El Cantar de mío Cid

(The Song of My Lord)

Part IV: The King’s Favour

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 1564-1623: The Cid welcomes his wife and daughters to Valencia

To my Cid, who was born in a fortunate hour,

To Valencia, the fair tidings were brought.

Ne’er happier in life was the Campeador,

To welcome the news of those he loved dearly.

He ordered two hundred knights to ride forth,

To greet the fair ladies, and likewise Minaya,

While he stayed to guard and defend Valencia,

Knowing that Álvar Fáñez would be watchful.

Lo, how the band of knights greeted Minaya,

The lady, her daughters, and their companions!

My Cid now ordered those of his household

To guard the towers, above all the alcázar,

And all the gates, all the entrances and exits,

And bring Babieca, his steed, but lately won,

Of which my Cid, born in a fortunate hour,

Knew not its full speed on loosening the reins;

At the gates of Valencia, where he felt secure,

He would joust, before his wife and daughters.

The ladies were welcomed with every honour,

While Bishop Jerónimo rode on past them,

Abandoned his steed, and sped to the chapel.

With as many as were there gathered to pray,

In white surplices, bearing crosses of silver,

He returned, to greet Minaya and the ladies.

Nor did he that was born in a fair hour delay;

Babieca, saddled, now received its caparison;

The Cid rode forth, and took up his weapons,

Clad in his surcoat, and wondrously bearded.

He ran a fine joust, with extraordinary skill,

He ran a fine joust, with extraordinary skill

‘He ran a fine joust, with extraordinary skill’

Upon that fine horse that was named Babieca.

At the speed of his charge all there marvelled;

From that day, the horse was the wonder of Spain.

When the jousting was over, the Cid dismounted,

And moved to re-join his wife and daughters.

Doña Jimena, on greeting him, knelt at his feet:

‘In a fair hour you bear the sword, Campeador!

You have saved me from many a shame and ill.

Behold me now, Sire, with both our daughters,

Aided by God, and yourself, they will prosper.’

He clasped his wife, and his daughters tightly,

He clasped his wife, and his daughters tightly

‘He clasped his wife, and his daughters tightly’

As tears of joy streamed forth from their eyes.

All his knights expressed their perfect delight,

Wielding their weapons, and tilting at targets.

Hear now what he said, the famed Campeador:

‘My dear honoured wife, and my daughters too,

The treasures, indeed, of my heart and soul,

Come, enter Valencia’s walls now, with me.

Enter the heart of the realm I’ve won for you.’

His wife and daughters kissed El Cid’s hands,

With exceeding honour, they entered Valencia.

My Cid made his way to the fortress beside them,

And directed them to the highest battlement.

Those beautiful eyes now gazed on all sides,

They viewed the countless roofs of Valencia,

And, in the opposite direction, beheld the sea.

They viewed all the orchards, leafy, immense,

They lifted up their hands, in praise of God,

For all this wealth, its richness and grandeur.

My Cid enjoyed life now, with his companions,

As winter passed by, until March drew near.

Lines 1624-1660: The Moroccan army of King Yusuf approaches the city

I will speak of ill news, from o’er the waves,

Of King Yusuf, who ruled there, in Morocco.

Morocco’s king was displeased with El Cid:

‘In my lands he’s entrenched himself deeply,

And gives thanks to none but Jesus Christ.’

The King of Morocco gathered his warriors;

Fifty thousand, in sum, completed his army.

They boarded his vessels, and set out to sea.

They sailed for Valencia, to fight my Cid.

They disembarked, and forth went that army,

And reached the city my Cid had conquered.

The unbelievers pitched tents, and made camp.

To my Cid, in Valencia, these tidings came.

‘Give thanks to the Lord, and the Holy Spirit!

All the good that I have here, I see before me.

I hold Valencia I gained with much trouble,

And while I yet live, I shall ne’er depart her.

Give thanks to the Lord, and his Mother Mary,

That I have my wife and daughters beside me!

Great joy has come to me now, o’er the waves;

I must take up my weapons, I can do no other.

My wife and my daughters will see me in battle,

They will see how, in exile, we win us a home.

They will see, indeed, how we earn our bread.’

His wife and daughters he led to the fortress,

They raised their eyes and saw the pitched camp.

‘What is this, my Cid? May the Lord protect you!’

‘Do not trouble yourself, my honoured wife.

Great and marvellous wealth lies there before us;

To mark your arrival, they offer us presents;

Dowries they bring, for our daughters’ weddings.’

‘I give thanks, my Cid, to you, then, and the Lord.’

‘Wife, stay in the palace, or this fort if you wish,

And don’t be afraid if you see me advancing;

By the grace of the Lord, and his Mother Mary,

My courage is greater because you are present.

With God on my side, I shall conquer in battle.’

Lines 1661-1685: El Cid’s forces engage the Moors

The tents were deployed, the dawn light appeared;

There came the loud noise of the beating of drums.

My Cid, overjoyed, cried: ‘This day’s a fine day!’

His wife thought her heart would burst, in her fear;

And, likewise, her daughters and ladies-in-waiting,

Since the day they were born had ne’er trembled so.

The good Campeador, El Cid, stroked his beard:

‘Fear not, for all this can but work to our good.

Within fifteen days, if the Lord but desires it,

The drums set before you, you’ll see their use;

For then they’ll be granted to Bishop Jerónimo,

To hang high on the church walls, in Santa Maria.’

Once the Cid had uttered this sacred promise,

The ladies were happy, their terror vanquished.

The Moors from Morocco advanced, without fear,

They rode with vigour, and entered the orchards.

The guards rang the warning bell, on seeing them.

So, alerting the ranks of the Christian army,

Who, rousing their courage, sped from the city,

Met with the Moors, and tackled them swiftly,

And drove them, viciously, out of the orchards,

While slaying more than five hundred that day.

As far as the foe’s tents, their swift pursuit lasted,

Then, with much achieved, they thought to retreat,

Though they left poor Álvar Salvadórez a prisoner.

Lines 1686-1744: A dawn attack

Those who ate his bread returned to my Cid,

And spoke in person of the deeds they’d seen.

My Cid was most pleased with all they’d done:

‘Harken, my knights, this is how things will be.

Today went well, but tomorrow will go better.

In the morn, ere daybreak, when we have armed,

The Mass will be said; then, be ready for war.

Bishop Don Jerónimo will grant us absolution.

We strike in the name of the Lord and Santiago;

For it’s better to charge ere they take the field.’

As one, they cried: ‘For love of God, willingly!’

Minaya spoke then, who ne’er brooked delay:

‘My Cid, if that be your aim, let me do more.

Grant me a hundred and thirty fighting men.

You strike from one side, I’ll take the other,

And God will aid us, on both sides or on one.’

‘Willingly!’ cried the Cid, without hesitation.

The night passed by, and morning was come,

And the Christian forces brooked no delay.

Amidst the cock’s crowing, ere daylight broke,

The bishop, Don Jerónimo, chanted the Mass,

And when it was done, he granted absolution:

‘The man that dies here, fighting face to face,

I pardon his sins, and God shall have his soul.

For you, Don Rodrigo, I’ve chanted the Mass,

You who donned the sword in fortunate hour.

So, I ask this boon, and may it be granted,

That the first blow struck here, shall be mine.’

Said the Campeador: ‘Henceforth, it is yours.’

From Valencia’s walls, armed, they rode forth,

In well-ordered ranks, as my Cid commanded,

Leaving prudent men, there, to guard the gates.

My Cid sallied forth on his steed, Babieca,

Well-prepared, and equipped in all his armour.

From Valencia, banner raised, they rode forth.

Thirty men short of four thousand, with El Cid,

Rode towards fifty thousand to rout them;

Álvar Álvarez, and Minaya Álvar Fáñez,

Came upon them, meanwhile, from the other side;

It pleased the Lord above to destroy the foe.

My Cid shattered his lance, and drew his sword.

He slew the Moors, his victims beyond counting,

Till to his very elbow the blood dripped down.

He dealt three great blows against King Yusuf,

Who hastened from the blade, on his fast steed,

And sped to Cullera, his palatial stronghold,

While my Cid of Vivar followed, in hot pursuit,

With others of his fierce followers chasing after.

From there, he that was born in fortunate hour,

Turned back, pleased with all that he had gained;

Babieca had proved worth his weight in gold;

Many the spoils that remained in El Cid’s hands.

The fifty thousand were counted, man by man;

No more than a hundred and four had escaped.

My Cid’s men plundered all their encampment,

Found three thousand marks, in gold and silver,

While the other spoils proved beyond counting.

Happy was my Cid, and likewise his vassals,

That God’s favour had seen them gain the field.

Lines 1745-1775: El Cid re-enters Valencia, in triumph

With the King of Morocco now defeated,

He left Álvar Fáñez to complete the count.

With a hundred knights he entered Valencia,

Showing his dust-stained features, un-visored.

Thus, he entered, on Babieca, sword in hand.

The ladies, awaiting him, gave him welcome.

There, my Cid reigned in his steed and halted:

‘I bow to you ladies; a great prize I’ve gained.

With you guarding Valencia, I won the field;

For it was the will of God, and all his saints,

That upon your coming such a gift be given.

A blood-stained sword, a sweat-stained steed,

See, this is how a field of Moors are conquered.

Pray to the Lord that I live a length of years,

And you’ll be honoured, they’ll kiss your hands.’

Such were my Cid’s words, while he dismounted.

Once the Campeador’s feet touched the ground,

The ladies, his daughters, and his honoured wife

Bent the knee before my Ruy Díaz de Vivar:

‘We bow thus to your grace; may you live long!’

Together, the company now entered the hall,

And seated themselves on richly-wrought benches.

‘Doña Jimena, my wife,’ said El Cid, ‘you asked

That the ladies with you might wed with my vassals,

As they’ve served you well, and such is my wish.

Two hundred in silver marks I’ll grant each lady,

So Castile will know whom they served so well.

Our daughters’ marriages may take a while longer.’

The ladies rose, and kissed the Campeador’s hands,

While great was the joy that filled the whole palace.

All then was performed, as the Cid had commanded.

Lines 1776-1802: The aftermath of the battle

Álvar Fáñez was still with his men, upon the field

‘Álvar Fáñez was still with his men, upon the field’

Álvar Fáñez was still with his men, upon the field,

Recording their tally of spoils from the fight,

Which, with the tents, weapons, and rich garments,

Amounted to a quite rare, and tremendous, haul.

And I’ll tell you of something as worthy of note,

That the number of horses was beyond counting,

Many yet running loose, so none could catch them,

The Valencian Moors gaining a few themselves.

In spite of this, the famed Campeador obtained

Fifteen hundred of the best and swiftest steeds,

While his followers could not but be satisfied.

Many a rich pavilion, with its ornate tent-posts,

Fell to my Cid, and many more to his vassals!

The King of Morocco’s tent far outdid the rest,

Its twin supporting posts were wrought of gold,

And my Cid commanded that it not be harmed,

Nor any Christian seek to take it for his own:

‘This tent the king has brought from Morocco;

I desire to gift it to King Alfonso, in Castile,

So, he may credit the wealth that we have won.’

With all these spoils they re-entered Valencia.

As for Bishop Jerónimo, that worthy cleric,

Once he’d rested his body, after the fighting,

Wherein he lost count of the Moors he’d slain,

He found that what fell to him was immense,

For my Cid, who was born in a fortunate hour,

Gave him a tithe of the fifth that was his own,

Lines 1803-1834: Minaya offers a gift to King Alfonso from El Cid

How happy the Christians were, in Valencia!

How rich they were now, in weapons and steeds!

Happy too were Doña Jimena and her daughters,

And all the other ladies, now destined to be wed.

The Cid’s beneficence, too, knew no bounds:

‘Where are you, loyal friend? Come, Minaya,

You need thank none but yourself for your spoils.

Take what you wish from my share, without fail,

Take all that you would, leave but the rest for me.

Tomorrow, in the morn, you shall take the road,

With steeds drawn from my share that remains,

Saddled and bridled, a sword strapped to each,

And lead a full two hundred to King Alfonso,

To mark the love for my wife and daughters I bear,

Whom he saw escorted here, to their lasting joy,

And so he may speak no ill of Valencia’s lord.’

Pero Bermúdez he ordered to go with Minaya,

And the next morn they took their leave swiftly,

With a full two hundred more in their company,

And a message: ‘El Cid kisses the king’s hands,

And sends a gift of two hundred steeds he’s won,

And seeks to serve the king, as long as he lives.’

These two left Valencia, and began their journey,

Leading such a gift as needs be well-guarded.

Night and day they rode, unerring in their route,

And passed o’er the mountains twixt the realms,

Enquiring then where King Alfonso might be.

They crossed the mountains, woods and rivers,

And reached Valladolid, where lay the king.

Pero Bermúdez, and Minaya sent a message,

Requesting that he receive their company,

And a gift from my Cid, the lord of Valencia.

Lines 1835-1882: King Alfonso receives El Cid’s gift

Alfonso was more joyful than e’er was seen,

He ordered his knights to ride forth swiftly,

Himself amongst the leaders, as they sped

To view these envoys from the Campeador.

The grandees of Carrión, be sure, were there,

And Count Don García, El Cid’s enemy.

Good news it seemed to many, to others ill.

They soon beheld the Campeador’s party,

Appearing unannounced, like some cavalcade.

King Alfonso even crossed himself in fear!

Minaya and Pero Bermúdez lead the troop.

They leapt from their horses to the ground,

And fell to their knees before King Alfonso,

Kissing the soil, and then the monarch’s feet.

‘God’s grace to Your Honour, King Alfonso!

We kiss your feet as would the Campeador,

Who calls you his lord, himself your vassal,

And values greatly the honour you show him.

A few days past, Sire, he won a mighty battle.

Against Morocco’s king, Yusuf by name.

Fifty thousand men he routed from the field,

And, his own vassals having rendered wealthy,

And, gaining a harvest of rich spoils, thereby,

Sends two hundred steeds, and kisses your hands.’

Said King Alfonso: ‘I receive them, most gladly!

I thank the Cid for the rich gift he sends me.

Come the day when he’ll be likewise pleased.’

This delighted many, and they kissed his hands,

But it troubled Don García, who was angered;

With ten of his kindred, he communed aside:

‘Wondrous it is, how El Cid’s honour grows!

By the honour he gains we shall be shamed.

For by such ready conquest of kings in battle,

Who fight like corpses, he thus gains horses,

And by what he does diminishes us the more.’

King Alfonso answered him in these words:

‘Thanks to the Lord, and San Isidro de León,

For these two hundred steeds the Cid sends me;

May he serve the realm still better in the future!

Minaya Álvar Fáñez, and you, Pero Bermúdez,

I order that you be well-served, and adorned,

And equipped with any weapons you desire,

So, you may look fine before Ruy Díaz, my Cid.

I give you three fine horses too; choose the best,

For, as my heart now tells me, it would seem

That these same tidings speak of future good.’

They kissed his hands, entered the town to rest,

And were well-served with all that they needed.

Lines 1883-1918: The grandees of Carrión seek to wed El Cid’s daughters

I would tell you of the infantes of Carrión,

Speaking, thus, in counsel together, privately:

‘The news suggests El Cid’s affairs go well,

Let us request our marriage with his daughters;

Such will increase our honour and advance us.’

They sought audience with the king in private:

‘We wish a favour, of our rightful lord and king.

We seek to pursue a thing, with your consent:

That you ask, for our honour and advancement,

That we might wed the Campeador’s daughters.’

The king pondered the matter for some time:

‘I banished the Campeador from my realm.

Though I did him harm, and he still serves me,

Yet I know not if such a thing will please him.

But since you wish it, I’ll enter on the matter.’

Minaya Álvar Fáñez and Pero Bermúdez,

Were, at once, summoned before the king.

Who drew them aside into his chambers:

‘Hearken to me, Minaya, and Pero Bermúdez;

My Cid, the Campeador, has served me well,

And, therefore, he more than merits my pardon.

Let him come and greet me, if he so wishes;

And bear him this message from my court:

Diego and Fernando, the infantes of Carrión,

Have expressed a wish to wed your daughters.

Be true messengers, since it is I that ask it,

And bear those tidings to the Campeador,

He will gain both in wealth and in honour,

From close ties with the infantes of Carrión.’

Minaya spoke, and Pero Bermúdez nodded:

‘We’ll bear your request to the Campeador,

Thenceforth it falls to him to say if it pleases.’

‘Tell Ruy Díaz, that was born in a fair hour,

That I will meet with him where’er is fitting,

Whatever place he chooses,’ said the king.

‘I seek the Cid’s advantage, in this that I do.’

Lines 1919-1960: The marriage offer is relayed to El Cid

They sought leave of the king, and returned.

To Valencia they rode, that whole company.

The famed Campeador, on hearing the news,

Took to his steed, swiftly, to welcome them.

My Cid smiled and embraced them warmly:

Come, you are here Minaya, Pero Bermúdez!

Few such men as you exist in any country.

What news bear you from my lord, Alfonso?

Has he received my gift; did it please him?’

Said Minaya: ‘He welcomed it, heart and soul.

He was pleased, and expressed his love for you.’

Said El Cid: ‘Give thanks to the Lord above.’

At this, they then revealed to him the matter

Of the request, conveyed from Alfonso de León,

That El Cid’s daughters wed Carrión’s grandees,

Thereby adding to the Cid’s wealth and honour,

He commending it, with all his heart and soul.

On hearing this, my Cid, the great Campeador,

Pondered the matter, for some length of time:

‘For this news, I give thanks to Christ the Lord.

I was banished from my land, my honour lost,

Only gaining with great labour what I hold.

I give thanks to God I’ve earned the king’s favour,

And he’d wed my daughters to the lords of Carrión.

Those men are proud, and play the courtier’s part;

I would not myself have chosen this same match,

But since our master now commends the thing,

Let us ponder the matter together, privately,

And may the Lord above grant us best counsel.’

‘Also,’ Minaya added, ‘Alfonso chose to say

That he’d meet with you, where’er you wish,

Would like to greet you, and show you favour,

So, you both might agree what would be best.’

Said El Cid: ‘That brings me pleasure, truly.’

‘This audience, will be, where’er you choose,’

Said Minaya, ‘judge then what is most fitting.’

‘It would have been no wonder,’ El Cid replied,

‘If he’d have had us seek him where he lies,

To honour him as our own lord and master;

Yet, if this be his desire, we shall obey him.

Beside the banks of the mighty river Tagus,

Let us meet our lord, whene’er he wishes.’

Lines 1961-1989: King Alfonso sets out for the meeting by the Tagus

They wrote a letter to the king, and sealed it,

Saying El Cid would do as the king desired,

And sent two knights as messengers to bear it,

Who set the letter there before the monarch,

Who, in turn, on reading it, was truly pleased:

‘Greet him that donned his sword in a fair hour;

Let the meeting take place within three weeks,

And if alive then, without fail there I’ll be.’

Without delay, the messengers now returned.  

On both sides, they prepared for the meeting,

Who had e’er seen such fine mules of Castile,

Or so many palfreys, bred for gentle riding,

Or so many speedy and unfailing chargers,

So many pennons fluttering from their mounts,

So many shields embossed with gold and silver,

So many furs, so many fine silks from Andros.

The king ordered many a rich provision sent

To the shores of the Tagus, for their meeting.

Many the companies that rode with the king.

The grandees of Carrión made a fine showing;

Part of the cost they’d paid, and part they owed.

For they yet thought to see their wealth increase,

Despite the gold and silver, they now displayed.

The king, Alfonso, rode on his way, swiftly,

With counts, potentates and bands of knights,

The infantes of Carrion, their large company,

And a host of troops from León and Galicia.

The Castilian force alone seemed numberless.

They loosened the reins and sped to the meeting.

Lines 1990-2018: El Cid rides to join the king

Within Valencia, my Cid brooked no delay,

And made the preparations for his audience.

Many were the mules, and the fine palfreys,

Many the weapons, and the swift chargers,

Many the fine capes, and furs, and mantles!

The great and the small were richly dressed.

Minaya Álvar Fáñez, Pero Bermúdez,

Martín Muñoz, Martin Antolínez of Burgos,

Bishop Don Jerónimo, the finest of clerics,

Álvar Álvarez, Álvar Salvadórez,

Muño Gustioz, that most distinguished knight,

And Galindo García, who was of Aragon,

Readied themselves to ride with the Campeador,

And lead out all the others that were there,

But Álvar Salvadórez, and Galindo García,

Were ordered by my Cid, the Campeador,

To guard Valencia, with heart and soul,

And all that were under their command,

The castle gates to be barred day and night.

His wife and daughters would remain there,

Those three who were his very heart and soul,

With the other ladies who served their wishes.

He that was born in fortunate hour decreed,

In his wisdom, that none of them should leave,

Till he had, once more, returned to the city.

He departed Valencia, spurring on his steed,

Many a man on many a charger following;

Swift horses my Cid had won upon the field.

He rode to his audience with King Alfonso.

Lines 2019-2053: Alfonso and El Cid meet

Now, Alfonso had arrived the preceding day,

And he, on seeing the Campeador approaching,

Rode out to welcome him with every honour.

When he that was born in a fair hour saw this,

He commanded all his company to halt,

Except for those who were closest to his heart,

And he himself, with those fifteen, dismounted,

As he, my Cid de Vivar, had planned to do.

He then bowed, on all fours, on the ground,

The grass of the field brushing his very lips,

And with tears of joy falling from his eyes,

To show his deference to his lord, Alfonso!

In this humble way, he fell at his master’s feet,

To the great distress of the king, Don Alfonso:

‘Rise to your feet, my Cid, the Campeador!

Seek to kiss my hands now, but not my feet.

Try to do otherwise, you’ll lose my favour.’

But the Campeador chose to remain kneeling:

‘Grace, I ask of you, Sire, by right my master.

May you yet show me favour as I kneel here,

Such that all who are present may know it.’

Said the king: ‘That I will, in my heart and soul.

Here, I pardon you, and grant you my favour.

And a part in my kingdom from this day forth.’

Replied the Cid: ‘Thank you, my lord, Alfonso.

I give thanks to the Lord above, and next yourself,

And then I thank my comrades here behind me.’

While kneeling yet, he kissed Alfonso’s hands,

Then rose to his feet, and kissed the king’s mouth,

All who were there were pleased with this,

All but Álvar Díaz, that is, and García Ordóñez.

My Cid said: ‘I give thanks to the Lord above,

That I receive my lord Don Alfonso’s favour,

For God shall be my help, both night and day.

Come, be my guest now, Sire, if it pleases you.’

Lines 2054-2074: The king honours El Cid, as do the grandees of Carrión

The king answered: ‘On such a day, tis not fitting.

We arrived last night; you come but today,

My guest you’ll be, my Cid, the Campeador,

And tomorrow we shall do as it pleases you.’

He sought to kiss his hand, and my Cid allowed it;

The infantes of Carrión bowed down before him:

We bow to you, el Cid, born in a fortunate hour!

We would favour you in whatever way we might.’

My Cid replied: ‘May the good Lord will it so!’

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, who was born in fortunate hour,

Upon that day, was the guest of King Alfonso,

Who tired not of him, for he loved him dearly,

Nor ceased to admire the Campeador’s full beard!

Those that were there all marvelled at El Cid.

The day was soon sped, and the night passed by,

And on the next morning the sun rose brightly.

The Campeador ordered those in his company

To prepare a great feast for all that were there.

My Cid, the Campeador, wished to serve all so,

And all were pleased, and on one thing agreed,

They’d not dined as well for many a long year.

Lines 2075-2118: He ordains the marriages of El Cid’s daughters

Next day, in the morning, as the sun rose,

Bishop Don Jerónimo chanted the Mass.

After the Mass, all left the church together,

And the king did not delay in speaking so:

‘Hear me, my followers, my noble counts!

I would ask this of my Cid, the Campeador,

May Christ ordain it be in his best interest:

That his daughters Doña Elvira and Doña Sol,

Be given in marriage to the lords of Carrión.

Such seems honourable, and of great benefit;

They request it of you, and I so command it.

Between both the companies that are here,

Let both my vassals and yours ask it of you.

Grant this, my Cid, by the Lord above us!’

‘I would not have them marry’, said El Cid,

‘For they are yet young, merely children,

Yet the lords of Carrión are noble men,

And, indeed, they might wed even higher.

I bore my daughters, yet you raised them,

And they and I, therefore, are in your debt.

Doña Elvira and Doña Sol are in your hands;

Do as you wish for them; I am content.’

‘Thanks be to you,’ replied King Alfonso,

‘To you and to all the company about us.

Thanks be to you,’ King Alfonso declared;

The infantes of Carrión stepped forward,

And went to kiss the Campeador’s hands,

Exchanging swords before their monarch,

While he, with royal beneficence, spoke:

‘I thank you, El Cid, and the Lord above all,

For giving your daughters to these infantes.

I take the hands of Doña Elvira and Doña Sol,

And hereby wed them to the lords of Carrión.

I grant them your daughters, with your blessing

May it please the Lord that you are also pleased.

I place in your hands the infantes of Carrión,

Let them go now with you, for I turn back.

Three hundred silver marks I grant as dowry,

Towards the weddings, or to use as you see fit.

Once subject to you, in Valencia the mighty,

They and your daughters are both your children;

Do as you’d wish for them, my Campeador.’

The Cid received them, and kissed his hands:

‘I thank you truly, Sire, as my lord and master,

Though it is you gives them away, and not I!’  

Lines 2119-2163: The king prepares to depart

The companies agreed that next day, by sunrise,

All should have returned whence they came.

My Cid’s munificence now was all the gossip,

So many were the mules, and the fine palfreys,

My Cid gave to whoever would accept them;

So many were the fair and precious garments,  

He granted all that asked, while denying none.

He gave sixty of his fine horses too, as gifts,

So, all were more than pleased with the event.

They wished to leave then, for night was falling,

King Alfonso took the infantes by the hand,

And placed those noblemen in El Cid’s power;

‘Behold your sons-in-law, new sons of yours,

From henceforth do what you wish for them.’

‘Thank you, Sire,’ said El Cid, ‘I so receive them,

May the Lord above reward me for doing so.’

The Campeador mounted his steed, Babieca:

‘This I would say, before my lord, Alfonso:

Who’d go to the wedding, and receive a gift,

Let them ride with me, I think they’ll profit so.

And I ask a favour of you, my lord and master,

As it pleases you to give away my daughters,

Name a proxy to whom I may commend them,

Since they may not say I did that same myself.’

‘The king replied: ‘Look you here, Álvar Fáñez,

Take their hands, and lead them to the infantes,

As if it were I myself walking beside them.

Act as their father throughout the ceremony,

And tell me how all transpired, when we meet.’

Said Álvar Fáñez: ‘Sire, I am happy so to do.’

All this was said, with due care to tradition.

‘King Alfonso, my honoured lord,’ said El Cid,

‘Accept a gift to mark my audience with you.

Receive these twenty palfreys, all equipped,

And these thirty well-saddled chargers too,

From out the steeds I have; I kiss your hands.’

‘I am pleased indeed by this,’ replied the king,

‘And so, receive the gift that you have offered.

May it please the Lord and all his saints above,

To reward the pleasure that you thus grant me.

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, you do me great honour.

You do me good service; I am well content.

While I yet live, expect great favour from me.

To God, I commend you, and depart this place,

May the Lord above see all come to fruition!’

Lines 2164-2182: El Cid and company leave for Valencia

Now my Cid took his leave of his lord, Alfonso.

Not wishing for any escort, he rode aside.

Many were the knights, many the fine warriors,

Who kissed the king’s hands then, and sought leave.

‘May it please you’, they cried, ‘to grant this favour,

‘We would ride with my Cid, to Valencia the great.

To view the marriage of the lords of Carrión

With Doña Elvira and Doña Sol, El Cid’s daughters.’

It pleased Alfonso then to release them all;

The king’s company shrank; El Cid’s increased.

Many were those who rode with the Campeador,

Towards Valencia, that he’d gained in a fair hour.

He placed Don Fernando and Don Diego in the care

Of Pero Bermúdez, and of Muño Gustioz,

For none better served in El Cid’s household,

So, they might learn the ways of the infantes.

With them rode Asur González, the boisterous,

Greater, perchance, in speech than other things.

Vast honour they did the infantes of Carrión.

Lines 2183-2212: Their arrival in that city

Behold them now in Valencia, won by my Cid;

When they appeared, great was the people’s joy.

Said my Cid to Don Pedro, and to Muño Gustioz:

‘Seek fine lodgings for the infantes of Carrión,

And remain to serve them; such I command you.

When morning comes, and the bright sun rises,

They may meet with Doña Elvira and Doña Sol.’

All present sought their lodgings for the night.

My Cid, the Campeador, entered the alcázar,

To be welcomed by Jimena, and their daughters.

‘You are here, my Cid, may we e’er behold you,

You, that girded on your sword in a fair hour!’

‘Thanks to the Lord, I am indeed here, my wife,

I bring you sons-in-law, to increase our honour.

Thank me, my daughters, you shall be well-wed.’

His wife, and his two daughters, kissed his hands.

As did the ladies-in-waiting who served them.

Cried Jimena: ‘Thanks to the Lord, and you, my Cid,

For all that you do e’er works to their advantage.

As long as you are alive, they will not be poor!’

The daughters cried: ‘We will surely be richly wed!’

‘My wife,’ said the Cid, ‘and you my daughters,

Doña Elvira and Doña Sol, give thanks to the Lord,

By these marriages, we shall increase in honour,

Yet, to tell you the truth, I did not arrange them,

My lord, Alfonso, sought them, so insistently,

And requested you wed so full-heartedly,

That I was left with nothing to say against it.

My daughters, I placed you both in his two hands,

It is he, believe me, who gives you both away.’

Lines 2213-2285: El Cid’s two daughters are married

From that moment, the preparations now began.

The palace was adorned with rarest tapestries,

Carpeted, hung with purple silk and cloth of gold.

All would have loved to dine midst those fair halls.

All of El Cid’s knights swiftly gathered together,

And then they sent for the two lords of Carrión.

Those grandees rode forth, heading for the palace,

The pair most richly dressed in finest garments;

How solemnly and fittingly, on foot, they entered!

The Cid, amidst all his vassals, received them,

As they bowed to the Campeador, and his wife.

They were seated, upon a richly-carved bench.

All of my Cid’s men behaved most circumspectly,

Their attention on him that was born in fair hour.

Then the Campeador, Ruy Díaz, rose to his feet:

‘Since this thing must be, why delay it longer?

Come, Álvar Fáñez, you whom I love so dearly,

Behold, my two daughters I place in your hand.

Such was, as you know, my promise to Alfonso,

I would not fail in aught that we both agreed.

Hand my daughters now to the lords of Carrión;

Let them receive their blessing, and have done.’

Minaya replied: ‘I’ll do so most willingly.’

The daughters rose; he gave them into the hands

Of the lords of Carrión, to the latter he spoke:

‘You stand before Minaya, two noble brothers,

By the wish of King Alfonso, who so ordered.

I give you now, the hands of these noble ladies,

I give you now, the hands of these noble ladies

‘I give you now, the hands of these noble ladies’

To be your honourable and lawful wives.’

They received them willingly, with pleasure,

Then kissed the hands of my Cid, and of his wife.

Once they had done so, they all left the palace,

And went swiftly to the church of Santa María.

The bishop, Don Jerónimo, donned his robes,

And greeted the celebrants at the church door.

He gave the blessings, and then sang the Mass.

On leaving they church they rode swiftly forth,

Speeding o’er the flood plain of Valencia.

Lord, how the Cid and his vassals jousted!

Three horses he wearied, the Campeador.

El Cid was full pleased with all he viewed,

For, the infantes of Carrión both rode well.

They and the ladies now returned to Valencia,

Rich the wedding celebrations, in the alcázar.

The next day seven mock castles were erected,

Which were shattered to pieces, ere they dined.

Fifteen whole days those celebrations lasted;

On the fifteenth eve the guests took their leave.

My Cid, Don Rodrigo, the famed Campeador,

Between the mules, the palfreys, and the chargers,

Gave away a hundred mounts, and beasts of burden,

With a host of capes, furs, and other garments,

While the wealth of coins he gave was endless.

My Cid’s vassals were all in such true accord

That each of them gave his own fine gifts away.

All that wished to profit there, were well content.

All the Castilian guests returned home wealthy.

And bade farewell to El Cid as they departed,

He that was born in a most favourable hour,

And to all the ladies, and all El Cid’s nobles,

And were well pleased as they thus departed,

Speaking well of them together, as was fitting.

Diego and Fernando were more than happy,

That were the sons of Count Don Gonzalo

Who’d gone to the court of Castile as guests;

Now, as sons-in-law of El Cid, in Valencia,

They dwelt there, the infantes, for two years,

While great was the favour they were shown.

The Cid was content, as were all his vassals.

Let us pray to Santa Maria, and to the Lord,

That these marriages please him thereafter,

And all who wished them; of this I make an end;

And may the Lord and all his saints bless you.

The End of ‘El Cantar de mío Cid: Part IV’