El Cantar de mío Cid

(The Song of My Lord)

Part VI: Justice

Translated by A. S. Kline © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved.

This work may be freely reproduced, stored and transmitted, electronically or otherwise, for any non-commercial purpose. Conditions and Exceptions apply.

Contents

Lines 2993-3022: The nobles gather at the court in Toledo

Now, the lords of Carrión were greatly troubled

That the king had summoned them to Toledo,

Fearing the presence of my Cid, the Campeador.

They took counsel, with their wider family,

And petitioned the king for an exemption.

Said the king: ‘God save me, I’ll not grant it!

For El Cid, the Campeador, shall be there.

He’s a claim against you, and seeks amends.

Any that refuses to attend when summoned,

Let him quit the realm, for I know him not!’

The lords of Carrión knew what they must do,

And so took counsel, with the wider family.

Count, Don García, was part of that discussion,

The Cid’s enemy, that ever sought him ill,

And who now gave the grandees his advice.

The time arrived; the nobles sought the court.

Among the first, accompanying the king,

Were Count Don Enrique, and Count Don Remón,

(The latter father of Alfonso ‘El Emperador’),

With Count Don Fruela, and Count Don Birbón.

Many a legal expert from the realm was there,

Midst the greatest, and the noblest, of Castile.

With Asur González, and Gonzalo Ansúrez,

Came Don García and the lords of Carrión,

Diego and Fernandez; for they both were there;

With the rest of their clan, they came to court,

Seeking to bring further trouble on El Cid.

Form every part they gathered to that court,

Though he that was born in a fortunate hour

Delayed, which failed, in truth, to please the king.

Lines 3023-3060: King Alfonso VI rides out to greet El Cid

On the fifth day, my Cid the Campeador arrived,

Having sent the faithful Álvar Fáñez on ahead,

So as to kiss the hands of the king his master,

And inform him that he’d arrive that night.

When the king heard this, his mood softened,

And he rode, with many a knight, to meet him,

To greet the one that was born in fortunate hour.

The Cid came with his company, well-armed;

Fine is the company that has so fine a leader.

When he came in sight of the king, Alfonso,

My Cid, the Campeador, leapt to the ground,

Wishing to bow, and honour his true lord.

When the king saw him, he cried out, at once:

‘By San Isidro, you’ll not do the like today!

Mount and ride, Cid, or you’ll displease me.

We must greet each other, heart and soul;

For that which grieves you, pains me also.

God make yours the honours of this court!’

‘Amen to that,’ said my Cid, the Campeador,

And he kissed the king’s hands, and his lips.

‘Thanks be to God that I see you, my lord,

I bow down to you, and Count Don Remón,

Count Don Enrique, and all the nobles here.

God defend them, and you more so, my lord!

My wife, Doña Jimena, this virtuous lady here,

Kisses your hands, as do both my daughters.

May that which befell them grieve you, lord.’

‘God save me, and it does!’ the king replied.

The king turned about then, to enter Toledo.

That night my Cid would not cross the Tagus:

‘By your grace, my lord, and God save you,

Re-enter the city, as it seems you intend;

But I, and mine, will lodge in San Servando.

All my company will reach it by nightfall;

I will keep vigil there, in that holy place.

Tomorrow, at morn, I’ll enter the city,

And shall be at the court, before midday.’

‘That pleases me right well,’ the king replied.

Lines 3061-3090: El Cid selects his companions for the court

King Alfonso made a swift return to Toledo;

Ruy Díaz, my Cid, remained in San Servando.

He ordered candles to be placed on the altar,

As he wished to keep vigil in that sanctuary,

Praying to the Lord, and communing there

With Minaya, and the good friends about him.

They all reached agreement as morning came.

Matins and Prime had been chanted near dawn,

And a Mass had been said ere the sun arose.

They made a fitting and a generous offering.

‘Minaya Álvar Fáñez, my right hand,’ said El Cid,

‘You, and Don Jerónimo, shall accompany me,

With Pero Bermúdez, and with Muño Gustioz,

And Martín Antolínez, good citizen of Burgos,

Álvar Álvarez, also, and Álvar Salvadores,

And Martín Muñoz, born in a fortunate hour,

And Félez Muñoz, since he’s my own nephew,

And Mal Anda, who is one that knows the law,

And Galindo García, who’s the best of Aragón,

And a hundred fine warriors of the finest here.

Let all wear padded tunics beneath their armour,

Under coats of mail, shining bright as the sun,

And o’er the chain-mail, ermine and other furs.

Let your weapons be hidden, tightly secured,

Well-honed and sharp, beneath your mantles,

For, in this manner, I’d have us go to the court,

There to plead my cause, and demand my rights.

If the infantes of Carrión are spoiling for a fight,

I need have no fear with a hundred to back me.’

And all there replied: ‘Such is what we desire.’

Lines 3091-3111: He adorns himself fittingly

As he had declared so all clad themselves,

For the fortunate-born now brooked no delay.

His legs were covered in fine cloth hose,

His feet were clad in well-wrought shoes.

He wore a linen shirt, white as the dawn,

Made to order, tightly-fitting at the wrists,

And all its fastenings were gold and silver.

Over this, went a doublet of the finest silk,

Embroidered brightly, with gleaming thread.

Over all this went a coat of crimson leather,

Fringed with gold, that El Cid often wore.

A fine cambric cap he set upon his head,

Fit for the purpose, embroidered with gold,

So not a hair on that head was out of place.

His beard worn long, tied back with a cord,

Sought to display its fullness, in his honour.

The whole was set off by a priceless mantle,

So that all would take note of his presence.

With the hundred or so, under his command,

He mounted swiftly and left San Servando.

Thus, so adorned, my Cid rode to the court.

All would take note of his presence

‘All would take note of his presence’

Lines 3112-3152: King Alfonso addresses the court

At the outer gate, he dismounted, fittingly,

And entered prudently, amidst all his men.

When they saw him arrive, the fortunate one,

And he in the midst of his men all about him,

Good king Alfonso rose quickly to his feet,

As did counts Don Enrique and Don Remón,

Then all the other men by rank, of the court.

And greeted the Campeador with much honour,

All, that is, except for El Crespo de Grañón,

The Lords of Carrión, and all their company.

Said the king, to El Cid: ‘Sit here, Campeador,

Upon this bench that you once gifted to me;

Though it annoys some, you are their better.’

He who’d won Valencia thanked him kindly:

‘As our lord and master, the bench is yours,

I’ll remain here, with those who are mine.’

With El Cid’s words the king was most pleased.

Thus, my Cid was seated on an ornate bench,

And his hundred men were seated about him,

While all those at the court gazed upon him,

At his beard, worn long and tied with a cord,

At the fine man he was, in his handsome attire.

But the lords of Carrion looked away in shame.

Then good King Alfonso rose to his feet, again:

‘Hear me, my followers, may the Lord aid you!

I have held such a court but twice in my reign.

One was at Burgos, and one was at Carrión,

Now a third, in Toledo, I hold here, today,

For love of my Cid, he whom fortune favours,

Since he makes a claim against Carrión’s lords.

A grave injustice, we deem, has been done him;

Counts Don Enrique and Don Remón shall judge,

And those other counts, not of Carrión’s faction.

All of you, my experienced lords, pay attention,

And judge what is right; for I brook no injustice.

And respect the peace now, both of the parties.

By San Isidro, I swear, he that troubles my court,

Shall forfeit my favour, and forsake the realm!

I’ll favour that party that proves in the right.

Now, let the Campeador set forth his claim,

And we’ll hear how the lords of Carrión reply.’

Lines 3153-3182: El Cid sets out his claim; the infantes respond

My Cid rose to his feet, and kissed the king’s hand:

‘As my king and master, I thank you, profoundly,

For convening this court to judge of my claim.

Now justice I seek, from the lords of Carrión.

It was not myself, by deserting my daughters,

They dishonoured, but he who decreed they wed.

When they led my daughters from fair Valencia,

I loved both these lords, with my heart and soul.

I gave them my swords, named Colada and Tizón,

Those two blades that I won as a warrior in battle,

So, they might gain honour thus, and serve you.

Abandoning my daughters in the woods of Robledo,

They turned against me, and forfeited my love.

Let the swords be returned, by my ex-sons-in-law.’

The judges responded: ‘All that seems but right!’

Count Don García said: ‘This we must discuss.’

The lords of Carrión, with their clan, drew aside,

Talking together, and with all their company,

So, agreeing swiftly how to end the matter:

‘The Campeador acts generously towards us,

By not claiming we dishonoured his daughters,

While we can reach agreement with the king.

Let’s yield the swords, so he may rest his case.

Once he has them, the court will be dissolved,

For El Cid will withdraw his claim against us.’

Having agreed this, they returned to the court.

‘Your Grace,’ they said, ‘Alfonso, our lord and king,

We can’t deny that El Cid gave us the two swords,

But since the Campeador desires to regain them,

We wish to yield them to him, in your presence.’

Lines 3183-3243: El Cid reclaims his swords and more

They produced the swords, Colada and Tizón.

And placed them in the hands of their master,

Who drew them forth to brighten all the court.

For the pommels and the guards were of gold,

And all the noblemen there marvelled at them.

El Cid received the swords, now, from the king,

Kissed his hands, and then returned to his seat.

He held them in his hands, and gazed upon them,

Knew them well, and swiftly verified the pair.

His frame shook with joy, his heart was light,

He raised his hand, and took hold of his beard:

‘By this beard, whose hairs none ever plucked,

Doña Elvira and Doña Sol have their revenge!’

He summoned his nephew, Don Pero, by name,

Held out his arm to him, and gave him Tizón.

‘Take it, nephew, for it gains a better master!’

To Martín Antolínez, brave citizen of Burgos,

He held out his arm, and offered him Colada.

‘Martín Antolínez, my most worthy vassal,

Take Colada, which I won from a great lord,

Count Remón Berenguer of mighty Barcelona.

I give you this sword; now, care for it well.

For with it you’ll gain great praise and honour.’

Martín kissed his hand, and received the blade.

My Cid, the Campeador, rose from his seat:

‘Thanks be to the Lord, and you, my king!

I am happy with the blades, Colada and Tizón,

Yet I’ve a further claim against these lords.

When they led my daughters from Valencia,

I gave three thousand marks, in gold and silver,

To these infantes, yet they committed treason.

Let them return them now, my ex-sons-in-law.’

Behold, how the lords of Carrión protested!

Count Don Remón said: ‘Answer, yes or no!’

The lords of Carrión, with one voice, replied:

‘We returned his swords to the Campeador,

To end the case, avoiding a further claim.

This is what we say: if it please the king,

Reply, yourself, to the Cid’s new demand.’

‘I grant the claim,’ king Alfonso answered.

I grant the claim

‘I grant the claim’

El Cid, the Campeador, rose to his feet:

‘Yield me the monies that I granted you,

My lords, or, if not, give me a reason why!’

Once more, the lords of Carrión drew aside,

But failed to agree, the monies being great,

And the best part having been already spent.

They returned in a decided frame of mind:

‘He that won Valencia seeks far too much

In finding our little wealth so attractive;

We might pay him in goods out of Carrión.’

Once this was conceded, the judges spoke:

‘If the Cid agrees, we shall not oppose this,

But our judgement as to how it’s concluded

Is that you transmit the goods, at this court.’

With this King Alfonso, rose and spoke:

‘We know the truth about the sum involved,

And the Cid is most exact in his demand.

Of the three thousand, I hold two hundred,

Gifted to me by the infantes of Carrión.

I’ll return the coins, since they are so poor,

And hand them to El Cid, the Campeador;

Since they must be repaid, I release them.’

Lines 3244-3278: He presses his claim regarding the affront

Fernán González said: ‘We yet lack the rest.’

Count Don Remón then gave him this reply:

‘Since you have spent all the gold and silver

Before our king, Alfonso, we give judgement:

Pay in kind; let the Campeador receive it.’

The lords of Carrión now had little choice.

They committed to El Cid many a charger.

Many a good mule, many a fine palfrey,

And many a good sword and suit of armour,

My Cid received, at the court’s valuation.

The brothers added more than the two hundred

They’d had returned to them by King Alfonso;

Others gave them loans to complete the sum.

The felt the harm done them by the judgement.

My Cid received the sum, in coins and kind,

And his men took further care of all he’d gained.

But, once agreed, El Cid renewed his claim:

‘Justice yet, your Grace, for mercy’s sake!

My greatest grievance I cannot pass by.

Hear me, all this court, and feel my pain!

How can I let the lords of Carrión depart

Without challenge, having so dishonoured me?

Tell me how I’ve offended you, infantes,

Whether in deed or jest, or other manner?

In this I’ll bow to the judgement of the court.

Why did you pluck at my heartstrings so?

On leaving Valencia, you had my daughters,

I honoured you; I granted you much wealth.

If you sought my daughters not, traitorous dogs,

Why take them from Valenica, their home?

Why strike them with your straps, and spurs?

You left them in the oak-woods of Robledo,

To the wild beasts there, and the birds of prey.

Scarce worthy were the deeds you performed.

If you own an answer, let the court now hear it.’

Lines 3279-3299: García Ordóñez opposes El Cid

Count Don García next rose to his feet:

‘Justice, my king, the greatest in all Spain!

El Cid comes all adorned to this, your court,

Flourishing a beard, which he grows long!

Some dread him, the rest he scares away.

The lords of Carrión are of such lineage

They need not seek his daughters as concubines,

Much less as their wives, and their equals.

They did rightly in abandoning the pair.

We think nothing of all this that he says.’

The Campeador gripped his beard tightly:

‘Thanks be to God, who rules heaven and earth,

This beard, trimmed with care, grows so long.

Who are you, my Count, to scorn my beard?

Since it first grew, great the care it’s received,

Nor e’er was tweaked by any born of woman,

By no son of a Moor or of Christian lady,

As yours was, by me, in the town of Cabra.

When I took Cabra, and you, by the beard,

Not a lad there but pulled forth a few hairs;

That which I tweaked still grows unevenly.’

Lines 3300-3361: Fernán González is challenged by Pero Bermúdez

Next Fernán González rose to his feet,

Hear now what he declared in a loud voice:

‘You should forego your claim, Campeador,

Your gifts have been repaid by one and all.

Don’t aggravate the argument between us.

We are of the line of the counts of Carrión

Who wed with kings’ or emperors’ daughters.

Daughters of lesser nobles are not for us,

And so, we were but right to abandon yours,

And we view ourselves more highly, not less.’

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, looked to Pero Bermúdez:

‘Speak now, Pedro the Mute, man of silence!

For these, my daughters, are your first cousins.

They address me, but your ears are ringing!

If I reply, you’ll lose your chance to quarrel.’

Pero Bermúdez opened his mouth to speak,

But being so tongue-tied scarce could utter,

Yet once begun there was no stopping him:

‘My Cid, what a way you have of speaking;

Always calling me Pedro the Mute at court!

You well know it’s a thing that I can’t help.

Yet in what I have to do, I’m never lacking.

You lie, Fernando, in all that you have said!

It’s the Campeador made you men of worth.

I know all there is to tell of your vile ways.

Recall when we all fought before Valencia.

You sought for El Cid to deal the first blow.

You saw a Moor, and rushed to attack him,

And then, before you met with him, you fled!

He’d have done you harm if I’d not helped.

I sped by you, and then charged the Moor,

And downed him with my very first blow.

I handed you his horse, and kept all secret.

And never a man I have told, till this day.

Before my Cid, and everyone, you boasted

You’d killed the Moor, wrought a mighty deed.

All believed it, since they knew not the truth.

Handsome you may be, but a mighty coward!

Tongue without worth, how dare you speak!

And tell me, Fernando; admit to this now;

Come, bring to mind that lion in Valencia,

The lion that won free as the Cid slumbered.

And you, what did you do, in fear, Fernando?

Didn’t you hide behind the Campeador’s bench!

You hid Fernando, and so are of lesser worth.

We surrounded the bench to defend our lord,

Until my Cid woke, he that gained Valencia,

Rose from his bench and approached the lion,

Which bowed its head, and waited for El Cid.

He grasped it by the neck, and then re-caged it.

When he returned, the valiant Campeador,

He found his vassals gathering all about him,

Looked for his sons-in-law, and found neither.

I challenge you here, as a traitor and ill-doer,

And will fight you, before our king, Alfonso,

In the cause of Doña Elvira and Doña Sol,

Whom you deserted, in your worthlessness.

They are women; you are considered men,

And yet, in every way, their worth is greater.

When we fight, if it pleases the Lord above,

You will but prove the traitor that you are,

While I’ll maintain the truth of all I say.’

Lines 3362-3383: Diego González is challenged by Martín Antolínez

There the dispute between those two rested,

But hear what Diego González had to say:

‘We are of a line of counts, of purest blood.

The marriages should ne’er have taken place,

That connected us to the Cid, Don Rodrigo.

We repent not of abandoning his daughters,

Though they sigh their whole lives through,

And are scorned for all that we did to them.

I’ll maintain this against the boldest fellow:

We two abandoned them, but not our honour.’

At once, Martín Antolínez rose to his feet:

‘Silence, you villain; seal your lying lips,

And recall that sorry business of the lion!

Out of the door you rushed, into the yard,

Then you fled, and hid behind the wine-press;

Neither tunic nor cloak did you wear again!

I’ll fight you, for it can end no other way,

Since you two abandoned El Cid’s daughters,

Who in all ways are worth far more than you.

And when our duel is done with, you’ll admit

You’re a traitor, and you lied in all you said.’

There the dispute between those two rested.

I’ll fight you, for it can end no other way

‘I’ll fight you, for it can end no other way’

Lines 3384-3402: King Alfonso seeks an end to the dispute

Asur González now entered the palace hall,

Trailing his ermine mantle behind him,

And red in the face, having dined but lately.

There was little of prudence in what he said:

‘Ha! Friends, who ever heard the likes of this!

What do we care about El Cid de Vivar?

Let him grind his millstones by the Ubierna,

And collect his pay, as he’s used to doing!

Who’d wish his daughters wed with Carrión?’

Muño Gustioz leapt, immediately, to his feet:

‘Silence, you villain, treacherous evil-doer;

You that would eat before you seek to pray!

You insult those you ask to hold their peace!

You utter untruths to both friend and master,

False to us all, and most to the Lord above.

I want no part in what you call friendship,

Rather I’ll make you own my words as true.’

Cried Alfonso: ‘Enough of this dispute now!

By God, those who were challenged here, shall fight!’

Lines 3403-3438: Navarre and Aragón seek to wed El Cid’s daughters

As he was putting an end to their quarrelling,

Behold, two knights made entry to the court;

Ojarra was one, the other Íñigo Ximenoz,

This the infante of Navarre, that of Aragón.

They kissed the hands of King Don Alfonso,

For they sought to marry El Cid’s daughters,

And make them queens of Aragón and Navarre,

So, honourably, sought the monarch’s blessing.

With this, the noise ceased, the court fell silent,

And my Cid, the Campeador, rose to his feet.

‘Your Grace, King Alfonso, who are my lord,

I give thanks to the Lord who reigns above

That Navarre and Aragón seek thus to wed.

Since you gave them away, before, and not I,

Behold, my two daughters are in your hands.

I can do naught unless you command it so.’

The King rose, and silenced any murmurs:

‘I beg of you, my Cid, worthy Campeador,

If it pleases you, then allow me so to order.

Let the marriages be endorsed by this court,

And may they add to your wealth and honour.’

El Cid kissed the king’s hands, and replied:

‘Since it pleases you my lord, then I agree.’

Then said the king: ‘May God reward you!

To you Ojarra, and you, Íñigo Ximenoz,

I now give El Cid’s daughters, in marriage,

Doña Elvira, here, and her sister Doña Sol,

To be your noble queens, with my blessing.’

Then the infantes of Navarre and Aragón,

Ojarra and Íñigo Ximenoz, rose to their feet,

And kissed the hands of King Don Alfonso,

And then those of my Cid, the Campeador,

Paid them homage, and swore their oaths

That all should be as was agreed, and more,

Which pleased all the nobles that were there,

All those, that is, but the lords of Carrión.

Lines 3439-3476: Minaya issues his challenge; Gómez Peláez responds

Then, Minaya Álvar Fáñez rose to his feet:

‘Your Grace, the King, I ask your indulgence,

If it displeases not my Cid, the Campeador.

I have held my patience through all of this,

But now would seek to say a word myself.’

The king replied: ‘Do so, with all my heart;

Speak whate’er you wish to utter, Minaya.’

‘I ask, of you and all this court, a hearing,

For I’ve sore grievance against these infantes.

I gave my cousins to them, as commanded,

The king required it, and gave his blessing,

My Cid the Campeador made them wealthy,

And yet they abandoned them, in spite of all.

I challenge them, as traitorous ill-doers.

You are of the line of the Beni Gómez,

Of counts most excellent, and great in valour,

While we know the ways of these infantes.

I give grateful thanks to the Lord above,

That the infantes of Navarre and Aragón

Seek my cousins Doña Elvira and Doña Sol.

(Before they were but your equals to possess,

Now kiss their hands, and call them your ladies,

And prepare to serve them whate’er the cost).

Thanks be to God in heaven, and King Alfonso,

That my Cid the Campeador’s honour grows!

The matter is, in all respects, as I have said.

If any wishes to respond, or would deny it,

I, Álvar Fáñez, am full ready to meet the best.’

Gómez Peláez was next to rise to his feet:

‘What are all your menaces worth, Minaya?

Plenty are they who’ll face you, in this court;

Whosoever doubts it will be made to feel it.

If the Lord wills that we emerge victorious,

You’ll know if your boasts were good or no.’

Cried the king: ‘Enough of this quarrelling!

Let none other here indulge in accusation.

Let the morrow view these duels, at sunrise,

Twixt the three pairs who addressed the court.’

Lines 3477-3502: A time and place are appointed for the duels

The lords of Carrión then rose to their feet:

‘Grant us time, Sire; it cannot be tomorrow.

The Campeador’s men have swords and steeds.

We should hold these duels in our Carrión.’

The king now consulted with the Campeador:

‘Let the duels take place where’er you desire.’

‘No,’ replied El Cid, ‘I would not have it so,

‘E’en though I’d prefer Valencia to Carrión.’

‘Indeed, yet let it be the latter,’ said the king,

‘Give me your three champions in full armour;

Let them go with me, I’ll be their guarantor,

I’ll assure their safety, like a vassal for a lord,

And prevent attack by count or nobleman.

Here in this court, I now shall set the date,

At the end of three weeks, and in Carrión.

Let all this matter be resolved before me.

He that proves absent, shall forfeit his claim,

And flee in defeat, and be named a traitor.’

The lords of Carrión acclaimed the judgement.

My Cid kissed the monarch’s hands, and said:

‘The date and time are acceptable, my lord.

These, my three warriors, are in your hands,

I commend them to you, my lord and king;

All three are ready to fulfil their mission.

For the love of God, return them to Valencia!’

The king, at once, replied: ‘God will it so!’

Lines 3503-3543: El Cid takes leave of the king

From his head the Cid then removed his hood,

And his linen cap, that was white as sunlight,

And freed his beard, after loosening the cord,

While all the court could do nothing but gaze.

The two counts, Don Enrique and Don Remón,

He embraced warmly, begging them, earnestly,

To accept what they wished of all he owned.

Both them and those who supported his claim,

He encouraged to accept what they desired.

Some received his gifts, while others said no.

The two hundred marks returned to the king,

While El Cid retained the rest that he needed:

‘For love of the Lord, my king, I request,

Now that all of our business is concluded,

That by your leave I might kiss your hands,

And seek Valencia, which my efforts gained.’

The king raised his hand and crossed himself,

Said he: ‘I swear by Saint Isidro of León,

There’s not such a man as this in all my realm!’

The Cid mounted then, and paraded his steed,

Before seeking to kiss the monarch’s hand:

‘You ordered me to ride Babieca the swift,

Who’s unequalled midst Christians or Moors.

I hand him to you, as a gift; accept him Sire.’

At once, the king replied: ‘I’d not have it thus.

For, if I did so, he’d lack so good a master.

Such a man as you, needs such a horse as this,

To defeat the Moors in battle, and pursue them.

May God deny his aid to those who’d win him.

For both the steed and you add to our honour.’

They uttered their farewells, then they parted.

The Cid gave good counsel to those who’d fight:

‘Martín Antolínez, Pero Bermúdez, Muño Gustioz,

Stand firm; act like men now, upon the field.

Let me hear brave news of you in Valencia.’

Martín Antolínez answered: ‘Why so, my lord?

We made this our duty; ours it is to accomplish.

Tidings of death you may hear, but not defeat.’

He that was born in fortunate hour was pleased.

He bade farewell to all that were his friends.

The king sought Carrión; my Cid, Valencia.

Lines 3544-3578: The contending parties arrive on the field

The three weeks grace allotted were now past.

Behold, the Campeador’s men arrived on time,

Wishing to do their duty as their lord desired,

And protected by King Don Alfonso de León.

Two days they waited there for the infantes,

Who came well-mounted and clad in armour,

With all their many kith and kin beside them,

Hoping to draw aside the Campeador’s men,

And slay them in the field to El Cid’s dishonour.

The conspiracy was most vile, yet stillborn,

For they lived in fear of Alfonso de León.

That night they kept armed vigil, and prayed.

The night passed away and the dawn broke,

And a host of great noblemen met together,

To view the duels, as they much desired.

Above all, the king, Alfonso, had appeared,

To uphold the rules, and disallow all wrong.

The Campeador’s men donned their armour,

All three of one accord, owning one master.

Elsewhere, the infantes of Carrión prepared,

With Count García Ordóñez counselling them.

They issued a late request to King Alfonso,

That Colada and Tizón, the swords, be banned,

And denied the Campeador’s men in the fight.

They regretted that they’d returned the blades,

And so petitioned the king, though he refused:

‘You uttered no objection before the court!

If you’ve fine swords you may employ them,

The others may serve El Cid’s men likewise.

Sally forth to the field, my lords of Carrión,

It’s time for you to fight, and fight like men,

For El Cid’s champions ne’er fail to do so.

If you fight well, the greater is your honour,

But seek not to blame us if you’re conquered;

All here know you brought it on yourselves.’

Lines 3579-3605: The king appoints judges to maintain the rules

Now the lords of Carrión repented greatly,

Both filled with regret for what they’d done.

They’d have given all in Carrión to retreat.

The Campeador’s three champions had armed,

And King Alfonso was moved to visit them.

Said the Campeador’s men: ‘We kiss your hands,

For you are our king, Sire, and our master,

And one that shall judge fairly between us,

Uphold the right, and brook no wrongdoing.

The lords of Carrión are here in company,

We know not whether in good faith or no.

Our lord, El Cid, has placed us in your hands,

For the love of the Lord, protect our rights!’

The king replied: ‘With all my heart and soul.’

Their horses were brought, fine and swift ones.

They blessed the saddles, mounting with vigour,

Their strengthened shields hanging at their necks.

They grasped sharp-pointed lances in their fists,

And each of the three spears showed a pennon,

While beside them rode many a fine horseman.

They issued to the field, now clearly marked,

All three of El Cid’s champions in agreement

That each would strike his adversary hard.

Behold, on the other side, the Lords of Carrión,

Well-accompanied by their host of kith and kin.

The king appointed judges to uphold the rules,

Brooking no dispute as to what was right or no.

Lines 3606-3633: Alfonso initiates the contest

Once they were in the field, King Alfonso spoke:

‘Listen to what I say, now, my lords of Carrión,

You might have fought at Toledo but refused.

These, my Cid the Campeador’s three knights,

I’ve brought safely to the field here, in Carrión.

Uphold the right now, seek to do no wrong,

For if any seeks so to do, I forbid that same,

Nor shall any such be welcome in my realm.’

Now the lords of Carrión looked most troubled,

While all those about the knights left the field.

The king and his judges pointed out the marks,

And showed the six the layout for the duels;

Whoever strayed outside would know defeat.

All of the onlookers kept clear of the ground,

Six lances’ length beyond the nearest marker.

They drew lots for position, in sun or shade;

The judges stepped out, left them face to face;

Then El Cid’s men charged those of Carrion,

And the lords of Carrión El Cid’s brave three,

Each one among them intent upon his target.

They clasped their shields before their chests,

They lowered their lances, pennons fluttering,

They bowed their faces o’er their saddlebows,

And each spurred on his charger to the fight.

The very earth shook as the steeds sped by,

Each of their riders, intent upon their target,

Until three met with three, with such a shock

The onlookers thought all six must have died.

Each spurred on his charger to the fight

‘Each spurred on his charger to the fight’

Lines 3634-3656: Pero Bermúdez defeats Fernán González

Pero Bermúdez, who’d issued the first challenge,

Now met, face to face, with Fernán González. 

Without fear, they struck one another’s shields.

Fernán González pierced that of Bermúdez,

But his lance-tip slid by, not touching the flesh,

While the shaft broke clean apart in two places.

Pero Bermúdez held firm, not losing his balance,

Receiving the blow, and then dealing another.

He shattered the shield boss, he split it in two;

The lance, it passed through Fernán’s defences,

It reached the chest, passing Fernán’s defences.

Three layers of chain mail came to the rescue;

Two gave way, yet the third stopped the lance.

Padded-doublet, shirt, and fragments of mail,

Were driven a hand’s-breadth into his flesh,

While a spurt of blood shot out of his mouth.

His saddle-straps broke, now rendered useless;

O’er his horse’s croup he flew, to the ground,

The onlookers thinking him fatally wounded.

Pero dropped his lance, unsheathed his sword,

And when Fernán González saw it was Tizón,

He cried: ‘I am vanquished!’ ere the blow fell.

The judges acknowledged this; Pero withdrew.

Lines 3657-3680: Martín Antolínez defeats Diego González

Now, Martín Antolínez and Diego González

Struck each other so hard that their lances broke.

Martín Antolínez then drew out his sword;

So bravely it shone it brightened all the field.

He dealt a blow, but the blow glanced aside,

Though it sliced the top of his enemy’s helm,

It cut through the straps of Diego’s helmet

Tore off the mailed hood, reaching the coif,

So, the cap and hood were both ripped away,

And shaved hair from his head, piercing the flesh.

Half the helm was left; half fell to the ground.

The sword Colada had dealt that fierce blow,

And Diego González now feared for his life,

So, he turned his horse to face his opponent,

But Martín Antolínez dealt him a second blow

With the flat of his sword, not the blade’s edge,

While Diego’s sword ne’er attempted a strike,

But rather the knight cried out, in a loud voice:

‘Defend me, great God above, from that blade!’

He reined in his steed then, evading the sword,

Passed the barrier; Martín Antolínez remained.

The king called out: ‘Come, join my company.

By your own skill you have gained the victory,’

While the judges all confirmed that it was so.

Lines 3681-3702: Muño Gustioz defeats Asur González

His friends having won, I’ll speak of Muño Gustioz,

And how he now fared against Asur González.

They dealt great blows upon each other’s shields.

Asur González, both strong and courageous,

Struck hard at the shield of Don Muño Gustioz.

Piercing the shield, he shattered the armour,

But struck there in vain, not finding the flesh.

And now Muño Gustioz returned him a blow;

Piercing his shield, he shattered his armour,

Breaking the shield-boss, in driving inwards,

That failed to resist; he shattered his armour,

Striking his left side, some way from the heart,

The lance and its pennon thrust through the flesh,

Until they emerged, a full arm’s length behind.

He twisted the lance, pushed him from the saddle,

So, when it withdrew, his foe fell to the ground,

The shaft, the tip and the pennon now crimsoned,

Such that all thought the man wounded to death.

Recovering his lance, Muño halted above him.

Cried Gonzalo Ansúrez: ‘For God’s sake, strike not!

For the field is won, and the contest is over.’

The judges then cried: ‘And that we confirm!’

Lines 3703-3720: The contest is concluded.

Good King Alfonso ordered the field cleared,

The arms and the armour left there were his.

The Campeador’s men departed with honour.

Thanks be to God the combat they had won.

Great now was the grief in the realm of Carrión,

And the king sent El Cid’s men forth by night,

So that they might ride without fear of attack.

As men of prudence, they rode night and day,

Till they reached the Campeador in Valencia.

They’d left the infantes in shame and disgrace,

And fulfilled their task as their lord demanded.

My Cid, the brave Campeador, was delighted.

Great now the dishonour to Carrión’s grandees.

He that first scorns, and then deserts, a lady,

Let e’er such dishonour fall to him, or worse!

Let us leave the affair of Carrión’s grandees,

Now bemoaning the shame they’d suffered,

And speak of him born in a fortunate hour.

Lines 3721-3742: The poet ends his tale

Great now was the joy in mighty Valencia,

That El Cid’s warriors had won such honour.

Their lord, Ruy Díaz, took hold of his beard:

‘Thanks to God, my daughters have vengeance!

Let them be free of those lands in Carrión!

They’ll wed without shame, who likes it or no.’

Navarre and Aragón pursued their request,

And held counsel with King Alfonso de León,

Who gave away Doña Elvira and Doña Sol.

Their first husbands were lords, these were greater;

More honourable were their second marriages.

Behold how his honour increased, the Campeador,

His daughters were brides of Aragón and Navarre,

To them, the monarchs of Spain are now related,

And honour descends to all of them from El Cid,

That departed this life on the day of Pentecost.

Christ pardon him, and all, righteous or sinner!

Such were the deeds of my Cid, the Campeador.

Here’s the place where the tale makes an end.

God grant him that wrote it Paradise, amen!

Per Abbat, he penned this, in the month of May,

In the year one thousand two hundred and seven.

The End of the Final Part VI of ‘El Cantar de mío Cid’