secure neither in their possessions nor in their
bodies.
XII
XII
In these days the Almoravides arose in Barbary. The rise of this
people and all that they did in Spain are not for me to relate in this
place. Suffice it to say, that King Don Alfonso being in great danger,
sent for Alvar Fanez and all his company; and that he had so much to
do for himself that he took no thought for Valencia. And when they who
had the keeping of Yahia's Castles saw this they rose against him,
so that few remained unto him, and they of his vassals in whom he
put the most trust proved false, so that the heart of the King of
Denia and Tortosa grew, and he thought to win Valencia. The chief
persons of the town also sent unto him, saying that if he would come
they would give the city into his hands. So he gathered together his
host, and a company of French also, and sent them forward under the
command of his uncle, saying that he would follow and join them on a
certain day. But they went forward, and Yahia thinking that if he
could conquer them he should be secure, went out and fought against
them; and he was defeated and lost a great part of his people and of
his arms, and returned into the city with great loss. When
Abenalfange, who was a day's journey off, heard this, he marched all
night, and came before Valencia. And King Yahia knew not what to do,
and was minded to yield up the town. And he took counsel with his
people, and they advised him to send for help to King Don Alfonso, and
also to the King of Zaragoza, and he did accordingly. And an Arrayaz
of Cuenca, whose name was Abencano, who was a native of Valencia, went
to Zaragoza, and told the King that if he would go thither he would
deliver the city into his hands, for it appertained unto him rather
than to Abenalfange.
XIII
XIII
And in those days my Cid gathered together a great force, and went
to the borders of Aragon, and crost the Douro, and lodged that night
in Fresno. From thence he went to Calamocha, where he kept
Whitsuntide. While he lay there the King of Albarrazin, being in great
fear of him, sent to him requesting that they might meet. And when
they saw each other they established great love between them, and
the King from that day became tributary to the Cid. Then the Cid
went to Zaragoza, where he was full honourably received. And when
Abencano came to Zaragoza inviting King Almescahen to go and take
Valencia, and King Yahia sent also to beg succour at his hands, the
King asked the Cid to go with him, and gave him whatever he
demanded. So greatly did this King desire to have Valencia, that he
looked not whether his force was great or little, nor whether that
of the Cid was greater than his own, but went on as fast as he
could. When the King of Denia heard that he was coming and the Cid
with him, he durst not abide them. And he thought that the King of
Zaragoza by the Cid's help would win the city, and that he should
remain with the labour he had undergone, and the cost. Then he
placed his love upon King Yahia, and sent him all the food he had, and
besought him to help him, saying that he would supply him with
whatever he needed. King Yahia was well pleased with this, though he
well understood the reason, and firm writings were made to this
effect, and then Abenalfange went to Tortosa.
XIV
XIV
And when the King of Zaragoza and the Cid drew nigh unto Valencia,
Yahia went out to welcome them, and thanked them greatly for coming to
his assistance; and he lodged them in the great garden, which was
called the Garden of Villa Nueva, and honoured them greatly and sent
them great presents: and he invited them afterwards to come with their
honourable men and be his guests in the Alcazar. But the King of
Zaragoza all this while had his eye upon the town, thinking that it
would be given up to him as Abencano had promised; but he saw no signs
of this, neither knew he how he could win it. Moreover Yahia had
placed his love upon the Cid, and had sent him fun noble gifts when he
was upon the road, in secret, so that the King of Zaragoza knew not
thereof. And the King of Zaragoza asked counsel of the Cid how he
might get Valencia into his hands, and besought the Cid to help him.
But the Cid made answer, how could that be, seeing that Yahia had
received it from the hands of King Don Alfonso, who had given it
unto him that he might dwell therein. If indeed King Don Alfonso
should give it to the King of Zaragoza, then might the King win it,
and he would help him so to do; otherwise he must be against him. When
the King heard this he perceived how the Cid stood in this matter: and
he left an Alcayde with a body of knights to assist King Yahia, and
also to see if he could win the town: and he himself returned to
Zaragoza.
XV
Then the Cid went to besiege the Castle called Xerica, by advice
of the King of Zaragoza, that he might have a frontier against
Monviedro. This he did because, when the King came to relieve
Valencia, Aboeza had covenanted to give up Monviedro unto him, the
which he had not done; and the King thought that if he made war upon
these Castles they must either yield unto him, or be at his mercy,
because they did not belong to the King of Denia. But when Aboeza knew
this he sent to Abenalfange the King of Denia, saying that he would
give him the Castle; and the King of Denia incontinently came and took
possession of it, and Aboeza became his vassal. When the Cid saw
this he understood that Valencia must needs be lost, and thought in
his heart that he could win the city for himself, and keep it. Then
sent he letters to King Don Alfonso, in which he besought him of his
mercy not to think it ill that the people who were with him should
remain with him, for he would do God service, and maintain them at the
cost of the Moors, and whensoever the King stood in need of their
service, he and they would go unto him and serve him freely; and at
other times they would make war upon the Moors, and break their power,
so that the King might win the land. Well was King Don Alfonso pleased
at this, and he sent to say that they who were in the Cid's company
might remain with him, and that as many as would might go join him.
And my Cid went to the King to commune with him, and while my Cid
was with him, Don Ramon Berenguer, Lord of Barcelona, came to
Zaragoza; and the King gave him great gifts, that he might not place
his love upon any other for want; for the King had now put away his
love from the Cid, thinking that because of him he had lost
Valencia. And presently he sent a force to besiege Valencia under
Don Ramon Berenguer; and he had two Bastilles built, one in Liria,
which King Yahia had given him when he came to relieve him, and the
other in Juballa, and he thought to build another on the side of
Albuhera, so that none might enter into the city, neither go out
from it. And he re-edified the Castle of Cebolla, that the Count might
retire thither if it should be needful; and every day the Count
attacked the city, and King Yahia defended himself, looking for the
coming of the Cid to help him, according to the covenant which was
between them.
XVI
XVI
When the Cid returned from Castille and knew that Valencia was
besieged by the French, he went to Tares, which is near Monviedro, and
encamped there with his people, who were many in number. And when
the Count knew that the Cid was so near, he feared him, holding him to
be his enemy. And the Cid sent to him to bid him move from that
place and raise the siege of Valencia. The Count took counsel with his
knights, and they said that they would rather give battle to the
Cid. Howbeit the Cid had no wish to fight with them, because the Count
was related to King Don Alfonso, and moreover he had defeated him
and made him prisoner heretofore: so he sent a second time, bidding
him depart. And the Count seeing that he could not abide there in
the Cid's despite, broke up the siege and went his way by Requena, for
he would not pass through Zaragoza. Then the Cid went to Valencia, and
King Yahia received him full honourably, and made a covenant with
him to give him weekly four thousand maravedis of silver, and he on
his part was to reduce the Castles to his obedience, so that they
should pay the same rents unto him as had been paid unto the former
Kings of Valencia; and that the Cid should protect him against all
men, Moors or Christians, and have his home in Valencia, and bring all
his booty there to be sold, and that he should have his granaries
there. This covenant was confirmed in writing, so that they were
secure on one side and on the other. And my Cid sent to all those
who held the Castles, commanding them to pay their rents to the King
of Valencia as they had done aforetime, and they all obeyed his
command, every one striving to have his love.
XVII
XVII
When the Cid had thus set the land in order he went against the King
of Denia, and warred against Denia and against Xativa, and he abode
there all the winter, doing great hurt, insomuch that there did not
remain a wall standing from Orihuela to Xativa, for he laid every
thing waste; and all his booty and his prisoners he sold in
Valencia. Then he went towards Tortosa, destroying every thing as he
went; and he pitched his camp near unto the city of Tortosa, in a
place which in Arabic is called Maurelet, and he cut down every
thing before him, orchards and vines and corn. When King Abenalfange
saw that the land was thus destroyed, and that neither bread, nor
wine, nor flocks would be left him, he sent to Count Ramon
Berenguer, beseeching him to gather together a great force, and
drive the Cid out of the land, for which service he would give him
whatever he might stand in need of. And the Count, thinking now to
be revenged of the Cid for his former defeat, and because he had taken
from him the rents which he used to receive from the land of Valencia,
took what the King gave him, and assembled a great host of the
Christians. This was so great a power when the Moors had joined,
that they surely thought the Cid would fly before them; for the
Moors held that these Frenchmen were the best knights in the world,
and the best appointed, and they who could bear the most in battle.
When the Cid knew that they came resolved to fight him, he doubted
that he could not give them battle because of their great numbers, and
sought how he might wisely disperse them. And he got among the
mountain valleys, whereunto the entrance was by a narrow strait, and
there he planted his barriers, and guarded them well that the
Frenchmen might not enter. The King of Zaragoza sent to tell him to be
upon his guard, for Count Ramon Berenguer would without doubt attack
him: and the Cid returned for answer, Let him come. On the morrow
the Count came nearer, and encamped a league off, in sight of him, and
when it was night he sent his spies to view the camp of Ruydiez the
Cid. The next day he sent to bid him come out and fight, and the Cid
answered, That he did not want to fight nor to have any strife with
him, but to pass on with his people. And they drew nearer and
invited him to come out, and defied him, saying that he feared to meet
them in the field; but he set nothing by all this. They thought he did
it because of his weakness, and that he was afraid of them: but what
he did was to wear out their patience.
XVIII
XVIII
Then the Count sent a letter to the Cid after this fashion: I
Count Don Ramon Berenguer of Barcelona, and all my vassals with me,
say unto thee, Ruydiez, that we have seen thy letter to King
Almescahen of Zaragoza, which thou toldest him to show unto us, that
we might have the more cause of quarrel against thee. Before this thou
hast done great displeasure unto us, so that we ought at all times
to bear ill will against thee. And now while thou hast our goods in
thy possession as booty, thou sendest thy letter to King Almescahen,
saying that we are like our wives. God give us means to show thee that
we are not such. And thou saidst unto him, that before we could be
with thee thou wouldst come to us; now we will not alight from our
horses till we have taken vengeance on thee, and seen what sort of
Gods these mountain crows and daws are, in whom thou puttest thy trust
to fight with us; whereas we believe in one God alone, who will give
us vengeance against thee. Of a truth, to-morrow morning we will be
with thee, and if thou wilt leave the mountain and come out to us in
the plain, then wilt thou be, as they call thee, Rodrigo the
Campeador. But if thou wilt not do this, thou wilt then be what
according to the custom of Castille is called alevoso, and bauzador
according to the custom of France; that is to say, a false traitor.
And if thou wilt not come down from the mountain it shall not avail
thee, for we will not depart from hence till we have thee in our
hands, either dead or alive, and we will deal with thee as thou hast
done by us, and God in his mercy now take vengeance upon thee for
his churches which thou hast destroyed.
XIX
XIX
When the Cid had read this letter he wrote another in reply after
this manner: I Ruydiez and my vassals: God save you Count! I have seen
your letter in which you tell me that I sent one to King Almescahen of
Zaragoza speaking contumeliously of you and of all your vassals; and
true it is that I did so speak, and I will tell you for what reason.
When you were with him you spake contumeliously of me before him,
saying of me the worst you could, and affirming that I did not dare
enter the lands of Abenalfange for fear of you. Moreover Ramon de
Bajaran, and other of your knights who were with him, spake ill of
me and of my vassals before King Don Alfonso of Castille, and you also
after this went to King Don Alfonso, and said that you would have
fought with me, and driven me out of the lands of Abenalfange, but
that I was dismayed, and did not dare do battle with you; and you said
unto him, that if it had not been for the love of him, you would not
have suffered me to be one day in the land. Now then I say that I
thank you because you no longer let me alone for the love of him.
Come! here I am; this is the plainest ground among these mountains,
and I am ready to receive you. But I know you dare not come, for Moors
and Christians know that I conquered you once, and took you and your
vassals, and took from ye all that ye had with ye: and if ye come
now ye shall receive the same payment at my hands as heretofore. As
for what thou sayest that I am a false traitor, thou lyest, and art
a false traitor thyself.
XX
Greatly was the Count enraged when he read this letter, and he
took counsel with his vassals, and in the night time took possession
of the mountain above the camp of the Cid, thinking that by this means
he might conquer him. On the morrow the Cid sent away certain of his
company as if they were flying, and bade them go by such ways that the
French might see them, and instructed them what to say when they
should be taken. When the French saw them, they pursued and took them,
and carried them before the Count, and he asked of them what the Cid
would do. Then made they answer that he meant to fly, and had only
remained that day to put his things in order for flight, and as soon
as night came he would make his escape by way of the mountain.
Moreover they said that the Cid did not think Count Ramon had it so
much at heart to give him battle, or he would not have awaited till
his coming; and they counselled the Count to send and take
possession of the passes by which he meant to escape, for so he
might easily take him. Then the Frenchmen divided their host into four
parts, and sent them to guard the passes and the Count himself
remained with one part at the entrance of the straits. The Cid was
ready with all his company, and he had sent the Moors who were with
him forward to the passes whither his men had directed the
Frenchmen, and they lay in ambush there; and when the Frenchmen were
in the strong places, and had begun to ascend, little by little, as
they could, they rose upon them from the ambush and slew many, and
took others of the best, and among the prisoners was Guirabent, the
brother of Giralte the Roman, who was wounded in the face. And the Cid
went out and attacked the Count, and the battle was a hard one; the
Count was beaten from his horse, nevertheless his men remounted him,
and he bade them stand to it bravely, and the battle lasted long time;
but at the end, he who was never conquered won the day. And the Cid
took a good thousand prisoners; among them was Don Bernalte de
Tamaris, and Giralte the Roman, and Ricarte Guillen. And he put them
all in irons, and reproached them saying, that he well knew what his
chivalry was, and his hardihood, and that he should thus beat them all
down; and he said to them that he was in God's service, taking
vengeance for the ills which the Moors had done unto the Christians,
and had done them no wrong; but they being envious of him, had come to
help the Moors, therefore God had helped him, because he was in his
service. And he took their tents, and their horses, and their arms,
which were many and good; and much gold and silver, and fine linen,
and all that they had, so that he and all his company were rich men
with the spoils. And when Count Ramon heard in his flight that the Cid
had taken all his chief captains, and that well nigh all his power was
either slain or taken, he thought it best to come unto the Cid and
trust unto his mercy, and he came full humbly and put himself into his
hands. And the Cid received him full well and honoured him greatly,
and let him go into his own country. And the Count offered a price for
the prisoners which was a full great ransom, and moreover the swords
precious above all others, which were made in other times. Bountiful
was the Cid when he received this ransom, and great part of it he
returned unto them again, and showed them great courtesy, and they did
homage to him never to come against him with any man in the world.
XXI
XXI
When Abenalfange the King of Denia and Tortosa heard this, he was so
sorely grieved that he fell sick and died. He left one son who was a
little one, and the sons of Buxar were his guardians. One of these
held Tortosa for the child, and the other held Xativa, and one who was
their cousin held Denia. And they knowing that they could neither live
in peace, nor yet have strength for war, unless they could have the
love of the Cid, sent humbly to say unto him that if he would do no
hurt to their lands they would do whatever he pleased, and pay him
yearly what he should think good. And the Cid demanded of them fifty
thousand maravedis of silver, every year: and the covenant was made
between them, and the whole country from Tortosa to Orihuela was under
his protection and at his command. And he fixed the tribute which each
Castle was to pay, that it should be certain; and it was as you
shall be told. The Lord of Albarrazin was to pay ten thousand,
according to covenant as you heard heretofore, and the Lord of
Alfuente ten thousand, and Monviedro eight thousand, and Segorbe six
thousand, and Xerica four thousand, and Almenara three thousand. Liria
at that time paid nothing, for it was in the Lordship of Zaragoza; but
the Cid had it in his heart to fight with that King. For every
thousand maravedis a hundred more were paid for a Bishop, whom the
Moors called Alat Almarian. And you are to know that whatever my Cid
commanded in Valencia was done, and whatever he forbad was
forbidden. And because the King was sick of a malady which continued
upon him long time, so that he could not mount on horseback, and was
seen by none, Valencia remained under the command of his Guazil
Abenalfarax, whom the Cid had appointed. And then the Cid appointed
trusty men in the city who should know to how much the rents amounted,
as well those of the land as of the sea; and in every village he
placed a knight to protect it, so that none dared do wrong to another,
nor take any thing from him. Each of these knights had three maravedis
daily. And the people complained greatly of what they gave these
knights, and of that also which they paid to King Yahia. Yet were they
withal abundantly supplied with bread, and with flocks which the
Christians brought in, and with captives both male and female, and
with Moorish men and women, who gave great sums for their ransom.
XXII
XXII
Then the Cid sent to the King of Zaragoza, bidding him yield up
the Bastilles which he had built against Valencia; and the King
returned for answer that he would not until King Yahia had paid him
the whole cost which he had been at, when he came to his succour
against King Abenalfange. Then the Cid besieged Liria, and the
people submitted unto him, that they should pay him yearly two
thousand maravedis. And he overran the whole of the King of Zaragoza's
country, and brought great spoils to Valencia. Now at this time a Moor
called Ali Abenaxa, the Adelantado of the Almoravides, that is to say,
of the Moors from beyond sea, came with a great power of the Moors
of Andalusia to besiege the Castle of Aledo. This he did because he
knew that King Don Alfonso would come to its relief, and he thought
that peradventure the King would bring with him so small a force
that he might slay or take him. But when the King heard of it he
assembled a great host, and sent to the Cid, bidding him come and
aid him. And the Cid went to Requena, believing that he should meet
the King there; but the King went another way, and the Cid not knowing
this tarried some days in Requena expecting him, because that was
the road. And when the Moors knew that King Don Alfonso was coming
with so great a host to relieve the Castle, they departed, flying. And
King Don Alfonso came to the Castle, and when he came there he found
that he was short of victuals, and returned in great distress for want
of food, and lost many men and beasts who could not pass the Sierra.
Nevertheless he supplied the Castle well with arms, and with such food
as he could.
XXIII
XXIII
Now they who hated the Cid spake leasing of him to King Don Alfonso,
saying that he had tarried in Requena, knowing that the King was
gone another way, that so he might give the Moors opportunity to
fall upon him. And the King believed them, and was wroth against the
Cid, and ordered all that he had in Castille to be taken from him, and
sent to take his wife, and his daughters. When the Cid heard this he
sent presently a knight to the King to defend himself, saying, that if
there were Count or Rico-ome or knight who would maintain that he
had a better and truer will to do the King service than he had, he
would do battle with him body to body, but the King being greatly
incensed would not hear him. And when they who hated the Cid saw this,
and knew that the Cid was gone against a Castle near Zaragoza, they
besought the King to give them force to go against him; howbeit this
the King would not. At this time Ali Abenaxa, the Adelantado of the
Almoravides, besieged Murcia, and there was a dearth in the city,
and Alvar Fanez who should have relieved them did not, and they were
so closely beset that they were compelled to yield up the town. As
soon as he had taken Murcia he went against the Castle of Aledo, of
which you have heard, and assaulted it vigorously, and took it by
force and by famine. And when he had won Murcia and Aledo, he wished
to have Valencia also, and they of Valencia, because of the yoke of
the Cid, longed to be his vassals, even as the sick man longeth
after health. When King Don Alfonso heard what Ali Abenaxa had done,
he made ready to go against him. And the Queen his wife, and certain
knights who were friends to the Cid, wrote to him that he should now
come and serve the King in such a season, that the King might thank
him greatly and lay aside his wrath. Having seen these letters the Cid
set out from Zaragoza where he was, and went his way with a great
host, and advanced as far as Martos, where he found the King. And
the King received him honourably, and they continued together till the
King passed the Sierra de Elvira, and the Cid went in the plain
below before him. And they who wished ill to him said to the King, The
Cid came after you like one who was wearied, and now he goes before
you. And after this manner they set the King again against him, so
that his displeasure was greatly moved. And the Moors did not
venture to give him battle, but left the Castle of Aledo and retreated
to Murcia, and the King returned to Ubeda. And when the Cid saw that
the heart of the King was changed, he returned to Valencia, and the
King went back to Toledo.
XXIV
XXIV
After this King Don Alfonso drew forth a great host and went towards
Valencia, and sent to all the Castles in that land, saying that for
five years they should pay him the tribute which they were wont to pay
unto the Cid. When the Cid knew this he sent to the King, saying, he
marvelled why the King should thus seek to dishonour him, and that
he trusted in God soon to make him know how ill he was advised by
those about him. And presently the Cid gathered together a full
great host both of Moors and of Christians, and entered the land of
King Don Alfonso, burning and destroying whatever he found, and he
took Logrono, and Alfaro also, and sacked it. While he was at
Alfaro, Count Garcia Ordonez and certain other Ricos-omes of
Castille sent to say to him, that if he would tarry for them seven
days, they would come and give him battle. He tarried for them
twelve days, and they did not dare to come; and when the Cid saw
this he returned to Zaragoza. Now when King Don Alfonso knew what
the Cid had done in his land, and that the Ricos-omes had not dared
fight against him, he saw that he had taken an evil counsel when he
set his heart against him. And he sent his letters to the Cid
saying, that he forgave him all that he had done, seeing that he
himself had given the occasion; and he besought him to come to
Castille, where he should find all things free which appertained
unto him. Much was the Cid rejoiced at these tidings, and he wrote
to the King thanking him for his grace, and beseeching him not to give
ear to bad counsellors, for he would always be at his service.
XXV
XXV
Now it came to pass, that by reason of certain affairs the Cid
tarried a long time in Zaragoza. And they of Valencia being no
longer kept in awe by his presence, complained one to another of the
oppressions and wrongs which they endured from him and from his
servants, and from Abenalfarax, the Guazil whom he had appointed;
and they conspired with an Alcayde who was called Abeniaf. And when
Abenalfarax the Guazil understood how Abeniaf cast about to disturb
the peace of the city, he would have taken him and cast him in prison;
but this he dared not do till the Cid should come, and moreover he
weened that upon his coming the disturbance would cease. Now Abeniaf
knew that the Guazil was minded to seize him if he could have dared so
to do, and he sent his messengers to Ali Abenaxa the Adelantado of the
Almoravides, who was now Lord of Murcia, telling him to come to
Valencia, and he would deliver the city into his hands. Moreover he
took counsel with the Alcayde of Algezira de Xucar, that the Alcayde
also should send to Ali Abenaxa, exhorting him to make good speed
himself, or to send an Alcayde with a fitting power, and to come to
Algezira, which was near, and then presently proceed to Valencia. So
soon as Ali Abenaxa had received this message he made speed to come,
and as many Castles as were upon his road submitted unto him. When the
Alcayde of Denia heard of his coming, and that all these Castles had
submitted, he durst not abide there, but fled to Xativa; and Ali
Abenaxa took possession of Denia, and he sent his Alcayde to
Algezira de Xucar, and took possession of that also. When these
tidings came to Valencia, the Bishop who was there, and the forty
knights who were with the messenger of the King of Aragon because of
the friendship between their King and the Cid, and all the other
Christians who were in the city, would no longer abide there, but took
of their goods each as much as he could, and went away in fear. And
the Guazil was greatly dismayed, neither knew he what course to
take, and Yahia the King, though he was now healed of his malady,
neither mounted on horseback, nor appeared abroad. Abenalfarax went
unto him and told him the peril in which they stood. And their counsel
was, that they should remove all that they had from Valencia and go to
the Castle of Segorbe. Then they sent away many beasts laden with
goods and with riches, under the care of a nephew of the Guazil and
many others, to the Castle of Benaecab, that is to say, the Castle
of the Eagle, to be in charge of the Alcayde thereof. And the King and
the Guazil bestirred themselves and gathered together foot-soldiers
and cross-bow men to defend the Alcazar, and sent speedily to
Zaragoza, telling the Cid to come; but he could not set forth so
speedily as need was: and the stir which was in the city endured for
full twenty days. Then that Alcayde of Ali Abenaxa who was in Algezira
de Xucar set forward in the first of the night with twenty horsemen of
the Almoravides, and as many more of Algezira, all clad alike in
green, that they might all be taken for Almoravides; and they came
by day-break to Valencia to the gate of Tudela, and sounded their
drums, and the rumour in the town was that there were full five
hundred knights of the Almoravides, and the Guazil was in great
fear. And he went to the Alcazar to take counsel with the King, and
they gave order that the gates of the town should be barred, and
that the walls should be manned.
XXVI
XXVI
Then the King's soldiers went to the house of Abeniaf the Alcayde
who had sent for the Almoravides, and called unto him to come forth
that they might take him before the King; but he was trembling in
great fear, and would not come out. And the men of the town came to
his help, and when he saw the company that were on his side, he came
forth and went with them to the Alcazar, and entered it and took the
Guazil of the Cid. And the townsmen ran to the gates and drove away
those of the King's party who guarded them; and they strove to beat
the gates down, but they could not, and they set fire to them and
burnt them. And others let down ropes from the walls, and drew up
the Almoravides. King Yahia put on woman's apparel, and fled with
his women, and hid himself in a dwelling near unto a bath. And the
Almoravides took possession of the Alcazar, and plundered it. One
Christian they slew who guarded the gates, and another who was of
St. Maria de Albarrazin, who guarded one of the towers of the wall. In
this manner was Valencia lost.
XXVII
XXVII
Now when Abeniaf saw that all the people were on his side, and
obeyed him, his heart grew and he was puffed up, insomuch that he
despised those who were as good as himself or better. Albeit he was of
good parentage, for his fathers before him had all been Alcaydes
ever since Valencia was in the hands of the Moors. And because he knew
that the King had not fled out of the town, he made search for him,
and found him in the house where he had hidden himself with his women.
Now the King when he fled from the Alcazar had taken with him the best
of his treasures, pearls, among which was one the most precious and
noble that could be, so that nowhere was there a better one to be
found, nor so good; and precious stones, sapphires and rubies and
emeralds; he had with him a casket of pure gold full of these
things; and in his girdle he had hidden a string of precious stones
and of pearls, such that no King had so rich and precious a thing as
that carkanet. They say that in former times it had belonged to
Queen Seleyda, who was wife to Abanarrexit King of Belcab, which is
beyond sea; and afterwards it had come to the Kings called
Benivoyas, who were Lords of Andalusia; after that King Alimaymon of
Toledo possessed it, and gave it to his wife, and she gave it to the
wife of her son, who was the mother of this Yahia. Greatly did Abeniaf
covet these treasures and this carkanet, and incontinently he
thought in his heart that he might take them and none know thereof,
which could no ways be done unless he slew King Yahia. When
therefore it was night he gave order to cut off his head, and to throw
it into a pond near the house in which he had been taken. This was
done accordingly, and Abeniaf took the treasures, and they who were
set over King Yahia to guard him and murder him, took also each what
he could, and concealed it. And the body lay where it had been slain
till the following day; but then a good man who grieved for the
death of his Lord took it up, and laid it upon the cords of a bed, and
covered it with an old horsecloth, and carried it out of the town, and
made a grave for it in a place where camels were wont to lie, and
buried it there, without gravecloths and without any honours
whatsoever, as if the corpse had been the corpse of a villain.
BOOK SIX
I
When Abeniaf had slain his Lord, as you have heard, he became
haughty like a King, and gave no thought to anything save to
building his own houses, and setting guards round about them by day
and by night; and he appointed secretaries who should write his secret
letters, and chose out a body from among the good men of the city to
be his guard. And when he rode out he took with him many knights and
huntsmen, all armed, who guarded him like a King; and when he went
through the streets the women came out to gaze at him, and shouted and
rejoiced in him; and he being elated and puffed up with these
vanities, demeaned himself in all things after the manner of a King.
This he did for the sake of abasing a certain kinsman of his, who
was chief Alcayde, and who was better and wiser than he. Moreover he
made no account of the Alcayde of the Almoravides who held the
Alcazar, neither took counsel with him concerning anything, and he
gave no heed to him except to supply him and his company with their
charges, which he did right sparingly.
II
But when King Yahia was slain, his servants and eunuchs and they
of his household fled to Juballa, a Castle which was held by a kinsman
of the Guazil Abenalfarax, who lay in prison; other some fled to
Zaragoza, and told the Cid all that had befallen. The Cid was
greatly grieved when he heard it, and without delay he set forth
with all his people, and went as fast as he could go to Juballa, and
there they who had escaped from Valencia met him, and besought him
to help them to revenge the death of their Lord, saying that they
would follow him for life or for death, and do whatsoever he commanded
them. Then the Cid sent letters to Abeniaf, saying disdainfully unto
him, that by God's help he had kept his Lent well, and accomplished
his fast with a worthy sacrifice by murdering the King his master! and
he reproached him for the shame he had done the King in casting his
head into the pond and letting the body be buried in a dunghill; and
at the end of the letter he bade Abeniaf give him his corn which he
had left in his granaries at Valencia. Abeniaf returned for answer
that his granaries had all been plundered, and that the city now
belonged to the King of the Almoravides; and he said that if the Cid
would serve that King he would do his best to help him that he might
win his love. When the Cid read this letter he saw that Abeniaf was
a fool, for he had sent to reproach him for the death of his Lord, and
the answer which he had returned was concerning another matter; and he
then knew that Abeniaf was not a man to keep the power which he
coveted. So he sent other letters to him, calling him and all who were
with him traitors, and saying that he would never leave from making
war against them till he had taken vengeance for the death of King
Yahia.
III
And the Cid sent letters to all the Castles round about, bidding
them supply his host with victuals, and do it speedily, or he would do
all he could to destroy them. And there was none to gainsay him: and
all obeyed his commands in this matter, saving Aboeza Abenlupo, for he
was a discreet man, and perceived what was to come, and in what this
was to end: moreover he feared that if he should not do as the Cid
commanded, the Cid would put him out of the world, and no one would be
able to protect him; and if he should do it, then he feared lest he
should be banished. So he sent to the Cid to say he would do his
pleasure, and he sent also to Abenrazin, the Lord of Albarrazin,
saying that he would give him Monviedro and the other Castles in his
possession, and bidding him make his terms with the Cid, for as
touching himself, he desired to have no dispute, but to come off
with his company and his own person in peace. When Abenrazin heard
this he was well pleased; and he went to Monviedro with all speed, and
took possession of the Castle. From the time that King Yahia was slain
till this time, was twenty and six days. And when Abenrazin had got
possession of the Castle of Monviedro he came to the Cid, and
established love with him, and made a covenant that there should be
buying and selling between his Castles and the host, and that he would
provide food, and that the Cid should not make war upon him. And
upon this they made their writings, which were full fast; and
Abenrazin returned to his own land, and left one to keep Monviedro for
him; and Abenlupo went with him, taking with him his wives and his
children and his people and all that he had, and he thought himself
well off that he had escaped with his body, for he desired to have
nothing to do with the Cid. And the Cid lay before Juballa, and sent
out his foragers towards Valencia twice a day; one party went in the
morning, and another towards night; and they slew many Moors, and made
many prisoners, and made prey of all the flocks which they found
without the walls; nevertheless the Cid commanded that no hurt
should be done to those of the land of Moya, nor to the husbandmen,
but that they who laboured to produce bread and wine should be
protected and encouraged; and this he did thinking that what they
raised would be for him when he should lay siege unto the town; and he
said this to his knights and Adalides and Almocadenes, and took homage
of them that they should obey him therein. All this time the Cid
held that Castle besieged, so that none could enter in nor come out
thereof; and it is said that terms had secretly been made with him
to yield it up, but that it was so to be done that the other Moors
might believe they had yielded from great necessity, for it was not
stored so as to be able to hold out long. And while the Cid lay before
Juballa, all the spoil which his Almogavares took they brought to
the host, and from the host it was taken and sold at Monviedro. Many
laden beasts came every day, and there was plenty in the host.
IV
Abeniaf gathered together the knights who were natives of the city
and vassals to the King whom he had slain, and sent for others who
were in Denia, so that in all they were three hundred knights, and
maintained them with the bread which was in the granaries of the Cid
Ruydiez and with the rents and possessions of those who had been the
King's officers, and who were gone from Valencia, and with the
customs; from all these did he give these knights whatsoever they
stood in need of And he took no counsel with the Alcayde of the
Almoravides concerning any thing which he did, neither with any one,
nor did he care a jot for them. And when the Alcayde and the
Almoravides saw that he made himself master in the city, and how every
thing that he did was by his own will, they were offended therewith.
The sons of Aboegib were offended also: and they and the Almoravides
placed their love upon each other, and took counsel together against
him, and became of one party, and they bare great hatred against
him, and he against them. All this while the Cid lay before Juballa,
and every day he scoured the country to the gates of Valencia, early
in the morning, and at noon day, and at night, so that he never let
them rest. And the three hundred knights whom Abeniaf had collected
went out against his foragers, with the men of the town, and the
Christians slew many of them, so that there were lamentations daily
within the walls, and wailings over the dead that were brought in. And
in one of these skirmishes, a rich Moor was taken who was Alcayde of
Acala, which is near Torralva, and they gave him grievous torments
till he ransomed himself for ten thousand marks of silver; and
moreover he gave the houses which he had in Valencia, which were
called the houses of Anaya, to be theirs if peradventure the town
should be yielded up.
V
When the Cid knew that there was great hatred between Abeniaf and
the Almoravides and the sons of Aboegib, he devised means how to set
farther strife between them, and sent privily to proffer his love to
Abeniaf on condition that they should expel the Almoravides out of the
town; saying, that if he did this, he would remain Lord thereof, and
the Cid would help him in this, and would be good to him, as he knew
he had been to the King of Valencia, and would defend him. When
Abeniaf heard this he was well pleased, thinking that he should be
King of Valencia. And he took counsel with Abenalfarax the Guazil of
the Cid, whom he held prisoner, and Abenalfarax, with the hope of
getting out of prison, counselled him to do thus, and to accept the
love of the Cid. Then sent he to the Cid, saying that he would do
all which he commanded to gain his love, and he began to stop the
allowance of the Almoravides, saying that he could give them
nothing, for he had nothing whereof to give: this did he to the end
that they might go their way, for he lacked not means.
VI
At this time Ali Abenaxa, the Alcayde who was in Denia, sent to
Abeniaf, saying unto him that he should send of that treasure, and
of those jewels which he had taken from King Yahia, to the Miramamolin
beyond sea; with the which he would gather together a great power, and
cross the sea, and come against the Cid, to help the people of
Valencia, and protect them against the Cid, who did so much evil to
them all. And Abeniaf took counsel with the men of Valencia concerning
this matter, whether he should send this to the Miramamolin beyond sea
or not. And the old men advised him that he should, and the others
that he should not. And Abeniaf took the treasures, and hid the best
part thereof for himself, for none knew what it was; and the rest he
sent by his messengers, Abenalfarax the Guazil of the Cid being one;
and they took their departure from Valencia with great secrecy, lest
the Cid should know it and overtake them upon the road. But
Abenalfarax devised means to let the Cid know, and sent him a
messenger. And the Cid sent horsemen to follow their track, who caught
them, and took the treasure, and brought it to the Cid. Greatly did he
thank Abenalfarax for having served him so well at that season, and
putting the treasure into his hands, and he promised him goodly
guerdon; and he made him chief over all the Moors who were his
subjects. At this time the Alcayde of Juballa yielded up the Castle to
the Cid, and the Cid placed another therein, and went up with his host
against Valencia, and encamped in a village which is called Deroncada.
And as the seed time was now over, he burnt all the villages round
about, and wasted all that belonged to Abeniaf and his lineage, and he
burnt the mills, and the barks which were in the river. And he ordered
the corn to be cut, for it was now the season, and he beset the city
on all sides, and pulled down the houses and towers which were round
about, and the stone and wood thereof he sent to Juballa, to make a
town there beside the Castle.
VII
At this time there came the Guazil of the King of Zaragoza to the
host of the Cid, bringing with him great treasures which the King
had sent for the redemption of the captives, for ruth which he had
of them, and also that he might have his reward from God in the
other world. He came also to talk with Abeniaf and counsel him that he
should give up the city to the King of Zaragoza, and they would send
away the Almoravides, and the King would protect him; but Abeniaf
would give no ear to this, and the Guazil said unto him that he
would repent not having taken this advice. On the second day after
this Guazil had arrived, the Cid attacked the suburb which is called
Villa Nueva, and entered it by force, and slew many Moors, both men of
Andalusia and Almoravides, and plundered all that they found, and
pulled down the houses, and the wood and stone the Cid sent to
Juballa, and he set a guard there that the Moors might not recover the
place. On the morrow the Cid attacked another suburb, which is
called Alcudia, and there were a great body of the Moors gathered
together there. And he sent a part of his host against the gate of
Alcantara, bidding them attack the gate, while he fought against
them in Alcudia; and he thought that by God's mercy peradventure he
should enter the town. And the Cid with his company rode among that
great multitude of the Moors, smiting and slaying without mercy, and
the Cid's horse trampled over the dead, and stumbled among them and
fell, and the Cid remained afoot. Howbeit they brought him to horse
again, and he continued smiting and laying on strenuously, so that the
Moors were amazed at the great mortality which he made among them, and
maugre all they could do, were fain to fly into the town. And they
whom he had sent against the gate of Alcantara, attacked it so bravely
that they would have entered the city, if it had not been for the boys
and the women, who were upon the wall and in the towers, and threw
down stones upon them. And this while the cry went forth in the
city, and many horsemen sallied forth and fought with the Christians
before the bridge, and the battle lasted from morning until midday,
and when they separated, the Cid returned to his camp. And when the
Cid had taken food, he returned after the siesta to attack the
suburb of Alcudia; and this attack was so vigorous that they who dwelt
therein thought the place would be forced, and they began to cry
out, Peace! Peace! being in great fear. Then the Cid bade his men give
over the attack, and the good men of the suburb came out to him, and
whatsoever terms of security they asked, he granted them; and he
took possession of the suburb that night, and set his guards
therein; and he commanded his people that they should do no wrong to
them of Alcudia, and if any one offended he said that his head
should be smitten off: so he returned that night to the camp. And on
the morrow he came there, and assembled together the Moors of that
place, and comforted them much with his speeches, and promised that he
would favour them greatly and not oppress them, and bade them till
their fields and tend their flocks securely, saying that he would take
only a tenth of the fruit thereof, as their law directed. And he
placed a Moor there named Yucef, to be his Almoxarife, that is to say,
his Receiver. And he gave orders that all Moors who would come and
dwell therein might come securely, and they also who would bring
food thither for sale, and other merchandize. So much food and much
merchandize were brought there from all parts, and that suburb
became like a city, and there was plenty therein.
VIII
Now when the Cid Ruydiez had gotten possession of the suburbs, he
cut off from Valencia both the ingress and the egress, and they of the
town were greatly straightened, and knew not what they should do,
and they repented them that they had not listened to what the King
of Zaragoza sent to counsel them, for they had none to help them;
and the Almoravides were in the like straight, for they had none to
look to, and the pay which they were wont to receive failed, both to
them and to the other knights. All this time Abeniaf secretly
continued his love with the Cid, for he had not departed from the
promise which he had made him to send away the Almoravides, and put
himself under his protection. And they took counsel together in this
distress, both the Almoravides and the men of the town, how they might
obtain the love of the Cid, in whatever manner they could, so that
they might remain in peace in the city till they had sent to the
Miramamolin beyond sea, and received his commands; and they sent to
the Cid to say this. But he made answer that he would make no treaty
with them till they had sent away the Almoravides. And they of the
town told the Almoravides what the Cid had said, and these Africans
were well pleased, being full weary of that place, and said that
they would go their way, and that it would be the happiest day of
their lives, that, wherein they should depart. So they made their
covenant that the Almoravides should be placed in safety, and that
they should pay the Cid for all the corn which was in his granaries at
the time when King Yahia was slain. And moreover the thousand
maravedis per week, which they were wont to pay him should be paid for
the whole time which they had been in arms, and also from that time
forth. And that the suburb which he had won should be his; and that
his host should remain in Juballa so long as they continued in that
land. And upon this they made their writings, and confirmed them.
And the Almoravides departed from Valencia, and horsemen were sent
with them, who conducted them in safety, and the Moors of Valencia
were left in peace.
IX
Then the Cid went with all his host to Juballa, leaving none but
such as were to collect his rents with his Almoxarife. And Abeniaf
cast about how he might pay the Cid for the corn, and also what else
was to be given him. And he made terms with those who held the Castles
round about Valencia, that they should pay him the tenth of all
their fruits and of all their other rents. Now this was the season for
gathering in the fruit, and he appointed men in every place who should
look to it, and see it valued, and receive the tenth; a Moor and a
Christian did he appoint in every place, who were to receive this, and
to gather the corn also into the granaries: and this was done after
such manner that the Cid had his tribute well paid. At this time
came tidings to Valencia, that the Almoravides were coming again
with a great power, and the Cid devised how he might prevent their
coming, or if they came how he might fight against them. And he sent
to tell Abeniaf to forbid them from coming, for if they should enter
the town he could not be Lord thereof, which it was better he should
be, and the Cid would protect him against all his enemies. well was
Abeniaf pleased at this; and he held a talk with the Alcayde of
Xativa, and with him who held the Castle of Carchayra; and they agreed
to be of one voice. And they came to Valencia, and the Cid came to his
suburb; and they confirmed love with him in great secrecy. But he
who had the Castle of Algezira would not be in this covenant with
them, and the Cid sent parties into his lands, and did him much
evil; and the Alcayde of Juballa went against him, and cut down all
his corn and brought it to Juballa, which the Cid had made a great
town with a church and with towers, and it was a goodly place; and
there he had his corn and his other things, and his rents were all
brought thither, and it abounded with all things; and men held it
for a great marvel that in so short time he had made so great a
town, which was so rich and so plentiful. And the Cid thought to
have Valencia if the Almoravides did not come, and for this reason did
all that he could to prevent their coming.
X
At this time Abenrazin the Lord of Albarrazin covenanted with the
King of Aragon that the King should help him to win Valencia, and he
would give him great treasures; and he gave him in pledge a Castle
which is called Toalba. And in this which he did he gained nothing,
but he lost the Castle. Now this Abenrazin had made covenant with
the Cid, so that they were friends, and the Cid had never done hurt in
his lands. And when he knew this that he had done with the King of
Aragon, he held himself to have been deceived and dealt falsely
with; howbeit he dissembled this, and let none of his company wit,
till they had gathered in all the corn from about Algezira de Xucar,
and carried it to Juballa. When this was done, he bade his men make
ready, and he told them not whither they were to go, and he set
forward at night toward Albarrazin, and came to the Fountain. Now that
land was in peace, and the dwellers thereof kept neither watch nor
ward; and his foragers slew many, and made many prisoners, and drove
great flocks and herds, sheep and kine, and brood mares, and prisoners
all together, and they carried away all the corn; and they sent all
the spoil to Juballa, and it was so great that Valencia and Juballa
and all their dependencies were rich with cattle and with other
things. While the Cid lay before Albarrazin, as he one day rode
forth with five of his knights to disport himself, there came twelve
knights out of the town, thinking to slay him or take him. And he
pricked forward against them, and encountered them so bravely that
he slew twain, and other twain he overthrew, so that they were
taken, and the rest were put to flight: but he remained with a wound
in his throat from the push of a spear, and they thought he would have
died of that wound; and it was three weeks before it was healed.
XI
Now came true tidings to Valencia that the host of the Almoravides
were coming, and that they were now at Lorca, and the son-in-law of
the Miramamolin at their head, for he himself could not come, by
reason that he ailed. They of Valencia took courage at these
tidings, and waxed insolent, and began to devise how they should
take vengeance upon Abeniaf, and upon all those who had oppressed
them. And Abeniaf was in great trouble at this which was said openly
concerning him, and he sent privily to the Cid, telling him to come as
soon as might be. The Cid was then before Albarrazin, doing all the
evil that he could, and he brake up his camp and came with his host to
Juballa; and Abeniaf and the Alcaydes of Xativa and Carchayra came
unto him, and they renewed their covenant to stand by each other,
and be of one voice. And they took counsel and made a letter for the
leader of the army of the Almoravides, wherein they told him that
the Cid had made a treaty with the King of Aragon, whereby the King
bound himself to help him against them; and they bade him beware how
he came towards Valencia, unless he chose to do battle with eight
thousand Christian horsemen, covered with iron, and the best
warriors in the world. This did they thinking that he would be
dismayed and turn back: but the Moor did not cease to advance,
notwithstanding this letter.
XII
There was a garden nigh unto Valencia which had belonged to
Abenalhazis, and the Cid asked Abeniaf to give it him, that he might
take his pleasure there when he was disposed to solace himself. This
he did cunningly, that when the Almoravides heard how this garden
had been given him which was so nigh unto the city, they should ween
that the men of Valencia had given it, and that they were better
pleased with his company than with theirs. Abeniaf granted it. And the
Cid was wary, and would not enter it till a gateway had been opened
into the garden, for the entrance was through narrow streets, and
the Cid would not trust himself in those strait places: so Abeniaf
ordered the gate to be made, and told the Cid that he would be his
host on a day appointed. And Abeniaf bedecked the gate of this
garden full richly, and spread costly carpets, and ordered the way
to be strewn with rushes, and made a great feast, and expected him all
the day, but he did not come. And when it was night he sent to say
that he was sick and could not come: and he prayed him to hold him
excused. This he did to see whether they of Valencia would murmur
against him. And the sons of Aboegib and all the people murmured
greatly, and would fain in their hearts have risen against Abeniaf,
but they durst not because of the Cid, with whom they would not fall
out lest he should lay waste all that was without the walls. And
they looked daily for the Almoravides, and one day they said, Lo!
now they are coming: and on the morrow they said, They are coming not.
And in this manner some days past on. And the murmur which there had
been concerning the garden died away; and then the Cid entered it, and
took possession of the whole suburb of Alcudia round about it: and
this he did peaceably, for the Moors and Christians dwelt there
together.
XIII
Now came true tidings that the host of the Almoravides, which was at
Lorca, was coming on through Murcia, and that the tarriance which they
had made had been by reason of their Captain, who had fallen sick, but
he was now healed, and they were advancing fast. And the sons of
Aboegib and great part of the people rejoiced in these tidings, and
took heart: and Abeniaf was in great fear, and he began to excuse
himself to the men of the town, and said unto them to pacify them,
that they did him wrong to complain of him for the garden which the
Cid had asked of him, inasmuch as he had only given it him to
disport himself therein for some days and take his pleasure, and
that he would make him leave it again whenever it should please
them. Moreover he said, that seeing they were displeased with what
he had done, he would take no farther trouble upon him; but would send
to break off his covenant with the Cid, and send to bid him look out
for others to collect his payments, for he would have the charge no
longer. This he said in his cunning, thinking that he should pacify
them; but they understood his heart, and they cried aloud against
him that they would not stand to his covenant, nor by his counsel, but
that the sons of Aboegib should counsel them, and whatsoever they
should think good, that would they do. And they gave order to fasten
the gates of the town, and to keep watch upon the towers and walls.
When Abeniaf saw this he ceased to do as he had been wont for fear
of the people and of the sons of Aboegib, and took unto himself a
greater company to be his guard. And the war was renewed between the
Cid and the people of Valencia.
XIV
Now came true tidings that the host of the Almoravides was nigh unto
Xativa; and the people of Valencia were glad and rejoiced, for they
thought that they were now delivered from their great misery, and from
the oppression of the Cid. And when he heard these tidings he left the
garden and went to the place were his host was encamped, which was
called Xarosa, and remained there in his tents, and he was at a
stand what he should do, whether to abide the coming of the
Almoravides, or to depart; howbeit he resolved to abide and see what
would befall. And he gave order to break down the bridges and open the
sluices, that the plain might be flooded, so that they could only come
by one way, which was a narrow pass. Tidings now came that the host of
the Almoravides was at Algezira de Xucar, and the joy of the people of
Valencia increased, and they went upon the walls and upon the towers
to see them come. And when night came they remained still upon the
walls, for it was dark, and they saw the great fires of the camp of
the Almoravides, which they had pitched near unto a place called
Bacer; and they began to pray unto God, beseeching him to give them
good speed against the Christians, and they resolved as soon as the
Almoravides were engaged in battle with the Cid, that they would issue
forth and plunder his tents. But our Lord Jesus Christ was not pleased
that it should be so, and he ordered it after another guise; for he
sent such a rain that night, with such a wind and flood as no man
living remembered, and when it was day the people of Valencia looked
from the wall to see the banners of the Almoravides and the place
where they had encamped, and behold they could see nothing: and they
were full sorrowful, and knew not what they should do, and they
remained in such a state as a woman in her time of childing, till
the hour of tierce, and then came tidings that the Almoravides had
turned back and would not come unto Valencia. For the rains and floods
had dismayed them, and they thought the waters would have swept them
away, and that the hand of God was against them, and therefore they
turned back. And when the people of Valencia heard this they held
themselves for dead men, and they wandered about the streets like
drunkards, so that a man knew not his neighbour, and they smeared
their faces with black like unto pitch, and they lost all thought like
one who falls into the waves of the sea. And then the Christians
drew nigh unto the walls, crying out unto the Moors with a loud
voice like thunder, calling them false traitors and renegados, and
saying, Give up the town to the Cid Ruydiez, for ye cannot escape from
him. And the Moors were silent, and made no reply because of their
great misery.
XV
Then Abenalfarax, a Moor of Valencia, he who wrote this history in
Arabic, took account of the food which was in the city, to see how
long it could hold out. And he says that the cafiz of wheat was valued
at eleven maravedis, and the cafiz of barley at seven maravedis, and
that of pulse or other grain at six; and the arroba of honey at
fifteen dineros; and the arroba of carobs the third of a maravedi, and
the arroba of onions two thirds of a maravedi, and the arroba of
cheese two maravedis and a half, and the measure of oil which the
Moors call maron, a maravedi, and the quintal of figs five
maravedis, and the pound of mutton six dineros of silver, and the
pound of beef four. These maravedis were silver ones, for no other
money was current among them. The Moors who dwelt in the suburbs
carried all the best of their goods into the city, and the rest they
buried. And when the Cid was certain that the Almoravides were not
coming, he returned again to lodge in the garden, and gave order to
spoil the suburbs, save that of Alcudia, because the inhabitants of
that had received him without resistance: and the Moors fled into
the city with their wives and children. And when the Christians
began to plunder the suburbs they of the town came out and plundered
also those houses which were nearest unto the walls, so that every
thing was carried away and nothing but the timbers left: and then
the Christians took that to build them lodgments in the camp; and when
the Moors saw this they came out, and carried away what timber they
could into the city. And the Christians pulled down all the houses,
save only such as could be defended with arrows, and these which
they dared not pull down they set fire to by night. And when all the
houses had been levelled they began to dig in the foundations, and
they found great wealth there, and store of garments, and hoards of
wheat; and when the Cid saw this he ordered them to dig everywhere
so that nothing might be lost. And when all had been dug up the Cid
drew nearer to the city, and girt it round about, and there was
fighting every day at the barriers, for the Moors came out and
fought hand to hand, and many a sword-stroke was given and many a push
with the spear. While the Moors were thus beleagered came letters from
the Captain of the Almoravides, saying that he had not turned back
to Algezira de Xucar for fear, nor for cowardice, neither as one who
fled, but for lack of food, and also by reason of the waters; and that
it was his set purpose at all events to succour them and deliver
them from the oppression which they endured, and he was preparing to
do this with all diligence. And he bade them take courage, and
maintain the city. And when the Moors of Valencia heard these
letters they took heart, and joined with the sons of Aboegib, and
their resolve was that they would be firm and maintain the city. And
they said that Abeniaf had made the Almoravides retreat, because he
had told them that there was discord in the town. And Abeniaf kept
great watch, having a great guard to secure him, lest the people
should attempt aught against him. And the price of all things in
Valencia was doubled.
XVI
Then the Cid drew nearer to the walls, so that no man could either
enter in or issue out, but whosoever attempted it was either slain
or taken. And he gave orders to till all the lands which lay round
about Alcudia, for this was now become a great place, even like a
city, and the Moors who dwelt there were safe; and tents and shops
were made there for all kinds of merchandize, and merchants came there
safely from all parts to buy and to sell, so that they who dwelt there
were greatly enriched. And justice was administered to all full
righteously, so that there was none who could complain of the Cid
nor of his Almoxarife, nor of any of his people; and the Moors were
judged by their own law, and were not vexed, and he took from them
only a tenth. Now came true tidings from Denia that the Almoravides
had returned into their own country, and that there was no hope of
succour at their hands. And when they of Valencia heard this they were
greatly troubled. And they who held the Castles round about came
humbly to the Cid, to place their love upon him, and besought him that
he would accept tribute from them, and have them under his protection;
and he gave orders that they might travel the roads in peace: and in
this manner his rents increased, so that he had plenty to give. And he
sent to them who held the Castles, bidding them provide him with
cross-bow men, and foot-soldiers, to fight against the city; and there
was none who dared disobey his bidding, and they sent him cross-bow
men and foot-men in great numbers, with their arms and provisions.
Thus was Valencia left desolate, and forsaken by all the Moorish
people; and it was attacked every day, and none could enter in,
neither could any come out; and they were sore distressed, and the
waves of death compassed them round about.
XVII
Then was there a Moor in the city who was a learned man and a
wise, and he went upon the highest tower, and made a lamentation,
and the words with which he lamented he put in writing, and it was
rendered afterwards from the Arabic into the Castillian tongue, and
the lamentation which he made was this:
Valencia! Valencia! trouble is come upon thee, and thou art in the
hour of death; and if peradventure thou shouldst escape, it will be
a wonder to all that shall behold thee.
But if ever God hath shown mercy to any place, let him be pleased to
show mercy unto thee; for thy name was joy, and all Moors delighted in
thee and took their pleasure in thee.
And if it should please God utterly to destroy thee now, it will
be for thy great sins, and for the great presumption which thou
hadst in thy pride.
The four corner stones whereon thou art founded would meet
together and lament for thee, if they could!
Thy strong wall which is founded upon these four stones trembles,
and is about to fall, and hath lost all its strength.
Thy lofty and fair towers which were seen from far, and rejoiced the
hearts of the people,... little by little they are falling.
Thy white battlements which glittered afar off, have lost their
truth with which they shone like the sunbeams.
Thy noble river Guadalaver, with all the other waters with which
thou hast been served so well, have left their channel, and now they
run where they should not.
Thy water courses, which were so clear and of such great profit to
so many, for lack of cleansing are choked with mud.
Thy pleasant gardens which were round about thee;... the ravenous
wolf hath gnawn at the roots, and the trees can yield thee no fruit.
Thy goodly fields, with so many and such fair flowers, wherein thy
people were wont to take their pastime, are all dried up.
Thy noble harbour, which was so great honour to thee, is deprived of
all the nobleness which was wont to come into it for thy sake.
The fire hath laid waste the lands of which thou wert called
Mistress, and the great smoke thereof reacheth thee.
There is no medicine for thy sore infirmity, and the physicians
despair of healing thee.
Valencia! Valencia! from a broken heart have I uttered all these
things which I have said of thee.
And this grief would I keep unto myself that none should know it, if
it were not needful that it should be known to all.
XVIII
Now all the trouble and distress which the men of Valencia
endured, pleased Abeniaf well, because they had forsaken him and
followed the sons of Aboegib; and he said that it did not behove a man
to give advice unto those who would not listen to it, and that if
the people had hearkened to him they would not have been brought to
this misery; and what evil they endured was because of the sons of
Aboegib, who lacked wit to be well with any one, or to do any thing.
These things Abeniaf said daily to all who came to visit him: so
that the people great as well as little began to talk thereof,
saying that Abeniaf spake truly. And the Christians fought against
them every day, and prest them close, and the price of food
increased daily: and they withdrew themselves from the love of the
sons of Aboegib, and thought that they had been ill advised to
follow their counsel, and that because of them all this evil was
come upon them, and they held them for fools. And the people cried out
upon Abeniaf that he should forgive them for having forsaken him,
and that he should protect them, and devise means for their
deliverance from this great trouble. And Abeniaf said that he would
have nothing to do with them more than as one of them; for if they
were in trouble, so was he: and what they stood in fear of, that did
he fear also; and that he could not give counsel to men who were
divided among themselves; and he said unto them that they must agree
among themselves, and be all of one mind to do one of these two
things;... either to forsake the sons of Aboegib and their counsel, or
to stand by it. And when he should see that they no longer opposed him
with their evil counsels and the bad way in which they were going
on, that he would then take counsel for them in such guise that they
should be at peace; for they knew how they had sped so long as they
let him direct them, and he trusted in God so to speed as that they
should have no war with the Cid, neither with any other. And they made
answer with one accord that they would trust in him and obey him,
and do all which he should command, for it had always been well with
them when they followed his advice.
XIX
Then the men of Valencia made Abeniaf their Adelantado, and promised
to abide by his counsel; howbeit this could not lightly be done, for
many of the people held with the others. And when Abeniaf saw that
they would have him for their chief, he said that they should make a
writing, and the chief persons of the town confirm it with their
names; and the people accorded that it should be so, and it was done
accordingly. Then he made offers to the Cid that they should pay him
tribute, and took counsel with him how to put the sons of Aboegib, and
those who held with them, out of the town; and their counsel was, that
the Cid should draw nigh to the walls, and speak unto the men of the
town, saying, that so long as they followed after the ways of the sons
of Aboegib, he would never grant them his love; and that all the
evil which he did unto them was because of them, and because they were
guided by them and by their evil counsel. And if they desired to speed
well they should send away the sons of Aboegib, and take Abeniaf to be
their chief, and give ear unto him. And the Cid came nigh unto the
walls and said these things, and moreover that he had great ruth for
them, for he loved them well; and if they would do according to his
words he would help them and protect them, as he had been wont to do
in the days of King Yahia; and he bade them look well to what they
were doing, and not suffer themselves to be brought to destruction.
And Abeniaf also said these things to those of his household and to
all those who talked with him, and asked of them why they would let
themselves be brought to destruction by the counsel of foolish men and
unwise. And this he said so often that they thought it was truth,
and they besought him that as he was their Adelantado now, he would
devise means for their deliverance, and how they might live in
peace; and he made answer that they were not to think he had forgotten
this, for he had laboured greatly with the Cid to obtain his love
for them, but the Cid had sworn that they should never have his love
till they had put the sons of Aboegib out of the town; when they had
done that, he would do whatsoever they should think good, but till
they had done it there should be no covenant between him and them. But
when the men of the town heard this they murmured greatly, and said
that he demanded a hard thing, and that it were better they should all
die than do this; and they talked concerning this matter three days,
being in doubt what they should do. And when Abeniaf saw that the
people were thus at a stand, he took counsel privily with the Cid, and
the good men who were on his side, how he might take them. And one
of the chief persons of Abeniaf's household went out with a great
company of horse and foot to seize the sons of Aboegib; and they
when they knew this, took shelter in the house of an Alfaqui, that
is to say, one learned in the law, who was held in much honour by
the Moors; and in this house, which was surrounded with an embattled
wall, they thought with the little company that they had with them, to
defend themselves, till the cry could go forth through the city, and
their friends come to their succour. And they who went to take them
set fire to the outer gates, and many of a baser sort gathered
together to see what the stir was. And they ascended the roof and
threw down tiles upon the assailants till they made them take
shelter under the eaves, and then the house was forced, and they
plundered all that they could find, and laid hands on the sons of
Aboegib and carried them to prison. All this was done before the cry
could go forth through the town; and all the kinsmen of the sons of
Aboegib were taken also: they were kept that day in prison, and when
it was night they were taken to the Cid, to his lodging in Alcudia,
and delivered into his hands.
XX
On the morrow there was a great stir among the men of the town,
and they were greatly troubled at this foul thing which Abeniaf had
done. But Abeniaf thinking that he should now have his desire, and
that all was done, took horse and rode forth with all his company to
the Bridge-end, to see Ruydiez the Cid. And the Bishop, as he was
called, of Albarrazin, came to meet him with a great company of
knights, being the chiefs of the company of the Cid, and they did
great honour unto him, thinking that he would give them something. And
they brought him to the lodging of the Cid, which was in the Garden of
the New Town; and the Cid came out to meet him at the garden gate, and
embraced him, and made much of him. And the first thing which he said,
was, to ask him why he had not put on kingly garments, for King he
was: and he bade him take off the coif which he wore, for it was not
what beseemed him now, and made semblance as if he would have held his
stirrups. And they stood talking awhile. Now the Cid thought Abeniaf
would not come to him with empty hands, and looked that he should give
him of the treasures and jewels that he had taken from King Yahia whom
he had slain; but when he saw that he brought nothing, then began
the Cid to talk of terms, and said unto him that if he desired to have
his love, and that there should be peace between them, he must
divide with him the rents of the town, as well what was collected
within as without, and that he would have his own Almoxarife to see to
this and collect his share. And Abeniaf made answer that it should
be so. And the Cid demanded of him his son as hostage, that he might
keep him in Juballa, for otherwise he said he could not be secure. And
Abeniaf agreed to this also; so they parted for that day, having
appointed that they should meet on the morrow, and confirm this
covenant by writings so that it should be good. Then Abeniaf
returned into the city, full sorrowful and taking great thought; and
then he saw the foolishness that he had done in sending away the
Almoravides out of the land, and in putting his trust in men of
another law. And on the morrow the Cid sent for him that he should
come out and confirm the covenant; but Abeniaf sent him word that he
would not give him his son, even though he knew he should lose his
head for refusing. And the Cid sent him a letter with great threats,
saying, that since he had thus deceived him, there should never more
be love between them, nor would he ever believe aught which he
should say. And then the hatred between them waxed very great. And the
Cid sent unto that Moor who had taken the sons of Aboegib and bade him
leave the town, and go unto the Castle which was called Alcala; and he
obeyed and went thither, for he dared not do otherwise than as the Cid
commanded. And he did great honours to the sons of Aboegib and to
their kinsmen, and gave orders that they should be provided with all
things which they needed, and gave them garments, and promised that he
would be their great friend. At this time three good men of Valencia
died, who were the most honourable of the town and of the most
discretion, and Abeniaf was left as Chief, for there was none to
gainsay him.
XXI
And the Cid made war afresh upon the city as cruelly as he could,
and the price of bread was now three times as great as it had been
at the beginning; the load of wheat was worth a hundred maravedis of
silver, and the pound of flesh was a maravedi. And the Cid drew nigh
unto the walls, so as to fight hand to hand with the townsmen. And
Abeniaf waxed proud and despised the people, and when any went to make
complaint before him, and ask justice at his hands, he dishonoured
them, and they were evil entreated by him. And he was like a King,
retired apart, and trobadors and gleemen and masters disported
before him which could do the best, and he took his pleasure. And they
of the town were in great misery, from the Christians who warred
upon them from without, and the famine whereof they died within.
Moreover Abeniaf oppressed them greatly, and he took himself all the
goods of those who died, and he made all persons equal, the good and
the bad, and took from all all that he could; and those who gave him
nothing he ordered to be tormented with stripes, and cast into
rigorous prisons, till he could get something from them. And he had no
respect neither for kinsman nor friend. There was but one measure
for all, and men cared nothing now for their possessions, so that
the sellers were many and the buyers none. And with all these miseries
the price of food became exceeding great, for the cafiz of wheat was
priced at ninety maravedis, and that of barley at eighty, and that
of panic at eighty and five, and that of all pulse at sixty, and the
arroba of figs seven, and of honey twenty, and of cheese eighteen, and
of carobs sixteen, and of onions twelve, and the measure of oil
twenty: flesh there was none, neither of beast nor of anything else;
but if a beast died, the pound was worth three maravedis. And they
were so weak with hunger that the Christians came to the wars and
threw stones in with the hand, and there was none who had strength
to drive them back.
XXII
And the Cid having it at heart to take the town, let make an engine,
and placed it at one of the gates, and it did great hurt both to the
walls and within the town; and the Moors made other engines, with
the which they brake that of the Cid. And the Cid in his anger let
make three engines, and placed them at the three gates of the town,
and they did marvellous great hurt. And food waxed dearer every day,
till at last dear nor cheap it was not to be had, and there was a
great mortality for famine; and they ate dogs and cats and mice. And
they opened the vaults and privies and sewers of the town, and took
out the stones of the grapes which they had eaten, and washed them,
and ate them. And they who had horses fed on them. And many men, and
many women, and many children watched when the gates were open, and
went out and gave themselves into the hands of the Christians, who
slew some, and took others, and sold them to the Moors in Alcudia; and
the price of a Moor was a loaf and a pitcher of wine: and when they
gave them food and they took their fill, they died. Them that were
stronger they sold to merchants who came there by sea from all
parts. And the Moors of Alcudia, and of the town which the Cid had
made there, had plenty of all things, and as great as was their
abundance, even so great was the misery of those in the town: and they
spake the verse which sayeth, If I go to the right the water will
destroy me, and if I go to the left the lion will kill me, and if I
turn back there is the fire.
XXIII
Now the Moors of Valencia being in this great misery because of
the siege which the Cid laid unto the town, Abeniaf bethought him that
he would send a messenger to the King of Zaragoza, and beseech him
to come to his succour, even as he had succoured the grandson of
Alimaymon, when the Lord of Denia and Tortosa came against him. And
the good men of the town took counsel whether they should say in these
letters, To you the King, or whether they should humble themselves
before him and call him Lord; and they debated upon this for three
days, and agreed that they would call him Lord, that he might have the
more compassion upon them. And though Abeniaf was troubled at heart at
this determination, nevertheless he said in the letter as they had
appointed. And he called a Moor who spake the mixed language, and
instructed him how to get out of the city by night, so that the
Christians might not see him, and told him that when he had given that
letter to the King of Zaragoza, the King would give him garments,
and a horse, and a mule to ride on, and that he himself would show
favour unto him as long as he lived. So the messenger departed with
the letter. And the famine in the town waxed greater, and food was not
now bought by the cafiz, neither by the fanega, but by ounces, or at
most by the pound. And the pound of wheat cost a maravedi and a
half, and that of barley a maravedi, and that of panic a maravedi
and a quarter, and of pulse a maravedi, and of flax-seed three parts
of a maravedi, and of cheese three dineros, and of honey three, and of
figs one; and the panilla of oil was eight dineros, and the pound of
colewort five, and the ounce of carobs three parts of a dinero, and
the ounce of onions the same, and the head of garlick the same; and
a pound of beast's flesh was six maravedis, and grape-stones were half
a dinero the pound, and the skins of kine and of beasts five
dineros: the dinero was silver, for there was no money current save
silver and gold.
XXIV
When the King of Zaragoza saw the letter which Abeniaf and the men
of Valencia had sent him, he gave no heed to it, neither cared he
for the messenger, neither did he give him even a draught of water for
his reward. And the messenger waited for his answer from day to day
for three weeks, and he dared not depart without it for fear lest
Abeniaf should slay him; and he thought also that some of the King's
people would come out after him and slay him upon the way:
and he was urgent for his answer, and began at last to cry aloud at
the gate of the King's house, so that the King asked of what that
messenger was making his complaint. Then they told the King that he
wanted his answer that he might be gone. And the King wrote an
answer and said, that this aid which they besought of him he could not
give till he had sent to ask help of King Don Alfonso of Castille, for
he could not else venture to do battle with the Cid. And he exhorted
them to defend themselves the best they could while he procured
horsemen from King Don Alfonso to help them, and that they should from
time to time send him word how they went on. So the messenger returned
in great sorrow that he had sped no better, and that nothing had
been given him as Abeniaf had promised: and all this which the King of
Zaragoza said was only delay, and meant nothing. And the famine now
waxed so great that there was no food to sell, and many died of
hunger. And many for great misery went out to the Christians,
recking not whether they should be made captive, or slain, for they
thought it better to be slain than to perish for lack of food. And
Abeniaf searched all the houses in the town for food, and where he
found any store, he left only what would suffice for a fortnight,
and took the rest, saying that in that time the King of Zaragoza would
come and relieve them, for that he only tarried to collect great store
of food, that he might bring it with him. This he said to keep the
people quiet, and to encourage them. And of the food which he
carried away he took the most part for himself and for his guards, and
the rest he ordered to be sold in such manner that none should buy
more than would suffice him for the day. And what he took he did not
pay for, and when the people demanded payment he put them off till
another day; and he bade them not complain, for they would be relieved
from this misery, and then he would pay them well. And they who had
any food left buried it for fear, and for this reason there was none
to be bought, neither dear nor cheap. And they who had nothing else,
ate herbs, and leather, and electuaries from the apothecaries which
they bought at a great price, and the poor ate the dead bodies.
XXV
Now Abeniaf had no hope of succour save only from the King of
Zaragoza, who had sent to bid him hold out; and he sent to him every
night to tell him of the great misery there was in Valencia, and the
King of Zaragoza returned for answer that King Don Alfonso had sent
him a great body of horsemen with Garcia Ordonez, and would come
himself after them; and he sent in this letter another letter
written with his own hand, and which was to be shown to the good men
of the town, privily; and he said therein, with great oaths to confirm
it, that he would without fail come and deliver them, for it was a
great grief to him to think what they endured, and that this was as
great sorrow to him, as theirs could be. And certain of the King's
favourites wrote to Abeniaf also after the same manner, telling him
that he would surely come; howbeit one of his favourites who had
compassion upon the men of Valencia sent a covert message to warn
them, saying, That the King of Zaragoza would build a tower in Alcudia
de Tudela; the meaning of this was, that all the King said, was only
to put them off. Abeniaf did not understand it, and sent to ask him
what it was that he had said; but the other made him no reply. Then
the King of Zaragoza sent two messengers to the Cid with jewels and
rich presents, and besought him that he would not distress the men
of Valencia so greatly, and also that he would let his messengers
enter the town that they might speak with Abeniaf. This the Cid
would not permit; howbeit they found means to send in a letter,
saying, Wit ye that I send to entreat the Cid that he will not do so
great evil unto you, and I give him jewels and rich presents that he
may do my will in this, and I believe that he will do it. But if he
should not, I will gather together a great host, and drive him out
of the land. Howbeit these were but dissembling words, for the King of
Zaragoza and the Cid were friends and were of one accord, that the Cid
should take Valencia and give it the King, who should give him great
treasures in return.
XXVI
Then the Cid began to treat with a great Moor of the town, named
Abenmoxiz that he should rise up against Abeniaf, and kill him or
deliver him into his hands, and that he would make him Lord over
Valencia, and the country as far as Denia. And Abenmoxiz took
counsel with his friends, and they advised him that he should do this:
but Abeniaf knew of their counsel, and took them, and put them in
prison, and gave them in charge to two of his household in whom he had
great trust. And Abenmoxiz talked with his keepers, and told them
all that he proposed to do, and promised them, if they would release
him, to reward them greatly when he had succeeded, saying, that he
undertook this with the consent and advice of the King of Zaragoza: so
they were persuaded and promised to join with him. And when it was
night Abenmoxiz and his friends and the two keepers agreed to seize
the Alcazar, which was the place wherein they were imprisoned, and
to beat the alarm, and raise a cry for the King of Zaragoza; and
they thought the men of the town would join with them, and then they
would go to the house of Abeniaf and lay hands on him. And they did
accordingly, and beat a drum, and sent a cryer upon the tower of the
Mosque to bid all the people assemble at the Alcazar. And when the
people heard that drum and that cryer they were in great fear, and
knew not what to think: and they assembled some to guard their own
houses, other some to guard the tower, till they knew what it was. And
when Abeniaf heard it, he was greatly dismayed, and he asked of all
whom he found at his gates, what the uproar was, and what this thing
might be. In short time all they who were on his side, both horse
and foot, assembled together, and then they knew what it was; and he
bade them go to the Alcazar and take Abenmoxiz, and all that held with
him. Abenmoxiz this while was at the gate of the Alcazar with his
little company, thinking that the whole town would join him; and
behold Abeniaf's company came up and charged him; and he thought to
defend himself with the few that were with him, but the most part
fled, and he with four others was taken; and they led them with
great shame to the house of Abeniaf, who sent him to prison, and
gave orders to smite off the heads of the others. And Abeniaf sent
to lay hands on all whom he suspected, and took from them all that
they had. And he sent messengers to the King of Zaragoza to tell him
what had chanced, and they took with them Abenmoxiz prisoner, and they
were charged to remain at Zaragoza, and send him true tidings from
thence.
XXVII
Now there was no food to be bought in the city, and the people
were in the waves of death: and men were seen to drop and die in the
streets, and the Place of the Alcazar round about the walls thereof
was full of graves, and there was no grave which had fewer than ten
bodies in it. As many as could fled out of the town, and delivered
themselves up to the Christians to be made prisoners. The Cid
thought that they who were the Chiefs within the walls, thrust out the
poor and feeble, that they might be able to hold out longer; and it
troubled him, for he thought to take the town by starving it, and he
feared the coming of the Almoravides. Sometimes it troubled him, and
at other times he seemed pleased that the Moors should come out and
give themselves prisoners to his people. Now it befell that once, at
such time as it seemed to please him, some of the chief men of the
town came out in this manner, and counselled him that he should attack
it, for they said the men at arms were few, and weak for hunger, and
that he might presently win it: and the Cid took thought upon this
matter, and resolved to do as they said; and he gathered together
his host and advanced against the gate which is called Belfanhanes,
that is to say, the Gate of the Snake, and they drew nigh unto the
wall. And all the people of the town assembled, even all the force
which was therein, and threw down stones from the gate and from the
wall, and shot their arrows, so that neither stone nor arrow fell in
vain; and the Cid and they who had advanced with him went into a
bath which was near the wall, to be under cover from the arrows. And
Abeniaf's company opened the gate and sallied out, seeing that the
stones and arrows from the wall had hurt many, and made the Christians
draw back; and the Cid and they who were with him remained in the
bath, being shut up there, for they could not go out by the door
whereat they had entered, and they broke through the wall on the other
side, and the Cid escaped that way, being thus put to rout. Then he
thought himself ill advised in having attacked the town, and in
putting himself into a place from whence he had escaped with such
great danger; and he held that the worst war which he could make
upon the men of Valencia was to let them die of hunger. So he
ordered proclamation to be made so loud that all the Moors upon the
walls could hear, bidding all who had come out from the town to return
into it, or he would burn as many as he should find; and saying also
that he would slay all who came out from that time forth. Nevertheless
they continued to let themselves down from the walls, and the
Christians took them without his knowledge. But as many as he found he
burnt alive before the walls, so that the Moors could see them; in one
day he burnt eighteen, and cast others alive to the dogs, who tore
them in pieces. They who could hide any sent them away by sea and by
land to be sold; the most whom they sent were young men and girls, for
others they would not take; and many virgins they kept for themselves.
And if they knew that any who came out, had left kinsmen or friends in
the town who would give anything for them, they tortured them before
the walls, or hung them from the towers of the Mosques which were
without the city, and stoned them; and when they in the town saw
this they gave ransom for them, that they might be permitted to
dwell in Alcudia with the Moors who were in peace with the Cid. This
continued for two months, till there were only four beasts left in the
town, and one was a mule of Abeniaf's and another was a horse of his
son's; and the people were so wasted that there were but few who had
strength to mount the wall.
XXVIII
The company of Abeniaf and of his kinsmen despaired now of holding
out, and of the help of the King of Zaragoza, or of the Almoravides,
and they desired rather to die than endure this misery. And the good
men of the city, as many as were left, went to an Alfaqui, who was a
good man, and one who was held in great esteem, and besought him to
give them counsel, for he saw their great distress, and how they
were out of all hope of succour; and they besought him that he would
go to Abeniaf, and know of him what he thought to do, or what hope
he had, that he let them all perish thus. The Alfaqui gave ear to
them, and said that if they would all hold together, and be of one
heart, and show great anger at having been brought to this misery,
he would do all he could to relieve them; and they promised to do
whatever he should advise. Now Abeniaf knew of the talk which the good
men of the town had had with the Alfaqui, and understood that it was
because of the great misery which they endured; and he thought in
his heart that he would humble himself, and do whatever his people
should think good. And the Alfaqui thought that happy man was his dole
now that the people had committed themselves to his guidage, and he
went to Abeniaf and communed with him, and their accord was to give up
all hope of succour. And Abeniaf put himself in the hands of the
Alfaqui, that he should go between him and the Cid and the people of
Valencia and make the best terms for them that he could, seeing that
they could no longer hold out, and maintain the town.
XXIX
Here the history relates that at this time Martin Pelaez the
Asturian came with a convoy of laden beasts, carrying provisions to
the host of the Cid; and as he passed near the town the Moors
sallied out in great numbers against him; but he, though he had few
with him, defended the convoy right well, and did great hurt to the
Moors, slaying many of them, and drove them into the town. This Martin
Pelaez who is here spoken of, did the Cid make a right good knight, of
a coward, as ye shall hear. When the Cid first began to lay siege to
the city of Valencia, this Martin Pelaez came unto him; he was a
knight, a native of Santillana in Asturias, a hidalgo, great of body
and strong of limb, a well made man and of goodly semblance, but
withal a right coward at heart, which he had shown in many places when
he was among feats of arms. And the Cid was sorry when he came unto
him, though he would not let him perceive this; for he knew he was not
fit to be of his company. Howbeit he thought that since he was come he
would make him brave whether he would or not. And when the Cid began
to war upon the town, and sent parties against it twice and thrice a
day, as ye have heard, for the Cid was always upon the alert, there
was fighting and tourneying every day. One day it fell out that the
Cid and his kinsmen and friends and vassals were engaged in a great
encounter, and this Martin Pelaez was well armed; and when he saw that
the Moors and Christians were at it, he fled and betook himself to his
lodging, and there hid himself till the Cid returned to dinner. And
the Cid saw what Martin Pelaez did, and when he had conquered the
Moors he returned to his lodging to dinner. Now it was the custom of
the Cid to eat at a high table, seated on his bench, at the head.
And Don Alvar Fanez, and Pero Bermudez, and other precious knights,
ate in another part, at high tables, full honourably, and none other
knights whatsoever dared take their seats with them, unless they
were such as deserved to be there; and the others who were not so
approved in arms ate upon estrados, at tables with cushions. This
was the order in the house of the Cid, and every one knew the place
where he was to sit at meat, and every one strove all he could to gain
the honour of sitting to eat at the table of Don Alvar Fanez and his
companions, by strenuously behaving himself in all feats of arms;
and thus the honour of the Cid was advanced. This Martin Pelaez,
thinking that none had seen his badness, washed his hands in turn with
the other knights, and would have taken his Place among them. And
the Cid went unto him, and took him by the hand and said, You are
not such a one as deserves to sit with these, for they are worth
more than you or than me; but I will have you with me: and he seated
him with himself at table. And he, for lack of understanding,
thought that the Cid did this to honour him above all the others. On
the morrow the Cid and his company rode towards Valencia, and the
Moors came out to the tourney; and Martin Pelaez went out well
armed, and was among the foremost who charged the Moors, and when he
was in among them he turned the reins, and went back to his lodging;
and the Cid took heed to all that he did, and saw that though he had
done badly he had done better than the first day. And when the Cid had
driven the Moors into the town he returned to his lodging, and as he
sate down to meat he took this Martin Pelaez by the hand, and seated
him with himself, and bade him eat with him in the same dish, for he
deserved more that day than he had the first. And the knight gave heed
to that saying, and was abashed; howbeit he did as the Cid commanded
him: and after he had dined he went to his lodging and began to
think upon what the Cid had said unto him, and perceived that he had
seen all the baseness which he had done; and then he understood that
for this cause he would not let him sit at board with the other
knights who were precious in arms, but had seated him with himself,
more to affront him than to do him honour, for there were other
knights there better than he, and he did not show them that honour.
Then resolved he in his heart to do better than he had done
heretofore. Another day the Cid and his company and Martin Pelaez rode
towards Valencia, and the Moors came out to the tourney full
resolutely, and Martin Pelaez was among the first, and charged them
right boldly; and he smote down and slew presently a good knight,
and he lost there all the bad fear which he had had, and was that
day one of the best knights there: and as long as the tourney lasted
there he remained, smiting and slaying and overthrowing the Moors,
till they were driven within the gates, in such manner that the
Moors marvelled at him, and asked where that Devil came from, for they
had never seen him before. And the Cid was in a place where he could
see all that was going on, and he gave good heed to him, and had great
pleasure in beholding him, to see how well he had forgotten the
great fear which he was wont to have. And when the Moors were shut
up within the town, the Cid and all his people returned to their
lodging, and Martin Pelaez full leisurely and quietly went to his
lodging also, like a good knight. And when it was the hour of eating
the Cid waited for Martin Pelaez, and when he came, and they had
washed, the Cid took him by the hand and said, My friend, you are
not such a one as deserves to sit with me from henceforth, but sit you
here with Don Alvar Fanez, and with these other good knights, for
the good feats which you have done this day have made you a
companion for them; and from that day forward he was placed in the
company of the good. And the history saith that from that day
forward this knight Martin Pelaez was a right good one, and a right
valiant, and a right precious, in all places where he chanced among
feats of arms, and he lived always with the Cid, and served him
right well and truly. And the history saith, that after the Cid had
won the city of Valencia, on the day when they conquered and
discomfited the King of Seville, this Martin Pelaez was so good a one,
that setting aside the body of the Cid himself, there was no such good
knight there, nor one who bore such part, as well in the battle as
in the pursuit. And so great was the mortality which he made among the
Moors that day, that when he returned from the business the sleeves of
his mail were clotted with blood, up to the elbow; insomuch that for
what he did that day his name is written in this history, that it
may never die. And when the Cid saw him come in that guise, he did him
great honour, such as he never had done to any knight before that day,
and from thenceforward gave him a place in all his actions and in
all his secrets, and he was his great friend. In this knight Martin
Pelaez was fulfilled the example which saith, that he who betaketh
himself to a good tree, hath good shade, and he who serves a good Lord
winneth good guerdon; for by reason of the good service which he did
the Cid, he came to such good state that he was spoken of as ye have
heard: for the Cid knew how to make a good knight, as a good groom
knows how to make a good horse. The history now leaves to speak of
him, and returns to the accord of the Alfaqui and Abeniaf, which
they propounded unto the Cid.
XXX
This Alfaqui sent his messengers to an Almoxarife of the Cid whose
name was Abdalla Adiz, who was a good man and one whom the Cid
loved, and who never left him after he had obtained his favour. And
when Abdalla Adiz heard that they wished to propose terms, he spake
with the Cid upon this matter, and the Cid bade him enter the town,
and speak with them, and know of them what they would have. And he
went into the town, and spake with them as the Cid had commanded,
and came out again, and reported unto him what they had said, till
he had made terms between them. Abeniaf sent three good men with him
to confirm the terms which were made, and the covenant was after
this manner, that they of Valencia should send messengers to the
King of Zaragoza, and to Ali Abenaxa who was Adelantado of the
Almoravides and Lord of Murcia, beseeching them to succour them within
fifteen days; and if within that time they were not succoured they
should then give up the city to the Cid, with such conditions, that
Abeniaf should remain mighty in the town, as he had been before, his
person being secure and all that he had, and his wives, and his
children, and that he should remain Veedor, that is to say,
Overseer, of all the rents of the town, he and the Almoxarife of the
Cid, and a Moor who was called Musa should be Guazil of the town; this
Musa had looked after the affairs of the Cid in the time of King
Yahia, and never forsook him after the death of the King his Lord; and
the Cid made him Alcayde of a Castle, and always found him loyal,
and at his service, and for this reason trusted he in him so as to
make him Guazil, who should keep the keys of the town, with a guard of
Almocadenes, and of Christian foot-men of Almogavares who had been
born in the land of the Moors. And it was appointed that the Cid
should dwell in Juballa, in the town which he had made, and that he
should alter none of their privileges, nor of their customs, nor the
rents which they paid, nor their money.
XXXI
Presently on the morrow they sent five good men as messengers to the
King of Zaragoza, and as many more to Murcia; and it had been
covenanted that neither of these messengers should take with him
more than fifty maravedis for his journey, and that they should go
by sea as far as Denia, in a ship of the Christians, and from thence
by land. These messengers embarked with their company on board that
ship, and the Cid sent orders to the master thereof not to sail till
he came; and the Cid came himself in his own body and bade them search
the messengers to see if they took with them more than had been
agreed; and he found upon them great riches in gold and in silver
and in pearls and in precious stones; part was their own, and part
belonged to other merchants in the city, who thought to send it to
Murcia, not being minded to abide in Valencia: and he took it all,
leaving them no more than fifty maravedis each, according to the
covenant. This was the price of food on the day when these
messengers departed: the pound of wheat was three maravedis, and the
pound of barley one and a half, and the pound of panic three, saving a
quarter; the ounce of cheese three dineros, and the ounce of hemp seed
four, and the pound of colewort one maravedi and two dineros of
silver, and the pound of neat-skin one maravedi. In the whole town
there was only one mule of Abeniaf's, and one horse: another horse
which belonged to a Moor he sold to a butcher for three hundred and
eighty doblas of gold, bargaining that he should have ten pounds of
the flesh. And the butcher sold the flesh of that horse at ten
maravedis the short pound, and afterwards at twelve, and the head
for twenty doblas of gold.
XXXII
The Moors of Valencia were now something comforted, for they
weened that they should receive help, and the Christians did not now
war upon them; nevertheless they kept guard, and went the rounds, as
before, and waited for the day appointed, as one who looked to be
released from prison. And for this reason men began to bring out the
food which they had hidden, and to sell of it, and thus they went on
till the time expired, and the messengers were not returned. And
Abeniaf besought them that they would wait yet three days more, but
they made answer that they would not, for they could bear it no
longer. And the Cid sent unto them bidding them yield up the town,
as they had covenanted to do; and he swore with great oaths, that if
they delayed a single hour after the time was expired, he would not
keep the terms which he had made, and moreover that he would slay
the hostages; nevertheless they let a day pass over and above the
term. And then they who made the covenant with the Cid went out unto
him and besought him to come and receive the town, but the Cid said
wrathfully to them that he was not bound to keep the terms, seeing
they had let the time appointed pass; and they yielded themselves into
his hands that he should do with them according to his pleasure;
then he was moved to compassion, and had pity upon them. And Abeniaf
and other good men came out, and the writings were made and were
confirmed on both sides, by the Chiefs of the Christians and of the
Moors, and the gates were opened at the hour of noon, upon Thursday
the last day of June, after the feast of St. John, which the Moors
call Alhazaro. And when the gate was opened Abeniaf was there
within, with a great company round about him, both of his own people
and of those of the town; and the Christians as they entered
ascended the walls and towers. And Abeniaf asked why so many went
up, for it was not in the terms; but they would not cease for that,
and they took possession of all, little to his liking.
BOOK SEVEN
I
And all the people of the town gathered together, like men risen
from their graves,... yea, like the dead when the trumpet shall
sound for the day of judgment, and men shall come out of their
graves and be gathered together before the Majesty of God. And
hucksters came from Alcudia and brought bread and pulse to sell, and
others of the town went out to Alcudia to buy food; and they who
were poor, and had not wherewith to buy, plucked of the herbs of the
field and ate them, and they held themselves rich because they could
go out when they would, and enter in again without fear. And such as
were wise among them abstained from taking much food, fearing what
would happen, and they took it little by little till they had gotten
strength; all they who took their fill died, and the mortality among
them was so great that all the fields were full of graves.
II
On the following day after the Christians had taken possession of
the town, the Cid entered it with a great company, and he ascended the
highest tower of the wall, and beheld all the city; and the Moors came
unto him, and kissed his hand, saying he was welcome. And the Cid
did great honour unto them. And then he gave order that all the
windows of the towers which looked in upon the town should be closed
up, that the Christians might not see what the Moors did in their
houses; and the Moors thanked him for this greatly. And he commanded
and requested the Christians that they should show great honour to the
Moors, and respect them, and greet them when they met: and the Moors
thanked the Cid greatly for the honour which the Christians did
them, saying that they had never seen so good a man, nor one so
honourable, nor one who had his people under such obedience.
III
III
Now Abeniaf thought to have the love of the Cid; and calling to mind
the wrath with which he had formerly been received, because he had not
taken a gift with him, he took now great riches which he had taken
from those who sold bread for so great a price during the siege of
Valencia, and this he carried to the Cid as a present. Among those who
had sold it were some men from the Islands of Majorca, and he took
from them all that they had. This the Cid knew, and he would not
accept his gifts. And the Cid caused proclamation to be made in the
town and throughout the whole district thereof, that the honourable
men and knights and castellans should assemble together in the
garden of Villa Nueva, where the Cid at that time sojourned. And
when they were all assembled, he went out unto them, to a place
which was made ready with carpets and with mats, and he made them take
their seats before him full honourably, and began to speak unto
them, saying, I am a man who have never possessed a kingdom, neither I
nor any man of my lineage. But the day when I first beheld this city I
was well pleased therewith, and coveted it that I might be its Lord;
and I besought the Lord our God that he would give it me. See now what
his power is, for the day when I sate down before Juballa I had no
more than four loaves of bread, and now by God's mercy I have won
Valencia. And if I administer right and justice here God will let me
enjoy it, but if I do evil, and demean myself proudly and
wrongfully, I know that he will take it away. Now then let every one
go to his own lands, and possess them even as he was wont to have
and to hold them. He who shall find his field, or his vineyard, or his
garden, desert, let him incontinently enter thereon; and he who
shall find his husbanded, let him pay him that hath cultivated it
the cost of his labour, and of the seed which he hath sown therein,
and remain with his heritage, according to the law of the Moors.
Moreover I have given order that they who collect my dues take from
you no more than the tenth, because so it is appointed by the custom
of the Moors, and it is what ye have been wont to pay. And I have
resolved in my heart to hear your complaints two days in the week,
on the Monday and the Thursday; but if causes should arise which
require haste, come to me when ye will and I will give judgment, for I
do not retire with women to sing and to drink, as your Lords have
done, so that ye could obtain no justice, but will myself see to these
things, and watch over ye as friend over his friend, and kinsman
over his kinsman. And I will be Cadi and Guazil, and when dispute
happens among ye I will decide it. When he had said these things
they all replied that they prayed God to preserve him through long and
happy years, and four of the most honourable among them rose and
kissed his hands, and the Cid bade them take their seats again.
IV
Then the Cid spake unto them and said, It is told me that Abeniaf
hath done much evil, and committed great wrong towards some of ye,
in that he hath taken great riches from ye to present them to me,
saying, that this he did because ye sold food for a great price during
the siege. But I will accept of no such gift; for if I were minded
to have your riches, I could take them, and need not ask them
neither from him, nor from any other; but thing so unseemly as to take
that which is his from any one, without just cause, I will not do.
They who have gotten wealth thus, God hath given it them; let them
go to Abeniaf, and take back what he hath forced from them, for I will
order him to restore the whole. Then he said, Ye see the riches
which I took from the messengers who went to Murcia; it is mine by
right, for I took it in war because they brake the covenant which they
had made, and would have deceived me: nevertheless I will restore it
to the uttermost farthing, that nothing thereof shall be lost. And
ye shall do homage to me that ye will not withdraw yourselves, but
will abide here, and do my bidding in all things, and never depart
from the covenant which ye make with me; for I love ye, and am grieved
to think of the great evil and misery which ye endured from the
great famine, and of the mortality which there was. And if ye had done
that before which ye have done now, ye would not have been brought
to these sufferings and have bought the cafiz of wheat at a thousand
maravedis; but I trust in God to bring it to one maravedi. Be ye now
secure in your lands, and till your fields, and rear cattle; for I
have given order to my men that they offer ye no wrong, neither
enter into the town to buy nor to sell; but that they carry on all
their dealings in Alcudia, and this I do that ye may receive no
displeasure. Moreover I command them not to take any captive into
the town, but if this should be done, lay ye hands on the captive
and set him free, without fear, and if any one should resist, kill him
and fear not. I myself will not enter your city nor dwell therein, but
I will build me a place beside the Bridge of Alcantara, where I may go
and disport myself at times, and repair when it is needful. When he
had said these things he bade them go their way.
V
Well pleased were the Moors when they departed from him, and they
marvelled at the greatness of his promises, and they set their
hearts at rest, and put away the fear which they had had, thinking all
their troubles were over; for in all the promises which the Cid had
made unto them, they believed that he spake truth; but he said these
things only to quiet them, and to make them come to what he wished,
even as came to pass. And when he had done, he sent his Almoxarife,
Abdalla Adiz, to the Custom House, and made him appoint men to collect
the rents of the town for him, which was done accordingly. And when
the Cid had given order concerning his own affairs at his pleasure,
the Moors would fain have entered again into possession of their
heritages as he told them; but they found it all otherwise, for of all
the fields which the Christians had husbanded, they would not yield up
one; albeit they let them enter upon such as were left waste: some
said that the Cid had given them the lands that year, instead of their
pay, and other some that they rented them and had paid rent for the
year. So the Moors seeing this, waited till Thursday, when the Cid was
to hear complaints, as he had said unto them. When Thursday came all
the honourable men went to the Garden, but the Cid sent to say unto
them that he could not come out that day, because of other causes
which he had to determine; and he desired that they would go their way
for that time, and come again on the Monday: this was to show his
mastery. And when it was Monday they assembled again in the Garden,
and the Cid came out to them, and took his seat upon the estrado,
and the Moors made their complaint. And when he had heard them, he
began to make similitudes, and offer reasons which were not like those
which he had spoken the first day, for he said to them, I ask of ye,
whether it is well that I should be left without men? for if I were
without them, I should be like unto one who hath lost his right arm,
or to a bird that hath no wings, or to one who should do battle and
hath neither spear nor sword. The first thing which I have to look
to is to the well-being of my people, that they may live in wealth and
honour, so that they may be able to serve me, and defend my honour:
for since it has pleased God to give me the city of Valencia, I will
not that there be any other Lord here than me. Therefore I say unto
you and command you, if you would be well with me, and would that I
should show favour unto you, that ye see how to deliver that traitor
Abeniaf into my hands. Ye all know the great treason which he
committed upon King Yahia, his Lord and yours, how he slew him, and
the misery which he brought upon you in the siege; and since it is not
fitting that a traitor who hath slain his Lord should live among
you, and that his treason should be confounded with your loyalty,
see to the obeyment of my command.
VI
When the honourable Moors heard this they were dismayed; verily they
knew that he spake truth touching the death of the King, but it
troubled them that he departed from the promise which he had made; and
they made answer that they would take counsel concerning what he had
said, and then reply. Then five of the best and most honourable
among them withdrew, and went to Abdalla Adiz, and said unto him,
Areed us thy reed now the best and truest that thou canst, for thou
art of our law, and oughtest to do this: and the reason why we ask
counsel of thee is this. The Cid promised us many things, and now
behold he says nothing to us of what he said before, but moveth
other new reasons, at which great dismay hath seized us. And because
thou better knowest his ways, tell us now what is his pleasure, for
albeit we might wish to do otherwise, this is not a time wherein
anything but what he shall command can be done. When the Almoxarife
heard this he made answer, Good men, it is easy to understand what
he would have, and to do what should be done. We all know the great
treason which Abeniaf committed against ye all in killing your Lord
the King: for albeit at that time ye felt the burden of the
Christians, yet was it nothing so great as after he had killed him,
neither did ye suffer such misery. And since God hath brought him
who was the cause to this state, see now by all means how ye may
deliver him into the hands of the Cid. And fear not, neither take
thought for the rest; for though the Cid may do his pleasure in some
things, better is it to have him for Lord, than this traitor who
hath brought so much evil upon ye. Moreover the things of this world
soon pass away, and my heart tells me that we shall ere long come
out of the bondage of the Cid, and of the Christians, for the Cid is
well nigh at the full of his days, and we who remain alive after his
death, shall then be masters of our city. When the good men heard what
he said, they thanked him much, and held themselves to be well
advised, and said that they would do willingly what he bade them:
and they returned forthwith to the Cid, and said unto him that they
would fulfil his commandment. Incontinently did the good men dispeed
themselves of the Cid, and they went into the city, and gathered
together a great posse of armed men, and went to the place where
Abeniaf dwelt; and they assaulted the house and brake the doors, and
entered in and laid hands on him, and his son, and all his company,
and carried them before the Cid. And the Cid ordered Abeniaf to be
cast into prison, and all those who had taken counsel with him for the
death of King Yahia.
VII
VII
When this was done, the Cid said unto the good men, Now that ye have
fulfilled my bidding, I hold it good to show favour unto you in that
which ye yourselves shall understand to be fitting for me to grant.
Say therefore what ye would have, and I will do that which I think
behoveth me: but in this manner, that my dwelling place be within
the city of Valencia, in the Alcazar, and that my Christian men have
all the fortresses in the city. And when the good men heard this, they
were greatly troubled: howbeit they dissembled the sorrow which they
resented, and said unto him, Sir Cid, order it as you think good,
and we consent thereto. Then said he unto them that he would observe
towards them all the uses and customs of their law, and that he
would have the power, and be Lord of all; and they should till their
fields and feed their flocks and herds, and give him his tenth, and he
would take no more. When the Moors heard this they were well
pleased, and since they were to remain in the town, and in their
houses and their inheritances, and with their uses and customs, and
that their Mosques were to be left them, they held themselves not to
be badly off. Then they asked the Cid to let their Guazil be the
same as he had first appointed, and that he would give them for
their Cadi the Alfaqui Alhagi, and let him appoint whom he would to
assist him in distributing justice to the Moors; and thus he himself
would be relieved of the wearisomeness of hearing them, save only when
any great occasion might befall. This Alhagi was he who made the
lamentation for Valencia, as ye have heard; and when the Cid was
peaceably established in Valencia, he was converted, and the Cid
made him a Christian. And the Cid granted this which they required,
and they kissed his hand, and returned into the town. Nine months
did the Cid hold Valencia besieged, and at the end of that time it
fell into his power, and he obtained possession of the walls, as ye
have heard. And one month he was practising with the Moors that he
might keep them quiet, till Abeniaf was delivered into his hands;
and thus ten months were fulfilled, and they were fulfilled on
Thursday the last day of June, in the year of the aera one thousand
one hundred and thirty and one, which was in the year one thousand
ninety and three of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. And when
the Cid had finished all his dealings with the Moors, on this day he
took horse with all his company in good array, his banner being
carried before him, and his arms behind: and in this guise, with great
rejoicings he entered the city of Valencia. And he alighted at the
Alcazar, and gave order to lodge all his men round about it, and he
bade them plant his banner upon the highest tower of the Alcazar. Glad
was the Campeador, and all they who were with him, when they saw his
banner planted in that place. And from that day forth was the Cid
possessed of all the Castles and fortresses which were in the
kingdom of Valencia, and established in what God had given him, and he
and all his people rejoiced.
VIII
VIII
On the morrow the Cid sent Abeniaf to Juballa, and they gave him
great tortures till he was at the point of death; and they kept him
there two days, and then brought him to Valencia to the Garden of
the Cid, and the Cid gave order that he should write with his own hand
an account of all that he had. And he did this, and wrote down the
carkanets, and rings, and costly garments, and rich apparel which he
had, and also many other precious household things, and the debts
which were due unto him. This the Cid did that he might see if all was
there which Abeniaf had taken when he slew the King his Master; and
the writing was read before the Cid. And the Cid sent for certain
Moors who were good and honourable men, and made Abeniaf be brought
before him, and demanded of him. if he had nothing more than what
was there written down; and he answered that he had not: and he bade
him swear this before the Moors, and Abeniaf swore accordingly. Then
the Cid sent privily to make search in all the houses of the friends
of Abeniaf, swearing unto them, that if they had any thing of his
and denied it, and it should afterwards be discovered, he would put
them to death, and moreover take from them all that they had. And they
when they heard this, partly in the fear of the Cid, and partly that
they might find favour with him, brought each of them great riches,
saying, Sir, Abeniaf gave us this in keeping, that if it might be
saved, he might share it with us. And he gave order to search and
dig in the houses of Abeniaf, and they found great treasure there in
gold and in silver, and in pearls, and in precious stones, all which a
servant discovered unto them. And when the Cid saw it all before him
it pleased him much, and he called for the Moors before whom Abeniaf
had taken the oath, and he took his seat upon the estrado full
nobly, and there in the presence of Christians and Moors he ordered
Abeniaf and all the other prisoners to be brought forth. And he bade
that Alfaqui whom he had made Cadi, and the other good men, judge by
what death he who had slain his Lord deserved to die, according to
their law, and who moreover was perjured, for he had sworn that he
possessed nothing more than what he had set down in writing: and the
Cadi and the other Moors said that according to their law, he and
his accomplices should be stoned: This, they said, we find in our law,
but you will do as you think good. Nevertheless we ask mercy of you
for his son, who is but a child; may it please you to set him free,
for he hath no fault in what his father hath done. And the Cid
answered, that for the love of them he pardoned the child, but that he
should depart from the city, for he would not have the son of a
traitor dwell therein. And he commanded them that they should stone
Abeniaf and all them who had taken counsel with him for the death of
the King, according as they had given sentence. Then the honourable
Moors rose and kissed his feet and his hands for the mercy which he
had shown to the son of Abeniaf; and they took out Abeniaf to stone
him, and other twenty and two with him. And the Cid bade them come
again to him on the morrow, and he would appoint what should be the
manner of his dwelling among them.
IX
That night the Cid spake with Alvar Fanez and with Pero Bermudez,
and all them who were of his council, and they resolved in what manner
they would live among the Moors. And on the morrow the honourable
Moors of Valencia assembled together in the Alcazar as they had been
commanded to do, and the Cid took his seat upon the estrado, and all
the honourable men round about him, and he spake unto them after
this manner: Good men of the Aljama of Valencia, ye know how I
served and defended King Yahia your Lord, and ye also, until his
death. And I had great sorrow for him, and strove to revenge him, as
ye know, and endured great hardships in winning Valencia. And since
God hath thought it good that I should be Lord thereof, I will have it
for myself, and for those who have holpen me to win it, saving the
sovereignty of King Don Alfonso of Castille, my Lord, whom God
preserve for his service long and happy years. Ye are all now in my
power, to do with ye whatever I will, both with your persons and
your riches, and your wives and your children; but I will not do thus.
And I hold it good that the honourable men among ye who have always
been loyal, remain in the city in their dwellings and with all their
family; and that none among ye keep more than one beast, which shall
be a mule, and that ye do not use arms, neither have them in your
possession, except when it is needful and I shall give command. And
all the rest of the people shall go out of the town and dwell in the
suburb of Alcudia, where I was wont to be. Ye shall have two
Mosques, one in the city and one in the suburb; and ye shall have your
Alfaquis and follow your own law; and ye shall have your Cadis, and
your Guazil, as I have appointed; and ye shall have your inheritances,
and pay me the tenth of the fruits thereof as your service; and the
power of justice shall be mine, and I will order such money to be
coined as I shall think good. Do ye therefore who are minded to
abide with me in the land, abide: and let those who are not, go, in
God's name, and good luck with them, but they shall take only their
own persons, and I will give command to see them escorted in safety.
When the Moors of Valencia heard this they were full sorrowful;
howbeit it was now a time when they could do no otherwise than as he
commanded. And incontinently they began to go out of the city with
their wives and children, all except those whom the Cid had commanded.
abide there; and as the Moors went out the Christians who dwelt in
Alcudia entered in. And the history saith, that so great was the
multitude which departed, that they were two whole days in going
out. Great was the joy of the Cid and his people that day, and from
thenceforward he was called My Cid the Campeador, Lord of Valencia.
X
Now was it bruited abroad throughout all lands, how the Cid
Ruydiez had won the noble city of Valencia. And when Ali Abenaxa the
Adelantado of the Almoravides knew it, he sent his son-in-law the King
of Seville to besiege him in Valencia, and gave him thirty thousand
men at arms. And this King came in great haste to Valencia, and
besieged the Cid therein. And the Cid made ready with all his
people, and went out to fight him. And the battle was nigh unto
Valencia, beside the garden which is called the Garden of Villa Nueva;
and it was a good battle, and at length he of the good fortune
conquered; and the pursuit continued as far as Xativa; even so far did
the Christians pursue them, smiting and slaying. And at the passage of
the Xucar there might you have seen confusion, and there the Moors
without liking it drank plenty of water. They say that fifteen
thousand Moors died in the river; and the King of Seville fled with
three great blows. This day did Martin Pelaez the Asturian approve
himself a right good one: there was no knight so good that day in arms
as he, nor who bore away such honour. And when the pursuit was ended
the Cid returned to the field of battle, and ordered the spoils of the
field and of the tents to be collected. Be it known that this was a
profitable day's work. Every foot soldier shared a hundred marks of
silver that day. And the Cid returned full honourably to Valencia.
Great was the joy of the Christians in the Cid Ruydiez, he who was
born in a good hour. His beard was grown, and continued to grow at
great length. My Cid said of his chin, For the love of King Don
Alfonso, who hath banished me from his land, no scissors shall come
upon it, nor shall a hair be cut away, and Moors and Christians
shall talk of it.
XI
That night the Cid took counsel with Alvar Fanez, who departed not
from his side, and with the other honourable men who were of his
council, concerning what should be done: for now that his people
were all rich, he feared lest they should return into their own
country, for my Cid saw that if they might go they would. And Minaya
advised him that he should cause proclamation to be made through the
city, that no man should depart without permission of the Cid, and
if any one went who had not dispeeded himself and kist his hand, if he
were overtaken he should lose all that he had, and moreover be fixed
upon a stake. And that they might be more certain, he said unto Minaya
that he would take account of all the people who were with him, both
horsemen and foot, and Pero Bermudez and Martin Antolinez made the
roll; and there were found a thousand knights of lineage, and five
hundred and fifty other horsemen, and of foot soldiers four
thousand, besides boys and others; thus many were the people of my
Cid, he of Bivar. And his heart rejoiced, and he smiled and said,
Thanks be to God, Minaya, and to Holy Mary Mother!... we had a smaller
company when we left the house of Bivar!
XII
XII
At this time there came a crowned one from the parts of the East,
that is to say, one who was shaven and shorn; his name was the
Bishop Don Hieronymo, a full learned man and a wise, and one who was
mighty both on horseback and afoot: and he came enquiring for the Cid,
wishing that he might see himself with the Moors in the field, for
if he could once have his fill of smiting and slaying them, Christians
should never lament him. And when the Cid knew this it pleased him
in his heart, and he took horse and went to visit him, and rejoiced
greatly that he was come; and he resolved to make Valencia a bishopric
and give it to this good Christian. And they took counsel, and it
was that on the morrow the Bishop and his clergy should turn the
Mosques into Churches, wherein they might sing masses, and sacrifice
the body of Jesus Christ. And rents were appointed for the table of
the Bishop and for his Canons, and for all the clergy in the city of
Valencia. And nine parish Churches were made. And the greatest was
called St. Pedro's, and another was called St. Mary of the Virtues.
This was near the Alcazar, and there the Cid went oftenest to hear
service. After this manner the Cid ordered his city that it should
be a Bishopric, for the honour of the Catholic faith. God! how
joyful was all Christendom that there was a Lord Bishop in the land of
Valencia!
XIII
XIII
Now the Cid bethought him of Dona Ximena his wife, and of his
daughters Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, whom he had left in the
Monastery of St. Pedro de Cardena; and he called for Alvar Fanez and
Martin Antolinez of Burgos, and spake with them, and besought them
that they would go to Castille, to King Don Alfonso his Lord, and take
him a present from the riches which God-had given them; and the
present should be a hundred horses, saddled and bridled; and that they
would kiss the King's hand for him, and beseech him to send him his
wife Dona Ximena, and his daughters, and that they would tell the King
all the mercy which God had shown him, and how he was at his service
with Valencia and with all that he had. Moreover he bade them take a
thousand marks of silver to the Monastery of St. Pedro de Cardena, and
give them to the Abbot, and thirty marks of gold for his wife and
daughters, that they might prepare themselves and come in honourable
guise. And he ordered three hundred marks of gold to be given them,
and three hundred marks of silver, to redeem the chests full of sand
which he had pledged in Burgos to the Jews; and he bade them ask
Rachel and Vidas to forgive him the deceit of the sand, for he had
done it because of his great need: and he said, You, Martin Antolinez,
were aiding and abetting herein, but praised be the name of the Lord
for ever, he hath let me quit myself truly; tell them that they
shall have more profit than they asked. And he bade them each take
with him his whole company, that they might be better advised and
accompanied, and that Dona Ximena might come with the greater
honour: and the company was this: two hundred knights who were of
Don Alvar Fanez, and fifty of Martin Antolinez: and he ordered money
to be given them for their disbursement, and for all things needful,
in abundance.
XIV
XIV
Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez went their way, and they found
the King in the city of Palencia. When they arrived he was coming from
mass, and seeing this goodly company of horsemen he stopped in the
church porch, and asked who they were. And it was told him that they
were people of the Cid, who came to him with a full great present. And
Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez alighted, and came to the King, and
kissed his hand; and he received them right well, and said, What
tidings bring ye me of the Cid, my true vassal, the most honourable
knight that ever was knighted in Castille? Well was Minaya pleased
when he heard this, and he said, A boon, Sir King Don Alfonso, for the
love of your Maker! My Cid sendeth to kiss your hands and your feet,
as his natural Lord, at whose service he is, and from whom he
expecteth much bounty and good. You banished him from the land; but
though in another's country, he hath only done you service. Five
pitched battles hath he won since that time, some with Moors and
some with bad Christians; and he hath taken Xerica, and Ondra, and
Almenar, and Monviedro which is a bigger place, and Cebola also, and
Castrejon, and Pena Cadiella which is a strong eminence, and with
all the right noble city of Valencia, for the honour of the faith of
Jesus Christ, and of you our Lord and King; and he hath made it a
Bishopric, and made the Honourable Don Hieronymo Bishop thereof with
his own hand. And behold here are a hundred horses of the spoils which
he hath won; they are great and swift, and are all bridled and
saddled, and he kisseth your hand and beseecheth you as his natural
Lord to receive them. When the King heard this he was greatly
astonished, and he lifted up his right hand and blessed himself, and
said, As St. Isidro shall keep me, I rejoice in the good fortune of
the Cid, and receive his gift full willingly. But though this
pleased the King it did not please Garcia Ordonez, and he said, It
seemeth there is not a man left in the land of the Moors, that the Cid
can thus do his pleasure! And the King said unto him, Hold thy
peace, for in all things he serves me better than thou. Then Alvar
Fanez kissed the King's hand again, and said, Sir, the Cid
beseecheth you of your bounty that he may have his wife Dona Ximena
and his two daughters, that they may go to Valencia unto him, from the
Monastery where he left them, for it is many days since he saw them,
and if it please you this would rejoice him. And the King made answer,
It pleases me well, and I will give them a guard throughout my
dominions, that they may be conducted honourably to the border: when
they have past it, the Campeador himself will look to them. And he
said, Hear me! all those whom I have disseized of their inheritances
for following the Campeador, I restore again to the possession
thereof, and all those who desire to serve him I freely licence: let
them go in the grace of God. Moreover the King said, I grant him
Valencia and all that he hath won and shall win hereafter, that he
be called Lord thereof, and that he hold it of no other Lordship
save of me, who am his liege Lord. Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez
kissed his hand for this in the Cid's name. And the King called a
porter, who should go with them, bearing a writing from the King, that
all things needful should be given unto them so long as they were in
his lands. Then Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez dispeeded
themselves of the King, and took their way towards Burgos.
XV
When they reached Burgos they sent for Rachel and for Vidas, and
demanded from them the chests, and paid unto them the three hundred
marks of gold and the three hundred of silver as the Cid had
commanded, and they besought them to forgive the Cid the deceit of the
chests, for it was done because of his great necessity. And they
said they heartily forgave him, and held themselves well paid; and
they prayed God to, grant him long life and good health, and to give
him power to advance Christendom, and put down Pagandom. And when it
was known through the city of Burgos the goodness and the gentleness
which the Cid had shown to these merchants in redeeming from them
the chests full of sand and earth and stones, the people held it for a
great wonder, and there was not a place in all Burgos where they did
not talk of the gentleness and loyalty of the Cid; and they besought
blessings upon him, and prayed that he and his people might be
advanced in honour. When they had done this, they went to the
Monastery of St. Pedro de Cardena, and the porter of the King went
with them, and gave order everywhere that every thing which they
wanted should be given them. If they were well received, and if
there was great joy in St. Pedro de Cardena over them, it is not a
thing to ask, for Dona Ximena and her daughters were like people
beside themselves with the great joy which they had, and they came
running out on foot to meet them, weeping plenteously for great joy.
And Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez, when they saw them coming, leapt
off their horses, and went to them, and Minaya embraced Dona Ximena
and both his cousins, Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, and so great was the
rejoicing which they made together that no man can tell it you. And
when this great joy was somewhat abated, Dona Ximena asked how the Cid
fared, for since he had parted from her she had heard no news of
him. And Alvar Fanez said he had left him safe and sound in
Valencia; and he bade her and her daughters thank God for the great
favour that he had shown him, for he had won sundry castles from the
Moors, and the noble city of Valencia, whither he was now come to
carry her and her daughters, for the Cid had sent for them, and when
he should see them his heart's desire would be accomplished. When Dona
Ximena and her daughters heard this, they set their knees to the
ground, and lifted up their hands and thanked God for the favour he
had shown to the Cid, and to them with him, in giving him the Lordship
of Valencia. While they were preparing for the journey, Alvar Fanez
sent three knights to the Cid to tell him how they had sped with the
King, and of the great favour which they had found at his hands, and
how he only tarried now to equip Dona Ximena, that she might come full
honourably. That good one Minaya then began to deck them out for the
journey with the best trappings which could be found in Burgos:
right noble garments did he provide for them, and a great company,
of damsels, and good palfreys, and great mules, which were not bad
ones. And he gave the Abbot the thousand marks of silver which the Cid
had sent for the Monastery, with which to discharge all the debt
that Dona Ximena and his daughters had contracted. Great was the
stir throughout all that land of the honour of the Cid, and of the
licence which the King gave to as many as should chuse to join him;
and for this reason full sixty knights came to St. Pedro de Cardena,
and a great number of squires on foot. Don Alvar Fanez was well
pleased to see them, and he promised them that he would obtain the
Cid's grace for them, and would befriend them all he could. Great dole
did the Abbot make when they departed; and he said, As God shall
help you, Minaya, kiss the hand of the Campeador for me. This
Monastery will never forget him, to pray for him every day in the
year. The Cid will always prosper more and more. Minaya promised to do
this, and dispeeded himself, and they went their way. Five days they
travelled, and then they came to Medina Celi; and always the porter of
the King was with them, and made all that they wanted be given unto
them, even as the King had commanded.
XVI
XVI
Now the three knights whom Alvar Fanez had sent, came to the Cid and
delivered their message. When my Cid heard it his heart rejoiced and
he was glad, and he spake with his mouth and said, He who sends good
messengers looks for good tidings. Blessed be the name of God, since
King Don Alfonso rejoices in my good fortune. And he called for Muno
Gustios, and Pero Bermudez, and the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and bade
them take a hundred knights lest there should be need to fight, and go
to Molina, to Abencano, who was his friend and vassal, and bid him
take another hundred knights, and go with them to Medina Celi as
fast as they could go. There, said he, ye will find Alvar Fanez and my
wife and daughters; bring them to me with great honour: I will
remain here in Valencia which has cost me so much; great folly would
it be if I were to leave it: I will remain in it, for I hold it for my
heritage. And they did as he commanded them. And when they came to
Molina, Abencano received them right well, and did them great
honour; and though the Cid had bidden him take only one hundred horse,
he took two. On the morrow they went to horse: they crossed the
mountains which are great and wild, and they passed Mata de Toranz
without fear, and they thought to come through the valley of Arbuxedo.
There was good look out kept in Medina, and Alvar Fanez sent two
knights to know who they were. They made no tarriance in doing this,
for they had it at heart; one tarried with them, and the other
returned, and said it was the host of the Campeador with Pero
Bermudez, and Muno Gustios, and the Bishop Hieronymo, and the
Alcayaz Abencano. This instant, said Minaya, let us to horse;
incontinently this was done, for they would make no delay. And they
rode upon goodly horses with bells at their poitrals and trappings
of sandall silk, and they had their shields round their necks, and
lances with streamers in their hands. Oh, how Alvar Fanez went out
from Castille with these ladies! They who pricked forward, couched
their spears and then raised them, and great joy was there by Salon
where they met. The others humbled themselves to Minaya: when Abencano
came up he kissed him on the shoulder, for such was his custom. In a
good day, Minaya, said he, do you bring these ladies, the wife and
daughters of the Cid, whom we all honour. Whatever ill we may wish him
we can do him none;... in peace or in war he will have our wealth, and
he must be a fool who does not acknowledge this truth. Alvar Fanez
smiled and told him he should lose nothing by this service which he
had done the Cid; and now, said he, let us go rest, for the supper
is ready. Abencano said he was well pleased to partake it, and that
within three days he would return him the entertainment two-fold. Then
they entered Medina, and Minaya served them; all were full glad of the
service which they had undertaken, and the King's porter paid for all.
The night is gone, morning is come, mass is said, and they go to
horse. They left Medina and past the river Salon, and pricked up
Arbuxuelo, and they crost the plain of Torancio. That good Christian
the Bishop Don Hieronymo, night and day he guarded the ladies; on a
goodly horse he rode, and they went between him and Alvar Fanez.
They came to Molina and there were lodged in a good and rich house,
and Abencano the Moor waited on them. Nothing did they want which they
could wish to have; he even had all their beasts new shod, and for
Minaya and the ladies, Lord! how he honoured them! On the morrow
they left Molina, and the Moor went with them. When they were within
three leagues of Valencia, news of their coming was brought to the
Cid. Glad was the Cid, never was he more joyful, never had he such
joy, for tidings were come to him of what he loved best. Two hundred
knights did he order out to meet them, others he bade to keep the
Alcazar, and the other high towers, and all the gates and entrances.
And he commanded that they should bring him Bavieca. It was but a
short time since he had won this horse; my Cid, he who girt on sword
in a happy hour, did not yet know if he was a good goer, and if he
stopt well. The Bishop Don Hieronymo, he pricked forward and entered
the city. He left his horse and went to the Church, and collected
all the clergy; they put on their surplices, and with crosses of
silver went out to meet the ladies, and that good one Minaya. He who
was born in happy hour made no tarriance; they saddled him Bavieca and
threw his trappings on. My Cid wore light armour, and his surcoat over
it: long was his beard. He went out upon this horse, and ran a
career with him; Bavieca was the name of the horse, and when he was
running all marvelled at him: from that day Bavieca was famous all
over Spain. At the end of the course my Cid alighted and went toward
his wife and his daughters. Who can tell the joy that was made at
their meeting? They fell at his feet, and their joy was such that they
could not speak. And he raised them up and embraced them, and kissed
them many times, weeping for joy that he saw them alive. Hear what
he said who was born in happy hour! You dear and honoured wife, and ye
my daughters, my heart and my soul; enter with me into Valencia;...
this is the inheritance which I have won for you. While they were thus
rejoicing the Bishop Don Hieronymo came with the procession. Dona
Ximena brought good relicks and other sacred things, which she gave to
ennoble the new Church of Valencia. In this guise they entered the
city. Who can tell the rejoicings that were made that day, throwing at
the board, and killing bulls! My Cid led them to the Alcazar, and took
them up upon the highest tower thereof, and there they looked around
and beheld Valencia, how it lay before them, and the Great Garden with
its thick shade, and the sea on the other side; and they lifted up
their hands to thank God. Great honour did the Cid do to Abencano
the Lord of Molina, for all the service which he had done to Dona
Ximena. Then said Abencano, This, Sir, I was bound to do, for since
I have been your vassal I have always been respected, and defended
from all my enemies, and maintained in good estate; how then should
I do otherwise than serve you? If I did not, I should lack
understanding. And the Cid thanked him for what he had done, and
what he had said, and promised also to show favour unto him. And
Abencano took his leave and returned to Molina.
XVII
XVII
The winter is past, and March is coming in. Three months Dona Ximena
had been in Valencia, when tidings came to the Cid from beyond sea,
that King Yucef, the son of the Miramamolin, who dwelt in Morocco, was
coming to lay siege unto Valencia with fifty thousand men. When the
Cid heard this he gave command to store all his Castles, and had
them well repaired. And he had the walls of the city prepared, and
stored it well with food and with all things needful for war, and
gathered together a great power of Christians and of the Moors of
his seignory. Hardly had he done this before he heard that Yucef was
near at hand, and coming as fast as he could come. Then the Cid
assembled together the Christians in the Alcazar, and when they were
assembled, he rose upon his feet and said, Friends and kinsmen and
vassals, praised be God and holy Mary Mother, all the good which I
have in the world I have here in Valencia; with hard labour I won
the city, and hold it for my heritage, and for nothing less than death
will I leave it. My daughters and my wife shall see me fight,...
they shall see with their own eyes our manner of living in this
land, and how we get our bread. We will go out against the Moors and
give them battle, and God who hath thus far shown favour unto us
will still continue to be our helper. When they heard this they
cried out with one accord that they would do his bidding, and go out
with him and fight under his banner, for certain they were that by his
good fortune the Moors would be overthrown.
XVIII
XVIII
On the morrow the Cid took Dona Ximena by the hand, and her
daughters with her, and made them go up upon the highest tower of
the Alcazar, and they looked towards the sea and saw the great power
of the Moors, how they came on and drew nigh, and began to pitch their
tents round about Valencia, beating their tambours and with great
uproar. And Ximena's heart failed her, and she asked the Cid if
peradventure God would deliver him from these enemies. Fear not,
honoured woman, said he; you are but lately arrived, and they come
to bring you a present, which shall help marry your daughters. Fear
not, for you shall see me fight by the help of God and holy Mary
Mother; my heart kindles because you are here! The more Moors the more
gain! The tambours sounded now with a great alarum, and the sun was
shining... Cheer up, said my Cid;... this is a glorious day. But
Ximena was seized with such fear as if her heart would have broken;
she and her daughters had never been in such fear since the day that
they were born. Then the good Cid Campeador stroked his beard and
said, Fear not, all this is for your good. Before fifteen days are
over, if it please God, those tambours shall be laid before you, and
shall be sounded for your pleasure, and then they shall be given to
the Bishop Don Hieronymo, that he may hang them up in the Church of
St. Mary, Mother of God. This vow the Cid Campeador made. Now the
Moors began to enter the gardens which were round about the town,
and the watchman saw them and struck the bell. My Cid looked back
and saw Alvar Salvadores beside him, and he said, Go now, take two
hundred horse, and sally upon yonder Moors who are entering the
gardens; let Dona Ximena and her daughters see the good will you
have to serve them. Down went Alvar Salvadores in great haste, and
ordered a bell to be rung which was a signal for two hundred knights
to make ready; for the history saith, that the Cid, by reason that
he was always in war, had appointed such signals for his people,
that they knew when one hundred were called for, and when two, and
so forth. Presently they were ready at the place of meeting, and the
gate was opened which was nearest the gardens where the Moors had
entered, without order; and they fell fiercely upon them, smiting
and slaying. Great was the pleasure of the Cid at seeing how well they
behaved themselves. And Dona Ximena and her daughters stood trembling,
like women who had never seen such things before: and when the Cid saw
it he made them seat themselves, so as no longer to behold it. Great
liking had the Bishop Don Hieronymo to see how bravely they fought.
Alvar Salvadores and his companions bestirred themselves so well
that they drove the enemy to their tents, making great mortality among
them, and then they turned back, whereat my Cid was well pleased;
but Alvar Salvadores went on, hacking and hewing all before him, for
he thought the ladies were looking on, and he pressed forward so
far, that being without succour he was taken. The others returned to
the city, falling back in brave order till they were out of reach of
the enemy: and they had done no little in that exploit, for they
slew above two hundred and fifty Moors. When my Cid saw that they
who eat his bread were returned, he went down from the tower, and
received them right well, and praised them for what they had done like
good knights: howbeit he was full sorrowful for Alvar Salvadores
that he should be in the hands of the Moors, but he trusted in God
that he should deliver him on the morrow.
XIX
XIX
And the Cid assembled his chief captains and knights and people, and
said unto them, Kinsmen and friends and vassals, hear me: to-day has
been a good day, and to-morrow shall be a better. Be you all armed and
ready in the dark of the morning; mass shall be said, and the Bishop
Don Hieronymo will give us absolution, and then we will to horse,
and out and smite them in the name of the Creator and of the Apostle
Santiago. It is fitter that we should live than that they should
gather in the fruits of this land. But let us take counsel in what
manner we may go forth, so as to receive least hurt, for they are a
mighty power, and we can only defeat them by great mastery in war.
When Alvar Fanez Minaya heard this, he answered and said, Praised be
God and your good fortune, you have achieved greater things than this,
and I trust in God's mercy that you will achieve this also. Give me
three hundred horse, and we will go out when the first cock crows, and
put ourselves in ambush in the valley of Albuhera; and when you have
joined battle we will issue out and fall upon them on the other
side, and on one side or the other God will help us. Well was the
Cid pleased with this counsel, and he said that it should be so; and
he bade them feed their horses in time and sup early, and as soon as
it was cock-crow come to the Church of St. Pedro, and hear mass, and
shrive themselves, and communicate, and then take horse in the name of
the Trinity, that the soul of him who should die in the business might
go without let to God.
XX
Day is gone, and night is come. At cock-crow they all assembled
together in the Church of St. Pedro, and the Bishop Don Hieronymo sung
mass, and they were shriven and assoyled, and houselled. Great was the
absolution which the Bishop gave them: He who shall die, said he,
fighting face forward, I will take his sins, and God shall have his
soul. Then said he, A boon, Cid Don Rodrigo; I have sung mass to you
this morning: let me have the giving the first wounds in this
battle! and the Cid granted him this boon in the name of God. Then
being all ready they went out through the gate which is called the
Gate of the Snake, for the greatest power of the Moors was on that
side, leaving good men to guard the gates. Alvar Fanez and his company
were already gone forth, and had laid their ambush. Four thousand,
lacking thirty, were they who went out with my Cid, with a good
will, to attack fifty thousand. They went through all the narrow
places, and bad passes, and leaving the ambush on the left, struck
to the right hand, so as to get the Moors between them and the town.
And the Cid put his battles in good array, and bade Pero Bermudez bear
his banner. When the Moors saw this they were greatly amazed; and they
harnessed themselves in great haste, and came out of their tents. Then
the Cid bade his banner move on, and the Bishop Don Hieronymo
pricked forward with his company, and laid on with such guise, that
the hosts were soon mingled together. Then might you have seen many
a horse running about the field with the saddle under his belly, and
many a horseman in evil plight upon the ground. Great was the
smiting and slaying in short time; but by reason that the Moors were
so great a number, they bore hard upon the Christians, and were in the
hour of overcoming them. And the Cid began to encourage them with a
loud voice, shouting God and Santiago! And Alvar Fanez at this time
issued out from ambush, and fell upon them, on the side which was
nearest the sea; and the Moors thought that a great power had
arrived to the Cid's succour, and they were dismayed, and began to
fly. And the Cid and his people pursued, punishing them in a bad
way. If we should wish to tell you how every one behaved himself in
this battle, it is a thing which could not be done, for all did so
well that no man can relate their feats. And the Cid Ruydiez did so
well, and made such mortality among the Moors, that the blood ran from
his wrist to his elbow! great pleasure had he in his horse Bavieca
that day, to find himself so well mounted. And in the pursuit he
came up to King Yucef, and smote him three times: but the King escaped
from under the sword, for the horse of the Cid passed on in his
course, and when he turned, the King being on a fleet horse, was far
off, so that he might not be overtaken; and he got into a Castle
called Guyera, for so far did the Christians pursue them, smiting
and slaying, and giving them no respite, so that hardly fifteen
thousand escaped of fifty that they were. They who were in the
ships, when they saw this great overthrow, fled to Denia.
XXI
XXI
Then the Cid and his people returned to the field and began to
plunder the tents. And the spoil was so great that there was no end to
the riches, in gold and in silver, and in horses and arms, so that men
knew not what to leave and what to take. And they found one tent which
had been King Yucef's; never man saw so noble a thing as that tent
was; and there were great riches therein, and there also did they find
Alvar Salvadores, who had been made prisoner the yesterday, as ye have
heard. Greatly did the Cid rejoice when he saw him alive and sound,
and he ordered his chains to be taken off; and then he left Alvar
Fanez to look to the spoil, and went into Valencia with a hundred
knights. His wrinkled brow was seen, for he had taken off his
helmet, and in this manner he entered, upon Bavieca, sword in hand.
Great joy had Dona Ximena and her daughters, who were awaiting him,
when they saw him come riding in; and he stopt when he came to them,
and said, Great honour have I won for you, while you kept Valencia
this day! God and the Saints have sent us goodly gain, upon your
coming. Look, with a bloody sword, and a horse all sweat, this is
the way that we conquer the Moors! Pray God that I may live yet awhile
for your sakes, and you shall enter into great honour, and they
shall kiss your hands. Then my Cid alighted when he had said this, and
the ladies knelt down before him, and kissed his hand, and wished
him long life. Then they entered the Palace with him, and took their
seats upon the precious benches. Wife Dona Ximena, said he, these
damsels who have served you so well, I will give in marriage to
these my vassals, and to every one of them two hundred marks of
silver, that it may be known in Castille what they have got by their
services. Your daughters' marriage will come in time. And they all
rose and kissed his hand; and great was the joy in the Palace, and
it was done according as the Cid had said.
XXII
XXII
Alvar Fanez this while was in the field writing and taking account
of the spoil: but the tents and arms and precious garments were so
many that they cannot be told, and the horses were beyond all
reckoning; they ran about the field, and there was no body to take
them, and the Moors of the land got something by that great overthrow.
Nevertheless so many horses were taken that the Campeador had to his
share of the good ones a thousand and five hundred. Well might the
others have good store when he had so many. And my Cid won in this
battle from King Yucef, his good sword Tizona, which is to say, the
firebrand. The tent of the King of Morocco, which was supported by two
pillars wrought with gold, he gave order not to be touched, for he
would send it to Alfonso the Castillian. The Bishop Don Hieronymo,
that perfect one with the shaven crown, he had his fill in that
battle, fighting with both hands; no one could tell how many he
slew. Great booty came to him, and moreover the Cid sent him the tithe
of his fifth. Glad were the Christian folk in Valencia for the great
booty which they had gotten, and glad was Dona Ximena and her
daughters, and glad were all those ladies who were married.
XXIII
XXIII
King Yucef, after the pursuit was given over, and he saw that he
might come forth from the Castle, fled to Denia, and embarked in his
ships, and returned to Morocco. And thinking every day how badly he
had sped, and how he had been conquered by so few, and how many of his
people he had lost, he fell sick and died. But before he died he
besought his brother, who was called Bucar, that for the tie there was
between them, he would take vengeance for the dishonour which he had
received from the Cid Campeador before Valencia; and Bucar promised to
do this, and swore also upon the Koran, which is the book of their
law. And accordingly he came afterwards across the sea, with nine
and twenty Kings, as shall be related when the time comes.
XXIV
XXIV
Then the Cid sent Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez with a present to
King Alfonso his Lord. And the present which he sent was two hundred
horses saddled and bridled, with each a sword hanging from the
saddle-bow: and also the noble tent which he had won from King Yucef
of Morocco. This present he gave, because the King had sent him his
wife and daughters when he asked for them, and because of the honour
which he had done them, and that the King might not speak ill of him
who commanded in Valencia. Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez went their
way towards Castille, over sierras and mountains and waters; and
they asked where the King was, and it was told them that he was at
Valladolid, and thither they went. And when they drew nigh unto the
city, they sent to let him know of their coming, and to ask of him
whether he thought it good for them to come into the city unto him, or
if he would come out to them, for they were a great company, and the
present a full great one, which he would see better without, than in
the town. And the King thought this best, and he went to horse, and
bade all the hidalgos who were with him do the like. Now the
Infantes of Carrion were there, Diego Gonzalez and Ferrando
Gonzalez, the sons of Count Don Gonzalo. And they found the company of
the Cid about half a league from the town, and when the King saw how
many they were, he blest himself, for they seemed like a host. And
Minaya and Pero Bermudez pricked on when they saw him, and came before
him, and alighted, and knelt down, and kissed the ground and kissed
both his feet: and he bade them rise and mount their horses, and would
not hear them till they had mounted, and taken their places one at his
right hand, and the other at his left. And they said, Sir, the Cid
commends himself to your grace as his liege Lord, and thanks you
greatly for having sent him with such honour his wife and daughters.
And know, Sir, that since they arrived, he hath achieved a great
victory over the Moors, and their King Yucef of Morocco, the
Miramamolin, who besieged him in Valencia with fifty thousand men. And
he went out against them, and smote them, and hath sent you these
two hundred horses from his fifth. Then Alvar Fanez gave order that
the horses should be led forward. And this was the manner in which
they came. The two hundred horses came first, and every one was led by
a child, and every one had a sword hanging from the saddle, on the
left side; and after them came the pages of all the knights in
company, carrying their spears, and then the company, and after them a
hundred couple with spears in rest. And when they had all past by, the
King blest himself again, and he laughed and said that never had so
goodly a present been sent before to King of Spain by his vassal.
And Alvar Fanez said moreover, Sir, he hath sent you a tent, the
noblest that ever man saw, which he won in this battle: and the King
gave order that the tent should be spread, and he alighted and went
into it, he and all his people, and he was greatly pleased; and they
all said that they had never seen so noble a tent as this: and the
King said he had won many from the Moors, but never such as this.
But albeit that all the others were well pleased, Count Don Garcia was
not so; and he and ten of his lineage talked apart, and said that this
which the Cid had done was to their shame, for they hated the Cid in
their hearts. And King Don Alfonso said, Thanks be to God and to Sir
Saint Isidro of Leon, these horses may do me good service; and he gave
three of them to Minaya, and Pero Bermudez, and bade them chuse, and
he ordered food and clothing to be given them while they remained, and
said that he would give them compleat armour when they returned,
such as was fit for them to appear in before my Cid. And they were
lodged, and all things that were needful provided for them and their
people.
XXV
XXV
When the Infantes of Carrion, Diego Gonzalez and Ferrando
Gonzalez, saw the noble present which the Cid had sent unto the
King, and heard how his riches and power daily increased, and
thought what his wealth must needs be when he had given those horses
out of the fifth of one battle, and moreover that he was Lord of
Valencia: they spake one with the other, and agreed, that if the Cid
would give them his daughters to wife, they should be well married,
and become rich and honourable. And they agreed together that they
would talk with the King in private upon this matter. And they went
presently to him, and said, Sir, we beseech you of your bounty to help
us in a thing which will be to your honour; for we are your vassals,
and the richer we are the better able shall we be to serve you. And
the King asked of them what it was they would have, and they then told
him their desire. And the King thought upon it awhile, and then came
to them, and said, Infantes, this thing which you ask lies not in
me, but in the Cid; for it is in his power to marry his daughters, and
peradventure he will not do it as yet. Nevertheless so that ye may not
fail for want of my help, I will send to tell him what ye wish. Then
they kissed his hand for this favour. And the King sent for Alvar
Fanez and Pero Bermudez, and went apart with them, and praised the
Cid, and thanked him for the good will which he had to do him service,
and said that he had great desire to see him. Say to him, he said,
that I beseech him to come and meet me, for I would speak with him
concerning something which is to his good and honour. Diego and
Ferrando, the Infantes of Carrion, have said unto me that they would
fain wed with his daughters, if it seemeth good to him; and methinks
this would be a good marriage. When Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez
heard this, they answered the King, and said, Certain we are, Sir,
that neither in this, nor in anything else will the Cid do aught but
what you, Sir, shall command or advise. When ye have your meeting ye
will agree concerning it as is best. Then they kissed his hand, and
took their leave.
XXVI
XXVI
On the morrow the messengers of the Cid departed from Valladolid,
and took their way towards Valencia; and when the Cid knew that they
were nigh at hand he went out to meet them, and when he saw them he
waxed joyful; and he embraced them, and asked what tidings of his Lord
Alfonso. And they told him how they had sped, and how greatly the King
loved him; and when we departed, said they, he bade us beseech you
to come and meet him anywhere where you will appoint, for he
desireth to speak with you, concerning the marriage of your
daughters with the Infantes of Carrion, if it should please you so
to bestow them: now by what the King said it seemeth unto us that this
marriage pleaseth him. And when the Cid heard this he became
thoughtful, and he said to them after awhile, What think ye of this
marriage? And they answered him, Even as it shall please you. And he
said to them, I was banished from my own country, and was dishonoured,
and with hard labour I gained what I have got; and now I stand in
the King's favour, and he asketh of me my daughters for the Infantes
of Carrion. They are of high blood and full orgulous, and I have no
liking to this match; but if our Lord the King adviseth it we can do
no otherwise: we will talk of this, and God send it for the best. So
they entered Valencia, and the Cid spake with Dona Ximena touching
this matter, and when she heard it it did not please her; nevertheless
she said, if the King thought it good they could do no otherwise. Then
the Cid gave order to write letters to the King, saying, that he would
meet the King as he commanded, and whatever the King wished that he
would do. And he sealed the letters well, and sent two knights with
them. And when the King saw the letters he was well pleased, and
sent others to say that the time of their meeting should be three
weeks after he received these letters, and the place appointed was
upon the Tagus, which is a great river.
XXVII
XXVII
Now began they to prepare on both sides for this meeting. He who
should relate to you the great preparations, and the great nobleness
which were made for the nonce, would have much to recount. Who ever
saw in Castille so many a precious mule, and so many a good-going
palfrey, and so many great horses, and so many goodly streamers set
upon goodly spears, and shields adorned with gold and with silver, and
mantles, and skins, and rich sendals of Adria? The King sent great
store of food to the banks of the Tagus, where the place of meeting
was appointed. Glad were the Infantes of Carrion, and richly did
they bedight themselves; some things they paid for, and some they went
in debt for: great was their company, and with the King there were
many Leonese and Galegos, and Castillians out of number. My Cid the
Campeador made no tarriance in Valencia; he made ready for the
meeting: there was many a great mule, and many a palfrey, and many a
good horse, and many a goodly suit of arms, cloaks, and mantels both
of cloth and of peltry;... great and little are all clad in colours.
Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Pero Bermudez, and Martin Munoz, and Martin
Antolinez that worthy Burgalese, and the Bishop Don Hieronymo that
good one with the shaven crown, and Alvar Alvarez, and Alvar
Salvadores, and Muno Gustios that knight of prowess, and Galind Garcia
of Aragon; all these and all the others made ready to go with the Cid.
But he bade Alvar Salvadores and Galind Garcia and all those who
were under them, remain and look with heart and soul to the safety
of Valencia, and not open the gates of the Alcazar neither by day
nor by night, for his wife and daughters were there, in whom he had
his heart and soul, and the other ladies with them; he like a good
husband gave order that not one of them should stir out of the Alcazar
till he returned. Then they left Valencia and pricked on more than
apace; more than a thousand knights, all ready for war, were in this
company. All those great horses that paced so well and were so soft of
foot, my Cid won; they were not given to him.
XXVIII
XXVIII
King Don Alfonso arrived first by one day at the place of meeting,
and when he heard that the Cid was at hand, he went out with all his
honourable men, more than a long league to meet him. When he who was
born in a good hour had his eye upon the King, he bade his company
halt, and with fifteen of the knights whom he loved best he
alighted, and put his hands and his knees to the ground, and took
the herbs of the field between his teeth, as if he would have eaten
them, weeping for great joy;... thus did he know how to humble himself
before Alfonso his Lord; and in this manner he approached his feet and
would have kissed them. And the King drew back and said, The hand, Cid
Campeador, not the foot! And the Cid drew nigh upon his knees and
besought grace, saying, In this guise grant me your love, so that
all present may hear. And the King said that he forgave him, and
granted him his love with his heart and soul. And the Cid kissed
both his hands, being still upon his knees; and the King embraced him,
and gave him the kiss of peace. Well pleased were all they who
beheld this, save only Alvar Diez and Garcia Ordonez, for they did not
love the Cid. Then went they all towards the town, the King and the
Cid talking together by the way. And the Cid asked the King to eat
with him, and the King answered, Not so, for ye are not prepared; we
arrived yesterday, and ye but now. Eat you and your company
therefore with me, for we have made ready. Today, Cid Campeador, you
are my guest, and to-morrow we will do as pleases you. Now came the
Infantes of Carrion up and humbled themselves before the Cid, and he
received them well, and they promised to do him service. And the
company of the Cid came up, and kissed the King's hand. So they
alighted and went to meat; and the King said unto the Cid that he
should eat with him at his table; howbeit he would not. And when the
King saw that he would not take his seat with him, he ordered a high
table to be placed for the Cid and for Count Don Gonzalo, the father
of the Infantes of Carrion. All the while that they ate the King could
never look enough at the Cid, and he marvelled greatly at his beard,
that it had grown to such length. And when they had eaten they were
merry, and took their pleasure. And on the morrow the King and all
they who went with him to this meeting, ate with the Cid, and so
well did he prepare for them that all were full joyful, and agreed
in one thing, that they had not eaten better for three years. There
was not a man there who did not eat upon silver, and the King and
the chief persons ate upon dishes and trenchers of gold. And when
the Infantes saw this, they had the marriage more at heart than
before.
XXIX
XXIX
On the morrow as soon as it was day, the Bishop Don Hieronymo sung
mass before the King, in the oratory of the Cid; and when it was over,
the King said before all who were there assembled, Counts and
Infanzones and knights, hear what I shall say unto the Cid. Cid
Ruydiez, the reason wherefore I sent for you to this meeting was
twofold: first, that I might see you, which I greatly desired, for I
love you much because of the many and great services which you have
done me, albeit that at one time I was wroth against you and
banished you from the land. But you so demeaned yourself that you
never did me disservice, but contrariwise, great service both to God
and to me, and have won Valencia, and enlarged Christendom,
wherefore I am bound to show favour unto you and to love you always.
The second reason was, that I might ask you for your two daughters
Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, that you would give them in marriage to
the Infantes of Carrion, for this methinks would be a fit marriage,
and to your honour and good. When the Cid heard this, he was in a
manner bound to consent, having them thus demanded from him; and he
answered and said, Sir, my daughters are of tender years and if it
might please you, they are yet too young for marriage. I do not say
this as if the Infantes of Carrion were not worthy to match with them,
and with better than they. And the King bade him make no excuse,
saying, that he should esteem himself well served if he gave his
consent. Then the Cid said, Sir, I begat them, and you give them in
marriage; both I and they are yours,... give them to whom you
please, and I am pleased therewith. When the King heard this he was
well pleased, and he bade the Infantes kiss the hand of the Cid
Campeador, and incontinently they changed swords before the King,
and they did homage to him, as sons-in-law to their father-in-law.
Then the King turned to the Cid, and said, I thank thee, Ruydiez, that
thou hast given me thy daughters for the Infantes of Carrion: and here
I give them to the Infantes to be their brides; I give them and not
you, and I pray God that it may please him, and that you also may have
great joy herein. The Infantes I put into your hands; they will go
with you, and I shall return from hence, and I order that three
hundred marks of silver be given to them for their marriage, and
they and your daughters will all be your children.
XXX
XXX
Eight days this meeting lasted; the one day they dined with the
King, and the other with the Cid. Then was it appointed that on the
morrow at sunrise every one should depart to his own home. My Cid then
began to give to every one who would take his gifts, many a great
mule, and many a good palfrey, and many a rich garment,... every one
had what he asked,... he said no to none. Threescore horses did my Cid
give away in gifts; well pleased were all they who went to that
meeting. And now they were about to separate, for it was night. The
King took the Infantes by the hand, and delivered them into the
power of my Cid the Campeador,... See here your sons: from this day,
Campeador, you will know what to make of them. And the Cid answered,
Sir, may it please you, seeing it is you who have made this marriage
for my daughters, to appoint some one to whom I may deliver them,
and who may give them, as from your hand, to the Infantes. And the
King called for Alvar Fanez Minaya, and said, You are sib to the
damsels: I command you, when you come to Valencia, to take them with
your own hands, and give them to the Infantes, as I should do if
that I were there present: and be you the brides' father. Then said
the Cid, Sir, you must accept something from me at this meeting. I
bring for you twenty palfreys, these that are gaily trapped, and
thirty horses fleet of foot, these that are well caparisoned,...
take them, and I kiss your hand. Greatly have you bound me, said
King Don Alfonso; I receive this gift, and God and all Saints grant
that it may well be requited; if I live you shall have something
from me. Then my Cid sprung up upon his horse Bavieca, and he said,
Here I say before my Lord the King, that if any will go with me to the
wedding, I think they will get something by it! and he besought the
King that he would let as many go with him as were so minded; and
the King licensed them accordingly. And when they were about to
part, the company that went with the Cid was greater than that which
returned with the King. And the Cid kissed the King's hand and
dispeeded himself with his favour, and the King returned to Castille.
XXXI
XXXI
My Cid went his way towards Valencia, and he appointed Pero Bermudez
and Muno Gustios, than whom there were no better two in all his
household, to keep company with the Infantes of Carrion and be their
guard, and he bade them spy out what their conditions were; and this
they soon found out. The Count Don Suero Gonzalez went with the
Infantes; he was their father's brother, and had been their Ayo and
bred them up, and badly had he trained them, for he was a man of great
words, good of tongue, and of nothing else good; and full scornful and
orgulous had he made them, so that the Cid was little pleased with
them, and would willingly have broken off the marriage; but he could
not, seeing that the King had made it. And when they reached Valencia,
the Cid lodged the Infantes in the suburb of Alcudia, where he had
formerly lodged himself; and all the company who were come to the
marriage were quartered with them. And he went to the Alcazar.
XXXII
XXXII
On the morrow the Cid mounted his horse and rode into Alcudia, and
brought the Infantes his sons-in-law from thence with him into the
city to the Alcazar, that they might see their brides Dona Elvira
and Dona Sol. Dona Ximena had her daughters ready to receive them in
full noble garments, for since midnight they had done nothing but
prink and prank themselves. Full richly was the Alcazar set out that
day, with hangings both above and below, purple and samite, and rich
cloth. The Cid entered between the Infantes, and all that noble
company went in after them; and they went into the chief hall of the
Alcazar, where Dona Ximena was with her daughters; and when they saw
the Cid and the Infantes, they rose up and welcomed them right well.
And the Cid took his seat upon his bench with one of the Infantes on
one side of him, and one on the other, and the other honourable men
seated themselves on the estrados, each in the place where he ought to
be, and which belonged to him; and they remained awhile silent. Then
the Cid rose and called for Alvar Fanez and said, Thou knowest what my
Lord the King commanded; fulfil now his bidding,... take thy
cousins, and deliver them to the Infantes, for it is the King who
gives them in marriage, and not I. And Alvar Fanez arose and took
the damsels one in each hand, and delivered them to the Infantes,
saying, Diego Gonzalez, and Ferrando Gonzalez, I deliver unto you
these damsels, the daughters of the Cid Campeador, by command of
King Don Alfonso my Lord, even as he commanded. Receive you them as
your equal helpmates, as the law of Christ enjoineth. And the Infantes
took each his bride by the hand, and went to the Cid and kissed his
hand, and the same did they to their mother Dona Ximena Gomez: and the
Bishop Don Hieronymo espoused them, and they exchanged rings. When
this was done, the Cid went and seated himself on the estrado with the
ladies, he and Dona Ximena in the middle, and beside him he placed
Dona Elvira his eldest daughter, and by her, her spouse the Infante
Diego Gonzalez; and Dona Sol was seated on the other side, by her
mother, and the Infante Ferrando by her. And when they had solaced
themselves awhile, the Cid said that now they would go eat, and that
the marriage should be performed on the morrow, and he besought and
commanded the Bishop Don Hieronymo to perform it in such a manner that
no cost should be spared, but that every thing should be done so
compleatly, that they who came from Castille to this wedding might
always have something to tell of.
XXXIII
XXXIII
On the morrow they went to the Church of St. Mary, and there the
Bishop Don Hieronymo sate awaiting them, and he blest them all four at
the altar. Who can tell the great nobleness which the Cid displayed at
that wedding, the feasts and the bull-fights, and the throwing at
the target, and the throwing canes, and how many joculars were
there, and all the sports which are proper at such weddings? As soon
as they came out of Church they took horse and rode to the Glera;
three times did the Cid change his horse that day; seven targets
were set up on the morrow, and before they went to dinner all seven
were broken. Fifteen days did the feasts at this wedding continue;
then all they who had come there to do honour to the Cid took leave of
him and of the Infantes. Who can tell the great and noble gifts
which the Cid gave to them, both to great and little, each according
to his quality, vessels of gold and silver, rich cloth, cloaks,
furs, horses, and money beyond all reckoning, so that all were well
pleased. And when it was told in Castille with what gifts they who had
been to the wedding were returned, many were they who repented that
they had not gone there.
BOOK EIGHT
I
Now the history relateth that Gilbert, a sage who wrote the
history of the Moorish Kings who reigned in Africa, saith, that
Bucar remembering the oath which he had made to his brother King
Yucef, how he would take vengeance for him for the dishonour which
he had received from the Cid Ruydiez before Valencia, ordered
proclamation to be made throughout the dominions of his father, and
gathered together so great a power of Moors, that among the Captains
of his host there were twenty and nine Kings; this he could well do,
for his father was Miramamolin, which is as much as to say Emperor.
And when he had gathered together this mighty host, he entered into
his ships and crost the sea, and came unto the port of Valencia, and
what there befell him with the Cid the history shall relate in due
time.
II
Two years after their marriage did the Infantes of Carrion sojourn
in Valencia in peace and pleasure, to their own great contentment, and
their uncle Suero Gonzalez with them; and at the end of those two
years, there came to pass a great misadventure, by reason of which
they fell out with the Cid, in whom there was no fault. There was a
lion in the house of the Cid, who had grown a large one, and a strong,
and was full nimble: three men had the keeping of this lion, and
they kept him in a den which was in a court yard, high up in the
palace; and when they cleansed the court they were wont to shut him up
in his den, and afterward to open the door that he might come out
and eat: the Cid kept him for his pastime, that he might take pleasure
with him when he was minded so to do. Now it was the custom of the Cid
to dine every day with his company, and after he had dined, he was
wont to sleep awhile upon his seat. And one day when he had dined
there came a man and told him that a great fleet was arrived in the
port of Valencia, wherein there was a great power of the Moors, whom
King Bucar had brought over, the son of the Miramamolin of Morocco.
And when the Cid heard this, his heart rejoiced and he was glad, for
it was nigh three years since he had had a battle with the Moors.
Incontinently he ordered a signal to be made that all the honourable
men who were in the city should assemble together. And when they
were all assembled in the Alcazar and his sons-in-law with them, the
Cid told them the news, and took counsel with them in what manner they
should go out against this great power of the Moors. And when they had
taken counsel the Cid went to sleep upon his seat, and the Infantes
and the others sate playing at tables and chess. Now at this time
the men who were keepers of the lion were cleaning the court, and when
they heard the cry that the Moors were coming, they opened the den,
and came down into the palace where the Cid was, and left the door
of the court open. And when the lion had ate his meat and saw that the
door was open he went out of the court and came down into the
palace, even into the hall where they all were; and when they who were
there saw him, there was a great stir among them; but the Infantes
of Carrion showed greater cowardice than all the rest. Ferrando
Gonzalez having no shame, neither for the Cid nor for the others who
were present, crept under the seat whereon the Cid was sleeping, and
in his haste he burst his mantle and his doublet also at the
shoulders. And Diego Gonzalez, the other, ran to a postern door,
crying, I shall never see Carrion again! This door opened upon a court
yard where there was a wine press, and he jumped out, and by reason of
the great height could not keep on his feet, but fell among the lees
and defiled himself therewith. And all the others who were in the hall
wrapt their cloaks around their arms, and stood round about the seat
whereon the Cid was sleeping, that they might defend him. The noise
which they made awakened the Cid, and he saw the lion coming towards
him, and he lifted up his hand and said, What is this?... and the lion
hearing his voice stood still; and he rose up and took him by the
mane, as if he had been a gentle mastiff, and led him back to the
court where he was before, and ordered his keepers to look better to
him for the time to come. And when he had done this he returned to the
hall and took his seat again; and all they who beheld it were
greatly astonished.
III
III
After some time Ferrando Gonzalez crept from under the seat where he
had hidden himself, and he came out with a pale face, not having yet
lost his fear, and his brother Diego got from among the lees: and when
they who were present saw them in this plight you never saw such sport
as they made; but my Cid forbade their laughter. And Diego went out to
wash himself and change his garments, and he sent to call his
brother forth, and they took counsel together in secret, and said to
each other, Lo now, what great dishonour this Ruydiez our
father-in-law hath done us, for he let this lion loose for the
nonce, to put us to shame. But in an evil day were we born if we do
not revenge this upon his daughters. Badly were we matched with
them, and now for the after-feast he hath made this mockery of us! But
we must keep secret this which we bear in mind, and not let him wit
that we are wroth against him, for otherwise he would not let us
depart from hence, neither give us our wives to take with us, and he
would take from us the swords Colada and Tizona which he gave us....
We will therefore turn this thing into merriment before him and his
people, to the end that they may not suspect what we have at heart.
While they were thus devising their uncle Suero Gonzalez came in,
and they told him of their intent. And he counselled them to keep
their wrath secret, as they said, till this stir of the Moors from
beyond sea was over, and then they should demand their wives of the
Cid that they might take them to their own country; This, said he, the
Cid can have no reason to deny, neither for detaining ye longer with
him; and when ye are got away far out of his land, then may ye do what
ye will with his daughters, and ill will ye do if ye know not how to
revenge yourselves; so shall ye remove the dishonour from
yourselves, and cast it upon him and his children. This wicked counsel
did Suero Gonzalez give unto his nephews, which he might have well
excused giving, and then both he and they would not have come off so
badly as the history will in due season relate.
IV
After Suero Gonzalez and his nephews had taken this evil counsel
together, they went to their lodging, and on the morrow they went to
the Alcazar and came to the Cid where he was preparing for business.
And when they drew nigh, the Cid rose and welcomed them right well,
and they carried a good countenance towards him, and made sport of
what had happened about the lion. And the Cid began to give order in
what array they should go out to battle. While they were in this
discourse, a great cry was heard in the town and a great tumult, and
this was because King Bucar was come with his great power into the
place which is called the Campo del Quarto, which is a league from
Valencia, and there he was pitching his tents; and when this was
done the camp made a mighty show, for the history saith that there
were full five thousand pavilions, besides common tents. And when
the Cid heard this, he took both his sons-in-law and Suero Gonzalez
with them, and went upon the highest tower of the Alcazar, and
showed them the great power which King Bucar of Morocco had brought;
and when he beheld this great power he began to laugh and was
exceeding glad: but Suero Gonzalez and his nephews were in great fear:
howbeit they would not let it be seen. And when they came down from
the tower the Cid went foremost, and they tarried behind, and said, If
we go into this battle we shall never return to Carrion. Now it so
chanced that Muno Gustios heard them, and he told it to the Cid, and
it grieved the Cid at heart; but he presently made sport of it, and
turned to his sons-in-law, and said, You my sons shall remain in
Valencia and guard the town, and we who are used to this business will
go out to battle; and they when they heard this were ashamed, for they
weened that some one had overheard what they said; and they made
answer, God forefend, Cid, that we should abide in Valencia! we will
go with you to the work, and protect your body as if we were your
sons, and you were the Count Don Gonzalo Gomez our father. And the Cid
was well pleased hearing them say this.
V
While they were thus saying, word was brought to the Cid that
there was a messenger from King Bucar at the gate of the town, who
would fain speak with him. The name of this Moor was Ximen de
Algezira, and the Cid gave order that he should be admitted. Now the
history saith, God had given such grace to my Cid that never Moor
beheld his face without having great fear of him; and this Ximen began
to gaze upon his countenance, and said nothing, for he could not
speak. And so great was the fear which came upon him that the Cid
perceived it, and bade him take courage and deliver the bidding of his
Lord, without fear or shame, for he was a messenger. And when the Moor
heard this he laid aside his fear, and recovered heart, and
delivered his bidding fully, after this wise. Sir Cid Campeador,
King Bucar my Lord hath sent me to thee saying, great wrong hast
thou done him in holding Valencia against him, which belonged to his
forefathers; and moreover thou hast discomfited his brother King
Yucef. And now he is come against thee with twenty and nine Kings,
to take vengeance for his brother, and to win Valencia from thee in
spite of thee and of all who are with thee. Nevertheless, King Bucar
saith, that inasmuch as he hath heard that thou art a wise man and
of good understanding, he will show favour unto thee, and let thee
leave Valencia with all the lands thereof, and go into Castille, and
take with thee all that is thine. And if thou wilt not do this he
sends to say that he will fight against Valencia, and take thee and
thy wife and thy daughters, and torment thee grievously, in such
manner that all Christians who shall hear tell of it shall talk
thereof for evermore. This is the bidding of my Lord King Bucar.
VI
When the Cid heard this, notwithstanding he was wroth at heart, he
would not manifest it, but made answer in few words and said, Go
tell thy Lord King Bucar I will not give him up Valencia: great labour
did I endure in winning it, and to no man am I beholding for it in the
world, save only to my Lord Jesus Christ, and to my kinsmen and
friends and vassals who aided me to win it. Tell him that I am not a
man to be besieged, and when he does not expect it I will give him
battle in the field; and would that even as he has brought with him
twenty and nine Kings, so he had brought all the Moors of all
Pagandom, for with the mercy of God in which I trust, I should think
to conquer them all. Bear this answer to your Lord, and come here no
more with messages, neither on this account nor on any other. When
Ximen de Algezira, the Moorish messenger, heard this, he left
Valencia, and went unto his Lord and told him before the twenty and
nine Kings all that the Cid had said. And they were astonished at
the brave words of the Cid, for they did not think that he would
have resisted, so great was their power, neither did they ween that he
would so soon come out to battle. And they began to give order to
set their siege round about Valencia, as the history, and as Gilbert
also relateth. This King Bucar and his brother King Yucef were kinsmen
of Alimaymon, who had been King of Toledo and Valencia, and this was
the reason why Bucar said that Valencia had belonged to his
forefathers.
VII
VII
No sooner had Ximen, the messenger of King Bucar, left the city,
than the Cid ordered the bell to be struck, at the sound of which
all the men at arms in Valencia were to gather together. Incontinently
they all assembled before the Cid, and he told them all to be ready
full early on the morrow to go out and give battle to the Moors. And
they made answer with one accord that they were well pleased to do
this, for they trusted in God and in his good fortune that they should
overcome them. On the morrow therefore at the first cock-crow, they
confessed and communicated, as was their custom, and before the
morning brake they went forth from Valencia. And when they had got
through the narrow passes among the gardens, the Cid set his army in
array. The van he gave to Alvar Fanez Minaya, and to Pero Bermudez who
bore his banner; and he gave them five hundred horsemen, and a
thousand and five hundred men a-foot. In the right wing was that
honourable one with the shaven crown, Don Hieronymo the Bishop, with
the like number both of horse and foot; and in the left Martin
Antolinez of Burgos and Alvar Salvadores, with as many more. The Cid
came in the rear with a thousand horsemen all in coats of mail, and
two thousand five hundred men a-foot. And in this array they proceeded
till they came in sight of the Moors. As soon as the Cid saw their
tents he ordered his men to slacken their pace, and got upon his horse
Bavieca, and put himself in the front before all his army, and his
sons-in-law the Infantes of Carrion advanced themselves with him. Then
the Bishop Don Hieronymo came to the Cid and said, This day have I
said the mass of the Holy Trinity before you. I left my own country
and came to seek you, for the desire I had to kill some Moors, and
to do honour to my order and to my own hands. Now would I be the
foremost in this business; I have my pennon and my armorial bearing,
and will employ them by God's help, that my heart may rejoice. And
my Cid, if you do not for the love of me grant this I will my ways
from you. But the Cid bade him do his pleasure, saying that it would
please him also. And then the great multitude of the Moors began to
come out of their tents, and they formed their battle in haste, and
came against the Christians, with the sound of trumpets and
tambours, and with a great uproar; and as they came out upon the
alarm, not expecting that the Cid would come against them so soon,
they did not advance in order, as King Bucar had commanded. And when
the Cid saw this, he ordered his banner to be advanced, and bade his
people lay on manfully. The Bishop Don Hieronymo he pricked forward;
two Moors he slew with the two first thrusts of the lance; the haft
broke, and he laid hand on his sword. God,... how well the Bishop
fought! two he slew with the lance and five with the sword; the
Moors came round about him and laid on load of blows, but they could
not pierce his arms. He who was born in happy hour had his eyes upon
him, and he took his shield and placed it before him, and lowered
his lance, and gave Bavieca the spur, that good horse. With heart
and soul he went at them, and made his way into their first battle;
seven the Campeador smote down, and four he slew. In short time they
joined battle in such sort that many were slain and many overthrown,
on one side and on the other, and so great was the din of strokes
and of tambours that none could hear what another said; and they smote
away cruelly, without rest or respite.
VIII
VIII
Now it came to pass in this battle that the Infante Diego Gonzalez
encountered a Moor of Africa who was of great stature and full valiant
withal, and this Moor came fiercely against him; and when the
Infante saw how fiercely he was coming, he turned his back and fled.
No one be. this but Felez Munoz the nephew of the Cid, who was a
squire; he set himself against the Moor with his lance under his
arm, and gave him such a thrust in the breast, that the streamer of
the lance came out all red with blood between his shoulders, and he
down'd with the dead man and took his horse by the bridle, and began
to call the Infante Diego Gonzalez. When the Infante heard himself
called by his name he turned his head to see who called him, and
when he saw that it was his cousin Felez Munoz, he turned and
awaited him. And Felez Munoz said, Take this horse, cousin Diego
Gonzalez, and say that you killed the Moor; nobody shall ever know
otherwise from me, unless you give just cause. While they were talking
the Cid came up, after another Moorish knight, whom he reached just as
he came up to them, and smote him with his sword upon the head, so
that he split it down to the teeth. When Felez Munoz saw the Cid, he
said, Sir, your son-in-law Don Diego Gonzalez hath great desire to
serve and help you in this day's work, and he hath just slain a Moor
from whom he hath won this horse: and this pleased the Cid much, for
he weened that it was true. And then they all three advanced
themselves towards the midst of the battle, giving great strokes,
and smiting and slaying. Who can tell how marvellously the Bishop
Don Hieronymo behaved himself in this battle, and how well all the
rest behaved, each in his way, and above all, the Cid Campeador, as
the greatest and best of all! nevertheless the power of the Moors
was so great that they could not drive them to flight, and the
business was upon the balance even till the hour of nones. Many were
the Christians who died that day among the foot-soldiers; and the
dead, Moors and Christians together, were so many, that the horses
could scant move among their bodies. But after the hour of nones the
Cid and his people smote the Moors so sorely that they could no longer
stand against them, and it pleased God and the good fortune of the Cid
that they turned their backs; and the Christians followed, hewing them
down, and smiting and slaying; and they tarried not to lay hands on
those whom they felled, but went on in the pursuit as fast as they
could. Then might you have seen cords broken, and stakes plucked up as
the Christians came to the tents; my Cid's people drove King Bucar's
through their camp, and many an arm with its sleeve-mail was lopt off,
and many a head with its helmet fell to the ground; and horses ran
about on all sides without riders. Seven full miles did the pursuit
continue. And while they were thus following their flight the Cid
set eyes upon King Bucar, and made at him to strike him with the
sword; and the Moorish King knew him when he saw him coming; Turn this
way, Bucar, cried the Campeador, you who came from beyond sea, to
see the Cid with the long beard. We must greet each other and cut
out a friendship! God confound such friendship, cried King Bucar,
and turned his bridle, and began to fly towards the sea, and the Cid
after him, having great desire to reach him. But King Bucar had a good
horse and a fresh, and the Cid went spurring Bavieca who had had
hard work that day, and he came near his back; and when they were nigh
unto the ships, and the Cid saw that he could not reach him, he darted
his sword at him, and struck him between the shoulders; and King Bucar
being badly wounded rode into the sea, and got to a boat, and the
Cid alighted and picked up his sword. And his people came up, hewing
down the Moors before them, and the Moors in their fear of death ran
into the sea, so that twice as many died in the water as in the
battle; nevertheless so many were they who were slain in the field,
that they were thought to be seventeen thousand persons and upward:
but a greater number died in the sea. And so many were they who were
taken prisoner, that it was a wonder; and of the twenty and nine Kings
who came with King Bucar, seventeen were slain. And when the Cid saw
that of the Moors some had gotten to the ships and the others were
slain or taken, he returned towards their tents.
IX
My Cid Ruydiez the Campeador returned from the slaughter; the hood
of his mail was thrown back, and the coif upon his head bore the marks
of it. And when he saw his sons-in-law the Infantes of Carrion, he
rejoiced over them, and said to them to do them honour, Come here,
my sons, for by your help we have conquered in this battle.
Presently Alvar Fanez came up: the shield which hung from his neck was
all battered: more than twenty Moors had he slain, and the blood was
running from his wrist to his elbow. Thanks be to God, said he, and to
the Father who is on high, and to you, Cid, we have won the day. All
these spoils are yours and your vassals. Then they spoiled the
field, where they found great riches in gold, and in silver, and in
pearls, and in precious stones, and in sumptuous tents, and in horses,
and in oxen, which were so many that it was a wonder. The poorest
man among the Christians was made full rich that day. So great was the
spoil that six hundred horses fell to the Cid as his fifth, beside
sumpter beasts and camels, and twelve hundred prisoners; and of the
other things which were taken no man can give account, nor of the
treasure which the Cid won that day in the Campo del Quarto. God be
praised! said the Campeador... once I was poor, but now am I rich in
lands and in possessions, and in gold and in honour. And Moors and
Christians both fear me. Even in Morocco, among their Mosques, do they
fear lest I should set upon them some night. Let them fear it! I shall
not go to seek them, but here will I be in Valencia, and by God's help
they shall pay me tribute. Great joy was made in Valencia for this
victory, and great was the joy of the Infantes of Carrion; five
thousand marks came to them for their portion of the spoil. And when
they saw themselves so rich, they and their uncle Suero Gonzalez
took counsel together, and confirmed the wicked resolution which
they had taken.
X
One day the companions of the Cid were talking before him of this
victory, and they were saying who were the young knights that had
demeaned themselves well in the battle and in the pursuit, and who had
not; but no mention was made of the Infantes; for though some there
were who whispered to each other concerning them, none would speak
in of them before the Cid. And the Infantes saw this, and took counsel
with their uncle, who ought not to have given them the evil counsel
that he did, and they determined forthwith to put their wicked
design in execution. So they went before the Cid, and Ferrando
Gonzalez, having enjoined silence, began to say thus. Cid, thou
knowest well the good tie which there is between thee and us, for we
hold thee in the place of a father, and thou didst receive us as thy
sons on the day when thou gavest us thy daughters to be our wives; and
from that day we have always abode with thee, and have always
endeavoured to do that which was to thy service; and if we have at any
time failed therein it hath not been wilfully, but for lack of
better understanding. Now inasmuch as it is long time since we
departed from Castille, from our father and from our mother, and
because neither we know how it fares with them, nor they how it
fares with us, we would now, if you and Dona Ximena should so think
good, return unto them, and take our wives with us: so shall our
father and our mother and our kinsmen see how honourably we are mated,
and how greatly to our profit, and our wives shall be put in
possession of the towns which we have given them for their dower,
and shall see what is to be the inheritance of the children whom
they may have. And whensoever you shall call upon us, we will be ready
to come and do you service. Then the Cid made answer, weening that
this was spoken without deceit, My sons, I am troubled at what ye say,
for when ye take away my daughters ye take my very heartstrings:
nevertheless, it is fitting that ye do as ye have said. Go when ye
will, and I will give unto you such gifts that it shall be known in
Galicia and in Castille and in Leon, with what riches I have sent my
sons-in-law home.
XI
When the Cid had made this reply, he rose from his seat and went
to Dona Ximena his wife, and spake with her and with Alvar Fanez,
and told them what had passed with his sons-in-law, and what answer he
had given. Greatly was Dona Ximena troubled at this, and Alvar Fanez
also, that he had consented to what they asked; and she said, I do not
think it is wisely done to let them take our daughters from us, and
carry them into another country; for these our sons-in-law are
traitorous and false at heart, and if I areed them right they will
do some dishonour to our daughters, when there will be none there to
call them to account. And Alvar Fanez was of the same mind; but the
Cid was displeased at this, and marvelled greatly at what they said;
and he bade them speak no more thereof, for God would not let it be
so,... neither were the Infantes of such a race as that they should do
this; neither, quoth he, would it come into their minds to do it, if
only because our Lord King Don Alfonso was he who made the marriage;
but if the Devil should tempt them, and they should commit this
wickedness, dearly would it cost them!
XII
XII
So the Infantes of Carrion made ready for their departure, and there
was a great stir in Valencia. And the two sisters Dona Elvira and Dona
Sol, came and knelt before the Cid and before Dona Ximena their
mother, and said, You send us to the lands of Carrion, and we must
fulfil your command; now then give us your blessing, and let us have
some of your people with us in Carrion, we beseech you. And the Cid
embraced them and kissed them, and the mother kissed them and embraced
them twice as much, and they gave them their blessing, and their
daughters kissed their hands. And the Cid gave unto his sons-in-law
great store of cloth of gold, and of serge, and of wool, and a hundred
horses bridled and saddled, and a hundred mules with all their
trappings, and ten cups of gold, and a hundred vessels of silver,
and six hundred marks of silver in dishes and trenchers and other
things. When all this was done they took their departure and went
out of Valencia, and the Cid rode out a long league with them. He
looked at the birds, and the augury was bad, and he thought that these
marriages would not be without some evil. And his heart smote him, and
he began to think on what Dona Ximena had said, and to fear lest
evil should befall him from these sons-in-law, for the manner of their
speech was not as it was wont to be. Where art thou my nephew, where
art thou Felez Munoz? thou art the cousin of my daughters, said he,
both in heart and in soul. Go with them even unto Carrion, and see the
possessions which are given them, and come back with tidings
thereof. And Felez Munoz said that he would do this. And the Cid
bade him salute the Moor Abengalvon in his name, with whom they should
tarry a night at Molina, and bid him do service unto his daughters,
and his sons-in-law, and accompany them as far as Medina; and for
all that he shall do, said the Cid, I will give him good guerdon.
And when the ladies came to take their leave of their father the
Cid, and of their mother Dona Ximena, great were the lamentations on
both sides, as if their hearts had divined the evil which was to come;
and the Cid strove to comfort them, saying, that he should always
think of them, and would maintain them in good estate: and he gave
them his blessing and turned back towards Valencia, and they went
their way with their husbands, and that parting was like plucking
the nail from the flesh.
XIII
XIII
So the Infantes of Carrion went their way, by the Campo del Quarto
to Chiva, and to Bonilla, and to Requena, and to Campo-Robres, and
they took up their lodging at Villa Taxo. And on the morrow they
took the road to Amaja, and leaving it on the right came to Adamuz,
and passed by Colcha, and rested at Quintana. And when Abengalvon knew
that the daughters of the Cid were coming, he went out joyfully from
Molina to meet them, and pitched tents for them in the field, and
had food brought there in abundance. God, how well he served them! and
on the morrow the Moor gave full rich and noble gifts to the daughters
of his Lord the Cid, and to each of the Infantes he gave a goodly
horse. And he took horse himself and rode on with them, having two
hundred knights in his company. They crossed the mountains of Luzon
and passed Arbuxuelo, and came to Salon, and the Moor lodged them in
the place which is called Ansarera; all this he did for the love of
the Cid Campeador. Now the Infantes seeing the riches which this
Moor had with him, took counsel together for treason, and said, Lo now
if we could slay this Moor Abengalvon, we should possess all these
riches as safely as if we were in Carrion, and the Cid could never
take vengeance. And a Moor who understood the Latin of the country,
heard them and knew what they said, and he went to Abengalvon, and
said unto him, Acaiaz, that is to say, Sire, take heed, for I heard
the Infantes of Carrion plotting to kill thee. Abengalvon the Moor was
a bold Baron, and when this was told him, he went with his two hundred
men before the Infantes, and what he said to them did not please them.
Infantes of Carrion, he said, tell me, what have I done? I have served
ye without guile, and ye have taken counsel for my death. If it were
not for the sake of my Cid, never should you reach Carrion! I would
carry back his daughters to the loyal Campeador, and so deal with
you that it should be talked of over the whole world. But I leave ye
for traitors as ye are. Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, I go with your
favour. God grant that this marriage may please your father! Having
said this the good Moor returned to Molina.
XIV
XIV
They went on by Valdespino, and by Parra, and Berrocal, and Val de
Endrinas, and they left Medina Celi on the right, and crost the
plain of Barahona, and past near Berlanga; and they crost the Douro by
a ford below the town, and rode on and came into the Oak-wood of
Corpes. The mountains were high, and the trees thick and lofty, and
there were wild beasts in that place. And they came to a green lawn in
the midst of that oak forest, where there was a fountain of clear
water, and there the Infantes gave order that their tents should be
pitched; and they passed the night there, making show of love to their
wives, which they badly fulfilled when the sun was risen, for this was
the place where they thought to put them to shame. Early in the
morning they ordered the sumpter beasts to be laden, and the tent
struck, and they sent all their company on, so that none remained with
them, neither man nor woman, but they and their wives were left
alone that they might disport with them at pleasure. And Dona Elvira
said to her husband, Why wouldst thou that we should remain alone in
this place? And he said, Hold thy peace, and thou shalt see! And the
Infantes tore away the mantles from of their wives, and the garments
which they wore, save only their inner garment, and they held them
by the hair of their head with one hand and with the other took the
girths of their horses. And the women said, Don Diego and Don
Ferrando, ye have strong swords and of sharp edge; the one is called
Colada and the other Tizona; cut off our heads and we shall become
martyrs! But set not this evil example upon us, for whatever shame
ye do unto us shall be to your own dishonour. But the Infantes
heeded not what they said, and beat them cruelly with the
saddle-girths, and kicked them with their spurs, so that their
garments were torn, and stained with blood. Oh, if the Cid Campeador
had come upon them at that hour! And the women cried out, and called
upon God and Holy Mary to have mercy upon them; but the more they
cried, the more cruelly did those Infantes beat and kick them, till
they were covered with blood, and swooned away. Then the Infantes took
their mantles and their cloaks, and their furs of ermine and other
garments, and left them for dead, saying, Lie there, daughters of
Cid of Bivar, for it is not fitting that ye should be our wives, nor
that ye should have your dower in the lands of Carrion! We shall see
how your father will avenge you, and we have now avenged ourselves for
the shame he did us with the Lion. And they rode away as they said
this, leaving them to the mountain birds and to the beasts of the
forest. Oh, if the Cid Campeador had come upon them at that hour!
And the Infantes rode on glorying in what they had done, for they said
that the daughters of the Cid were worthy to be their harlots, but not
their wives.
XV
When the Infantes, before they committed this great cruelty, ordered
their company to ride forward, Felez Munoz the nephew of the Cid, rode
on with the rest: but this order nothing pleased him, and he was
troubled at heart, insomuch that he went aside from his companions,
and struck into the forest, and there waited privily till he should
see his cousins come, or learn what the Infantes had done to them.
Presently he saw the Infantes, and heard what they said to each other.
Certes if they had espied him he could not have escaped death. But
they pricked on not seeing him, and he rode back to the fountain,
and there he found the women lying senseless, and in such plight as ye
have heard. And he made great lamentation over them, saying, Never can
it please God that ye my cousins should receive such dishonour! God
and St. Mary give them who have done this an evil guerdon! for ye
never deserved this, neither are ye of a race to deserve that this
or any other evil should betide ye! By this time the women began to
come to themselves, but they could not speak, for their hearts were
breaking. And Felez Munoz called out to them, Cousins! Cousins! Dona
Elvira! Dona Sol! for the love of God rouse yourselves that we may get
away before night comes, or the wild beasts will devour us! and they
came to themselves and began to open their eyes, and saw that he who
spake to them was Felez Munoz; and he said to them, For the love of
God take heart and let us be gone; for the Infantes will soon seek for
me, and if God do not befriend us we shall all be slain. And Dona
Sol said to him in her great pain, Cousin, for all that our father
hath deserved at your hands, give us water. Felez Munoz took his hat
and filled it with water and gave it to them. And he comforted them
and bade them take courage, and besought them to bear up. And he
placed them upon his horse, and covered them both with his cloak,
and led them through the oak forest, into the thickest part thereof,
and there he made a bed of leaves and of grass, and laid them on it,
and covered them with his cloak, and he sate down by them and began to
weep, for he knew not what he should do; for he had no food, and if he
went to seek it, great danger was there because they were wounded
and bloody, that the wild beasts and the birds of the mountain would
attack them; and on the other hand, unless he went to his uncle the
Cid, to tell him of this wickedness, none other knew what had been
done, and thus there would be no vengeance taken.
XVI
XVI
While Felez Munoz was in this great trouble the Infantes joined
their company, and their spurs were bloody and their hands also from
the wounds which they had given their wives. And when their people saw
them in this plight, and that their wives were not with them, they
weened that some wickedness had been done; and all they who were of
good heart and understanding among them went apart, to the number of a
hundred, with one who was named Pero Sanchez; and he spake unto
them, saying, Friends, these Infantes have done a foul deed upon their
wives, the daughters of our Lord the Cid; and they are our liege
Ladies, for we did homage to them before their father, and accepted
them such; and the Cid made us knights that we should discharge the
duty which we owe to them. Now then, it behoveth us that we arm
ourselves, and demand of the Infantes what they have done with our
ladies, and require them at their hands. And if they will not
deliver them to us, then will we fight against them even to death; for
thus shall we do right, and otherwise we shall be ill spoken of, and
not worthy to live in the world. This was the counsel which Pero
Sanchez gave, and they all held it good and did accordingly. And the
Infantes, when they saw them coming and heard their demand, were
greatly afraid, and they said, Go to the fountain in the Oak-forest of
Corpes, and there ye may find them; we left them safe and sound, and
no harm have we done unto them; but we would not take them with us.
M have ye done, replied those knights, to forsake such wives, and
the daughters of such a father, and ill will ye fare for it! And
from henceforward, we renounce all friendship with ye, and defy ye for
the Cid, and for ourselves, and for all his people. And the Infantes
could not reply. And when they saw that the Infantes did not answer,
they said, Get ye gone for traitors and false caitiffs: there is no
way in the world by which ye can escape from the enemies whom ye
have now made! But for all this the Infantes made no reply, and went
their way.
XVII
XVII
Pero Sanchez and those other knights rode back to the green lawn
in the Oak-forest, where they had left the dames; and when they came
to the fountain they saw that there was blood round about, but the
dames were not there; and they were greatly troubled, and knew not
where to seek them. And they went about the forest seeking them,
calling them aloud, and making great lamentation for the ill that
had befallen, and also, because they could not find them. Now Felez
Munoz and the women heard their voices, and were in great fear, for
they weened that it was the Infantes and their company, who were
returned with intent to kill them; and in their great fear they
remained still, and would fain have been far from that place. So
Pero Sanchez and they who were with him went about seeking them in
vain. Then spake up a knight called Martin Ferrandez, who was a native
of Burgos, saying, Friends, it boots us to turn back from hence and
follow after the Infantes, and do battle with them, even unto death,
because of this wickedness which they have committed, rather than
return to the Cid; for if we do not strive to take vengeance, we are
not worthy to appear before him. And if, peradventure, we cannot
come up with them upon the road, let us go before the King Don
Alfonso, and discover unto him this foul deed, and tell him the
truth thereof, to the intent that he may order justice to be done
for such a thing; for certes, greatly will he be troubled when he
knoweth it, and greatly will he be incensed against them, inasmuch
as he it was who besought the Cid to give them his daughters to
wife. And we will not depart from the King's house, nor take unto
ourselves any other Lord till the Cid shall have obtained justice in
this matter. And all those knights held this counsel to be good, and
agreed to do so. And they took their way and followed after the
Infantes as fast as they could, taking no rest; but the Infantes had
ridden away full speed, and they could not overtake them. And when
they saw this they went their way to King Don Alfonso who was at
Palencia, and they came before him and kissed his hands, and then with
sorrowful hearts told him of the evil which had befallen the Cid, in
this dishonour done unto his daughters by the Infantes of Carrion. And
when the King heard it he was grievously offended, as one who had
great part therein; and he said unto them, It must needs be, that
before many days we shall receive tidings of this from the Cid
Campeador, and then upon his complaint we will enter the business in
such wise, that every one shall have justice. Then Pero Sanchez and
the other knights kissed the King's hands for what he had said; and
they abode in his court, waiting tidings from the Cid.
XVIII
XVIII
When Felez Munoz saw that the voices which they heard had ceased, he
went after awhile to a village which was at hand, to seek food for the
dames and for himself; and in this manner he kept them for seven days.
And in that village he found a good man, who was a husbandman, and who
lived a godly life with his wife and with his daughters; and this good
man knew the Cid Ruydiez, for the Cid had lodged in his house, and
he had heard tell of his great feats. And when Felez Munoz knew this
he took the man aside, seeing how good a man he was, and how well he
spake of the Cid, and told him what had befallen those dames, and
how he had hidden them in the wood. And when the good man heard it
he had great ruth for them, but he held himself a happy man in that he
could do them service; and he took two asses and went with Felez Munoz
to the place where they were hidden, and took with him his two sons,
who were young men. And when the dames saw them they marvelled who
they might be, and were ashamed and would have hidden themselves;
but they could not. And the good man bent his knees before them,
weeping, and said, Ladies, I am at the service of the Cid your father,
who hath many times lodged in my house, and I served him the best I
could, and he always was bountiful towards me. And now, this young
man, who saith his name is Felez Munoz, hath told me the great wrong
and dishonour which your husbands, the Infantes of Carrion, have
done unto you. And when I heard it I was moved to great sorrow, and
for the great desire I have to do service to the Cid and to you, I
am come hither, to carry you, if you will be so pleased, upon these
beasts, to my house; for you must not remain in this wild forest,
where the beasts would devour you. And when you are there, I and my
wife and my daughters will serve you the best we can; and you may then
send this squire to your father, and we will keep you secretly and
well till your father shall send for you; this place is not fit for
you, for you would die of cold and hunger. When the good man had
said this, Dona Sol turned to Dona Elvira and said, Sister, the good
man saith well, and it is better that we should go with him than
remain and die here, for so shall we see the vengeance which I trust
in God our father will give us. So they gave thanks to God, and to
that good man. And he set them upon his beasts, and led them to the
village, when it was now night; and they entered his house secretly,
so that none knew of their coming save the good man and his family,
whom he charged that they should tell no man thereof. And there his
wife and his daughters ministered unto them with pure good will.
XIX
XIX
Then these dames wrote a letter to their father the Cid, which was a
letter of credence, that he should believe the tidings which Felez
Munoz would deliver, and they wrote it with the blood from their
wounds. And Felez Munoz went his way towards Valencia; and when he
came to Santesteban he spake with Diego Tellez, who had been of the
company of Alvar Fanez, and told him of what had befallen. He, so soon
as he heard this great villainy, took beasts and seemly raiment, and
went for those dames, and brought them from the house of that good man
to Santesteban, and did them all honour that he could. They of
Santesteban were always gentlemen; and they comforted the daughters of
the Cid, and there they were healed of their hurts. In the meantime
Felez Munoz proceeded on his journey, and it came to pass that he
met Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Pero Bermudez on the way, going to the
King with a present which the Cid had sent him; and the present was
this,... two hundred horses, from those which he had won in the battle
of Quarto from King Bucar, and a hundred Moorish prisoners, and many
good swords, and many rich saddles. And as Alvar Fanez and Pero
Bermudez rode on in talk, they thought that it was he, and marvelled
greatly; and he when he drew nigh began to tear his hair, and make
great lamentation, so that they were greatly amazed. And they
alighted, asking him what it was. And he related unto them all that
had befallen. But when they heard this, who can tell the lamentation
which they made? And they took counsel together what they should do,
and their counsel was this,... that they should proceed to the King,
and demand justice at his hands in the name of the Cid, and that Felez
Munoz should proceed to Valencia. So he told them the name of the good
man with whom he had left the dames, and the place where he dwelt, and
also how he had spoken with Diego Tellez at Santesteban, and then they
parted.
XX
Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez held on their way, and came to the
King, whom they found in Valladolid. And he received them right
well, and asked them for the Cid, and they kissed his hand and said,
Sir, the Cid commends himself to your grace; he hath had a good affair
with King Bucar of Morocco, and hath defeated him, and nine and twenty
Kings came with him, in the field of Quarto, and great booty did he
gain there in gold and in silver, and in horses and tents and
cattle; and he hath slain many and taken many prisoners. And in
acknowledgment of you as his natural Lord, he sends you two hundred
horses, and a hundred black Moors, and many rich saddles and
precious swords, beseeching you to accept them at his hand, in token
of the desire he hath to do service to God and to you, maintaining the
faith of Jesus Christ. And King Don Alfonso made answer and said, that
he took the present of the Cid with a right good will, as of the
truest and most honourable vassal that ever Lord had: and he gave
order to his people to receive it, and bade Alvar Fanez and Pero
Bermudez seat themselves at his feet. After a while Alvar Fanez rose
and said, Sir, when we departed from the Cid we left him in great
honour and prosperity; but on our way we met a squire who is his
nephew, by name Felez Munoz, and he hath told us the evil and the
dishonour which both we and the Cid endure in the villainy which the
Infantes of Carrion have committed upon his daughters. You, Sir,
know how great this villainy hath been, and how nearly it toucheth
you, for the marriage was of your appointment, and I gave them by your
command to the Infantes. Pero Sanchez hath told you that the dames
were dead, as he believed them to be; but we, Sir, know that they
are yet alive, having been grievously hurt and wounded with bridles
and spurs, and stript of their garments,... in which plight Felez
Munoz found them. Certes such a thing as this cannot please God in
heaven, and ought to offend you who are Lord here in your own realm.
Now therefore we beseech you that you take justice for yourself, and
give us and the Cid ours. And let not the Cid be dishonoured in your
time, for blessed be God, he hath never been dishonoured yet, but hath
gone on always advancing in honour since King Don Ferrando your father
knighted him in Coimbra. To this the King made answer and said, God
knoweth the trouble which I resent for this dishonour which hath
been done to the Cid, and the more I hear of it the more doth it
trouble me, and many reasons are there why it should; for my own sake,
and for the sake of the Cid, and for the sake of his daughters; but
since they are yet alive the evil is not so great, for as they have
been wrongfully put to shame, not meriting such treatment, they may be
rightfully avenged, as my Cortes shall determine. Moreover it is a
grief to me that my vassals the Infantes of Carrion should have
erred so badly and with such cruelty; but since it hath been so I
cannot but do justice. I hold it good therefore to summon them to my
Cortes, which I will assemble for this matter in Toledo, and the
time assigned them shall be three months from this day; and do ye tell
the Cid to come there with such of his people as he shall think
good. Glad were Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez of this reply, and
they kissed his hand, and dispeeded themselves. And the King ordered
mules to be given them for the dames, with right noble saddles and
trappings of gold and cloth of gold and of wool, with menever and
gris.
XXI
XXI
Then Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez went their way, and Pero
Sanchez and his company departed with them. They went up Val de
Esgueva to Penafiel, and by Roa and Arrueco, and they entered the
Oak-forest of Corpes, and Pero Sanchez showed the place beside the
fountain where the villainy had been committed; and they made such
lamentation there as if they had seen the dames lie dead before
them. Then rode they to the village where the good man dwelt, and went
to his dwelling, and good guerdon did they give unto him for the
service which he had done, so that he was full well requited. And they
took with them the two sons and the two daughters of the good man,
that they might recompense them for the good deeds of their father;
and the dames gave them in marriage, and made them full rich, and held
them even as brothers and as sisters, because of the service which
they had received from them. When it was known at Santesteban that
Minaya was coming for his kinswomen, the men of that town welcomed him
and his company, and they brought him in payment the efurcion, that is
to say, the supper-money, and it was full great. But Minaya would
not accept it at their hands, and he thanked them, and said, Thanks,
men of Santesteban, for what ye have done, and my Cid the Campeador
will thank ye, as I do, and God will give ye your guerdon. Then went
they to visit their kinswomen, and when they saw the dames, who can
tell the great lamentation which was made on both sides? albeit that
they rejoiced to see each other. And Minaya said unto them, By God,
cousins, he knoweth the truth, and your father and mother know it
also,... I misdoubted this when you went away with those false ones;
and it grieved me when your father said that he had given his
consent that ye should go, and your mother gainsaid it also; but we
could not prevail, for he said he had consented. Howbeit, since ye are
alive, of evils let us be thankful for the least: you have lost one
marriage, and may gain a better, and the day will come when we shall
avenge ye. That night they rested at Santesteban, and on the morrow
they set forward and took the road towards Atienza, and the men of
Santesteban escorted them as far as the river Damor, to do them
pleasure. And they past Alcoceba, and went on to the King's Ford,
and there took up their lodging at the Casa de Berlanga. On the morrow
they lodged at Medina Celi, and from thence they went to Molina, and
Abengalvon came out with a right good will to welcome them, for love
of the Cid, and he did them all the honour that he could. And it was
accorded between them that the dames should rest there some days,
because of their weakness, and that they should send and let the Cid
know what had been done.
XXII
XXII
Then Pero Bermudez went on to Valencia, and Alvar Fanez and the rest
of his company abode with the dames in Molina. And when Pero
Bermudez arrived he found the Cid Ruydiez just risen with his chivalry
from dinner, and when the Cid saw him he welcomed him right well;
howbeit he could not refrain from weeping; for before this Felez Munoz
had told him all. And he stroked his beard and said, Thanks be to
Christ, the Lord of this world, by this beard which no one hath ever
cut, the Infantes of Carrion shall not triumph in this! And he began
to take comfort, hearing how King Don Alfonso had appointed the
Cortes. And he took Pero Bermudez by the hand and led him to Dona
Ximena, who wept greatly at seeing him, and said, Ah, Pero Bermudez,
what tidings bringest thou of my daughters? And he comforted her and
said, Weep not, Lady, for I left them alive and well at Molina, and
Alvar Fanez with them; by God's blessing you shall have good vengeance
for them! Then the Cid seated himself near his wife, and Pero Bermudez
took his seat before them, and told them all that he had done, and how
the King had summoned them to the Cortes at Toledo. And he said unto
the Cid, My uncle and Lord, I know not what to say, but ill is my luck
that I could not take vengeance before I returned here; and certes, if
I could have found them I would have died, or have compleated it:
but they when they had done this villainy dared not appear before
the King, neither in his Court, and therefore he hath issued this
summons to them that they should come. Manifestly may it be seen
that the King well inclineth to give you justice, if you fail not to
demand it. Now then I beseech you tarry not, but let us to horse and
confront them and accuse them, for this is not a thing to be done
leisurely. And the Cid answered and said, Chafe not thyself, Pero
Bermudez, for the man who thinketh by chafing to expedite his
business, leaveth off worse than he began. Be you certain, that if I
die not I shall take vengeance upon those traitors, and I trust in God
not to die till I have taken it. Now therefore, give me no more
anger than I feel in my own heart, for Felez Munoz hath given me
enough. I thank my Lord King Don Alfonso for the answer which he
gave you, and for appointing the Cortes, and in such guise will I
appear there as shall gall them who wish ill to me. God willing, we
will take our departure in good time! Do you now return to Molina, and
bring on my daughters, for I would fain see them; and I will talk with
them that they may tell me the whole truth of this thing, that I may
know the whole when I go to the court of the King to demand vengeance.
XXIII
XXIII
Pero Bermudez returned the next day to Molina, where Abengalvon
had done great honour to the dames, and to Alvar Fanez, and all that
were with him. And they departed from Molina, and Abengalvon with
them, for he would not leave them till he had brought them to Valencia
to his Lord the Cid. And when the Cid knew that they were drawing nigh
he rode out two leagues to meet them, and when they saw him they
made great lamentation, they and all his company, not only the
Christians but the Moors also who were in his service. But my Cid
embraced his daughters, and kissed them both, and smiled and said,
Ye are come, my children, and God will heal you! I accepted this
marriage for you, but I could do no other; by God's pleasure ye
shall be better mated hereafter. And when they reached Valencia and
went into the Alcazar to their mother Dona Ximena, who can tell the
lamentation which was made by the mother over her daughters, and the
daughters with their mother, and by the women of their household.
Three days did this great lamentation last. And the Cid thanked
Abengalvon, his vassal, for the honour which he had shown to his
children and their company, and promised to protect him from all who
should come against him. And Abengalvon returned to Molina well
pleased.
BOOK NINE
I
My Cid the Campeador made ready to appear at the Cortes in Toledo,
and he left the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Martin Pelaez the
Asturian, to command in Valencia, and five hundred knights with
them, all hidalgos. And he spake with his daughters, and commanded and
besought them to tell him the whole truth, how this matter had been,
and not say the thing which was false; and they did accordingly, and
related unto him all, even as it had befallen them. And the Cid
departed from Valencia, and with him went Alvar Fanez Minaya with
two hundred knights, and Pero Bermudez with one hundred, and Martin
Antolinez with fifty, and Martin Ferrandez with other fifty, and Felez
Ferruz and Benito Sanchez with fifty each;... these were five
hundred knights. And there went fifty with Martin Garcia and Martin
Salvadorez, and fifty with Pero Gonzalvez and Martin Munoz, and
Diego Sanchez of Arlanza went with fifty, and Don Nuno, he who
colonized Cubiella, and Alvar Bermudez he who colonized Osma, went
with forty, and Gonzalo Munoz of Orbaneja, and Muno Ravia, and
Yvanez Cornejo with sixty, and Muno Fernandez the Lord of
Monteforte, and Gomez Fernandez he who colonized Pampliego with sixty;
and Don Garcia de Roa and Serrazin his brother, Lord of Aza, with
ninety; and Antolin Sanchez of Soria took with him forty knights who
were his children or his kin:... nine hundred knights were they in
all. And there went with them five hundred esquires on foot, all
hidalgos, beside those who were bred in his household, and beside
other foot-men, who were many in number. All these went well clad in
right good garments, and with good horses, to serve the Cid both in
Cortes and in the war.
II
King Don Alfonso made no delay, but sent out his letters through
Leon and Santiago, to the Portugueze and the Galicians, and they of
Carrion, and the Castillians, that he would hold a Cortes in Toledo at
the end of seven weeks, and that they who did not appear should no
longer be accounted his vassals. At this greatly were the Infantes
of Carrion trou |