El Cantar de mío Cid

(The Song of My Lord)

Part V: The Revenge of the Lords of Carrión

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

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Contents

Lines 2286-2351: The Moroccan army besieges Valencia

A fierce lion had, it seems, escaped its cage

‘A fierce lion had, it seems, escaped its cage’

My Cid was there in Valencia, with his vassals;

With him his sons-in-law, the lords of Carrión.

The Cid lay on a bench, one day, slumbering,

When an incident, full of danger, took place.

A fierce lion had, it seems, escaped its cage,

Striking fear in all the members of his court,

Who, drawing their mantles close about them,

Had encircled the bench, to defend their lord.

Fernán González, seeking some place to hide,

Crawled beneath the bench, such was his fear!

Diego González, his brother, leapt for the door,

Crying: ‘We’re like to ne’er see Carrión again!’

He plunged behind a wine press, in his terror,

Thereby soiling his fine mantle and his tunic.

He that was born in a fair hour now awoke,

And found his followers close about the bench:

‘What means this, my friends, what wish you?’

‘Oh, my lord, the lion’s escape has alarmed us.’

He leaned upon his elbow; El Cid rose to his feet,

Gripped his cloak, and moved towards the beast.

The lion, upon seeing him, lay down on all fours,

Lowered its head before my Cid, and hid its face.

My Cid, Don Rodrigo, then grasped it by the nape,

Dragged it away, and thrust it back into its cage.

Every follower who was there, much amazed,

Then returned, via the courtyard, to the palace.

My Cid looked about, seeking his sons-in-law,

Yet, though he called for them, neither replied.

When they, at last, appeared, with pallid faces,

Such mockery ne’er was known as filled the hall!

My Cid ordered his men to cease their laughter,

For the lords of Carrión seemed most offended;

Great the pain they felt at all that had happened.

Now, as this shameful episode was unfolding,

A Moroccan force had advanced on Valencia.

Fifty thousand warriors had pitched their tents,

Fifty thousand warriors had pitched their tents

‘Fifty thousand warriors had pitched their tents’

Led by King Búcar, whose name you may know.

El Cid, and all his friends, rejoiced to see it,

For, with the Lord’s help, spoils were to be had,

Though it troubled both the infantes of Carrión;

Seeing so many Moors brought them no pleasure.

The brothers went aside, and spoke together:

‘We foresaw the gain, but not the loss,’ they said,

‘Now we’ll be involved in the coming fight,

And we’re like not to see our Carrión again.

The Cid’s daughters are destined to be widows.’

Muño Gustioz overheard their murmurings,

And told my Cid, Ruy Díaz, the Campeador.

‘Behold your brave sons-in-law, in all their fear!

Faced with a battle, lo, they long for Carrión.

For the Lord’s sake, go and comfort the pair.

Grant them peace; let them play no part here;

With you, and the Lord’s aid, we’ll conquer!’

My Cid found them and, gently smiling, said:

‘God save you, sons-in-law, my lords of Carrión.

You that embrace my daughters, bright as the sun.

I long for battle, while you long for Carrión.

Stay in Valenica then, if tis to your liking,

I am one who knows all about these Moors,

And with the Lord’s aid, I’ll soon defeat them!’

‘May we see the day you repay us twice over!’

They said, and then both returned to the field,

Fernando boasting yet; Don Pero confirmed it,

Which pleased my Cid and his companions:

‘For, if God, and our Lord on high, so wish it,

Both of these, my sons-in-law, will fight well.’

Lines 2352-2375: El Cid prepares for battle

As they were speaking, the hosts gathered,

While the drums sounded in the Moorish army.

Many Christians there were filled with wonder,

Being new recruits and such unknown to them.

Even more so the lords Diego and Fernando,

Who’d not have been there were it left to them.

Hearken now to what the Campeador declared:

‘Come, Pero Bermúdez, my dearest nephew,

Look after my sons-in-law Diego and Fernando,

While I pursue the thing that I love most dearly,

And sweep this host of Moors from the field.’

‘I say to you Cid, in all charity,’ Pero replied,

‘I would not chaperone that pair, this day.

Let some other do so; I may not be involved,

Since I and mine will attack in the vanguard,

While you and your forces must hold the rear,

And, if needs be, act as our reinforcements.’  

Minaya Álvar Fáñez cried: ‘Ah, Campeador,

The Lord will determine this battle’s fate,

With yourself, worthy of joining with Him.

Command us to attack in the way you wish.

Every man here this day will fulfil his duty,

By the will of God, and by your good fortune.’

‘First things first, my friend,’ El Cid replied.

Lines 2376-2399: The bishop, Don Jerónimo, leads the attack

Behold the well-armed bishop, Don Jerónimo,

Halting before the ever-fortunate Campeador:

‘Today I chanted the Mass of the Holy Trinity,

For this I left my land and came to seek you,

Urged by the wish to slay a Moor or two,

And thus honour my strength and my Order.

So, in this fight I long to lead the first attack.

Pennon and shield bear the roe-deer emblem,

If it pleases God, I would like to blood them,

So that my heart may be filled full with joy,

And you, my Cid, take pleasure in my deeds.

If you grant not this favour, I must leave you.’

Said the Cid: ‘What you seek does please me.

The Moors are in sight; go now, assail them.

We’ll watch from here how our abbot fights!’

Bishop Don Jerónimo now spurred to the attack,

Assaulting the Moorish camp from the front.

By his own good fortune, and God’s favour,

He killed two Moors with blows of his lance.

When the lance-shaft broke, he took to his blade.

The bishop strove hard; ah, how well he fought!

He slew two with the lance, five with the sword.

The Moors were many, and ringed him round,

Dealing great blows, failing to pierce his armour.

When the lance-shaft broke, he took to his blade

‘When the lance-shaft broke, he took to his blade’

Lines 2400-2436: El Cid joins the battle and routs the Moors

He that was born in a fair hour, watched closely.

He raised his shield, and then lowered his lance.

He spurred on Babieca, who flew like the wind,

And attacked at speed, with all his heart and soul.

Into the Moors’ front line rode the Campeador.

He struck down seven, and he slew full four.

God favoured him, for his was the final blow.

My Cid and his forces charged on in pursuit,

Breaking the ropes, dragging out their stakes,

Toppling the tent-poles with their adornments.

My Cid chased Búcar’s troops from their camp;

Hunted them from the tents, and then pursued.

Many the mailed arms the pursuers severed,

Many the helmless heads hurled to the field,

Riderless horses scattering in every direction.

For seven full miles that fierce chase lasted,

My Cid in pursuit of the fleeing king Búcar:

‘Turn back, Búcar, you that rode o’er the waves,

For you must meet El Cid, and his full beard!

We’ll greet each other, and forge a friendship.’

‘Confound your friendship!’ the king replied.

‘You choose to attack me, naked sword in hand.

It seems to me you rather seek to fight me,

Yet if this steed of mine avoids a stumble,

You’ll not reach me ere I reach the shore.’

You’ll not reach me ere I reach the shore

‘You’ll not reach me ere I reach the shore’

Said the Cid: ‘Well, let’s see if that be true!’

Búcar had a fine steed; fast that charger flew,

But my Cid’s horse, Babieca, overhauled him.

He reached him three arm-lengths from the shore.

El Cid raised Colada, and struck a mighty blow,

Shearing away the garnets from the helmet.

He shattered the helm, and left the head exposed.

His sharp blade cleft the monarch to the waist.

He slew Búcar, the king from o’er the waves,

Won the sword Tizón, worth a thousand marks,

And gained the battle, wondrous and immense,

Adding to his honour, and that of his company.

Lines 2437-2472: The aftermath of the battle

With these rich spoils the warriors returned,

After plundering the battlefield, thoroughly.

They reached the camp, where El Cid rested.

He that was born in a most fortunate hour,

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, the glorious Campeador,

Had returned swiftly through the slaughter,

With two swords now, both highly prized,

With furrowed brow, his hood thrown back,

The cap that covered his head a little dented.

Once there, my Cid saw something pleasing,

He raised his eyes and, gazing straight ahead,

He saw his sons-in-law, Don Gonzalo’s heirs,

Diego and Fernandez, returning from the field.

My Cid rejoiced, and smiles wreathed his face:

‘Is it you, my sons-in-law, now sons of mine?

I see you’re pleased with your performance.

Good tidings of you both will Carrión hear,

And of how we, here, defeated King Búcar.

‘By the Lord in whom I trust, and his saints,

Filled full of joy we’ll depart this battlefield.’

Minaya Álvar Fáñez at once approached,

The shield that hung at his neck, much dented.

Countless the mighty lance blows he’d received,

But those that dealt them had felled him not.

Blood dripped from his armour to the elbow,

For twenty Moors at least the man had slain.

From all sides El Cid’s vassals now returned:

‘Praise the Lord, and the Father there on high,

And you, our Cid, one born in fortunate hour,

Who, having slain Búcar, have routed our foes.

All these spoils are for you to share among us;

While your sons-in-law have won their spurs,

Come from fighting Moors midst their camp.’

Said my Cid: ‘Indeed, that pleases me greatly;

If they can fight, they will be worth something.’

The Cid meant well, but they received it badly.

Lines 2473-2522: The distribution of the spoils in Valencia

All the spoils swiftly arrived in Valencia;

My Cid and his companions were joyful.

To each man fell six hundred silver marks.

When El Cid’s sons-in-law received their share

Of this wealth that was gained from the rout,

They thought ne’er to be poor in all their lives.

My Cid and his comrades were overjoyed,

Well-dressed and re-equipped in Valencia,

With mantles and furs, and fine provisions.

A great day it was at the Campeador’s court,

After their battle-success, and Búcar’s death.

El Cid raised his hand, and stroked his beard:

‘Thanks to Christ, who is Lord of all the world,

I witnessed what I wished on the battlefield;

My sons-in-law joined with me in victory.

Good news of them will reach their Carrión,

How they’ve honoured it, and will do more.

Wondrous great are the riches we have won,

A fifth is mine and the rest shall be yours.’

My Cid, the great and mighty Campeador,

Commanded them to take their rightful share

Of those spoils they’d gained from the battle,

Nor was his own fifth share of them forgotten.

This all did; all was concord and agreement.

The Cid’s fifth included six hundred steeds,

A host of pack-horses and full many camels;

Countless were the lines of beasts of burden.

All this wealth of his the Campeador had won:

‘Thanks be to God, the Lord of all the world!

Though I was poor before, now I am wealthy;

Rich in spoils, in land, and gold, and honour,

While my sons-in-law are lords of Carrión.

The Lord is pleased to witness me a victor;

Moors and Christians live in fear of me now

There in Morocco, in that land of mosques,

Lest I choose to attack them one fell night.

They fear it, though such is not my thought.

I’ll not seek them out, but rest in Valencia.

By God, they shall pay me endless tribute,

Pay myself, or some other whom I’ll choose.’

All Valencia showed their joy, with the Cid,

Great his comrades’ joy, and all his vassals’,

And great the rejoicing of his sons-in-law

In a battle where they’d fought full bravely.

Five thousand marks El Cid gave to each,

And those lords of Carrión felt rich indeed.

With the others, they gathered at his court.

There beside my Cid, was Don Jerónimo,

Álvar Fáñez, that knight, so true in battle,

And many another raised aloft by El Cid.

Lines 2523-2590: El Cid’s sons-in-law seek leave to return to Carrión

When the infantes of Carrión appeared,

Minaya welcomed them on El Cid’s behalf,

‘Come, brothers, you’ve enhanced our glory.’

El Cid was pleased on seeing they were there:

‘Sons-in-law, behold, my wife and daughters.

Here are your own Doña Elvira, Doña Sol;

May they embrace and serve you faithfully.

We’ve routed the Moorish army in the field,

And slain our treacherous foe, King Búcar.

Good news will reach the folk in Carrión.

Thanks to Santa Maria, mother of our Lord,

From your marriages you’ll gain great honour.’

At his words, Don Fernando chose to speak:

‘Thanks to the Lord, and you, honoured Cid,

We have gained, in battle, countless riches.

Through you we fought and gained honour;

Think now of other things; we are content.’

El Cid’s vassals smiled amongst themselves,

(Those who’d fought the hardest, in pursuit,

Yet failed to see Diego or Fernando there!)

And due to the mockery, they encountered,

That shamed them so vilely night and day,

The two grandees counselled themselves ill,

And, like true brothers, they conspired apart;

Let us seek no more of their speech than this:

‘Let us to Carrión; we linger too long here,

For the wealth we have gained is enormous;

More than we could spend in all our lives.

We’ll seek leave from El Cid to show our wives

All their estates and properties in Carrión.

So, we’ll escort them from Valencia’s realm,

And let them view their lands in Carrión;

We’ll remove them from the reach of El Cid.

Once on the way, we may do as we please,

Ere they rile us with that business of the lion.

Are we not of the line of the lords of Carrión?

Of great worth are the spoils we take there;

We’ll spurn the daughters of the Campeador.

We shall be not merely noble but wealthy,

Fit for the daughters of emperors and kings.

We’re descended from the counts of Carrión,

And will set aside the daughters of El Cid,

Ere they rile us with that business of the lion.’

With this, they returned to join the others.

Fernán González’ words silenced the court:

‘May God aid you, El Cid, the Campeador!

May it please Doña Jimena, after yourself,

Minaya Álvar Fáñez, and all that are here,

To grant us care of the wives we have wed,

So, we may show them our lands in Carrión,

And hand them all their estates, the dowry

That’s theirs, and let them view all that we own.

That will pass to the children they will bear.’

Said El Cid: ‘I grant you care of my daughters,

And a share of my wealth (he’d not be shamed!).

Give them your dowry of estates in Carrión,

And I’ll add to it three thousand silver marks,

And strong mules, palfreys in fine condition,

With many a charger, strong and swift of foot,

And many garments in silk and cloth of gold.

I’ll give you the swords Colada and Tizón,

Both of which, as you know, I won in battle.

You are both my sons; wed to my daughters,

You pluck from me thus my very heart-strings.

Let them know in Castile, Galicia, and León,

Of the riches I send with my sons-in-law.

Serve my daughters well, now your wives;

Serve them well and, equally, I’ll reward you.’

Lines 2591-2625: They and their wives depart Valencia

The grandees of Carrión agreed they’d do so,

And received the daughters of the Campeador,

As well as all El Cid had pledged to them.

Content now, with all they’d been promised,

The lords of Carrión had their goods loaded.

Great the event, in Valencia’s mighty city.

All took up arms, and pranced here and there,

To send El Cid’s two daughters on their way.

Both ready to ride, they said their farewells,

The two sisters, Doña Elvira and Doña Sol,

On their knees before El Cid, the Campeador:

‘God aid you, father, we seek your blessing;

You engendered us, and out mother bore us,

We stand before you both, our Sire and Dam,

Ere you send us far, to the realm of Carrión.

It’s our duty to comply with all you ask,

Yet, from both of you, we seek this favour,

That, oft, news you’ll send to us in Carrión.’

My Cid now embraced and kissed them both,

Then their mother did the same twice over:

‘Go forth daughters; may the Lord aid you!

You have mine and your father’s blessing.

Go to Carrión and, there, view your estates,

For I’ve seen you thus well-married, I believe.’

They kissed their father’s and mother’s hands,

Who blessed them, and gave their approval.

My Cid and all his friends were set to ride,

Fully-equipped, with horses and weapons.

The infantes, upon leaving fair Valencia,

Said their farewells to the ladies-in-waiting;

Armed, they rode through Valencia’s orchards;

Forth went my Cid, happy with his company.

He that was born in a fortunate hour foresaw

These marriages would scarce go unblemished,

But naught could he do; the four were married.

Lines 2626-2673: The brothers conceive a treasonous plan

‘Félez Muñoz, nephew, where are you,’ cried the Cid,

‘Cousin, tied, heart and soul, to my two daughters?

I command you to escort them both, to Carrión.

View the estates granted my daughters there,

And return with news of them to your Campeador.

Said Félez Muñoz: ‘With all my heart and soul!’

Minaya Álvar Fáñez then rode beside El Cid:

‘Let us return now, my Cid, to fair Valencia;

If it pleases our Lord, and the heavenly Father,

We’ll go visit with them both, in Carrión.’

‘Doña Elvira, Doña Sol’, said the Campeador,

‘To God, I commend you; e’er seek to please us.’

Said the sons-in-law: ‘May God ordain it so!’

The father and his daughters wept profusely,

So profound was the sorrow at their parting;

The tears fell from the eyes of his companions.

‘Hark, my nephew, Félez Muñoz,’ said the Cid,

‘Ride to Molina, and rest there for the night,

Greet my friend the Moor, there, Avengalvón,

Have him offer fair welcome to my sons-in-law.

Tell him I send my daughters to visit Carrión,

And to serve them, and meet their every wish,

And accompany them, for me, to Medinaceli;

I’ll reward him well, for all that he so does.’

As painful as a fingernail’s parting from the flesh,

Was their parting; El Cid turning for Valencia,

While the infantes now set out on their journey,

Resting that night at Santa María de Albarracín.

Every hour they could, the infantes travelled.

Behold them in Molina now, with Avengalvón,

The Moor being greatly pleased at their arrival.

He came to greet them most ceremoniously;

Lord, how well he catered for their every wish!

Next morn, he accompanied them on their way,

With two hundred horsemen as their escort.

They were set to cross the mountains of Luzón.

The Moor gave El Cid’s daughters his gifts,

And two fine horses for the lords of Carrión.

They crossed the Arbujuelo, reaching the Jalón,

And camped in a place they call La Ansarera.

All the Moor did was for love of the Campeador.

On seeing the gifts, the Moor had brought forth,

The two sons-in-law chose a treasonous course:

‘Since we’ll soon desert the daughters of El Cid,

If we can bring about the death of the Moor,

We can also take his riches for our own,

As much ours as all our wealth in Carrión.

El Cid would ne’er win a claim against us.’

Lines 2674-2696: Avengalvón thwarts the plot against him

As the sons-in-law were plotting wickedness,

A Moor, who spoke Ladino, overheard them,

And he told Avengalvón of their secret plan:

‘Alcaide, my lord, beware of those two men,

Those infantes of Carrión plan your demise.’

Now the Moor, Avengalvón, was a warrior.

He first gathered to him his two hundred men,

And then rode out, armed, to seek the infantes.

What he had to say greatly displeased the pair:

‘How have I harmed you, my lords of Carrión?

I’ve served you honestly, yet you plot my death.

Were it not I refrain for love of my Cid de Vivar,

I’d do that to you they’d speak of everywhere.

Ne’er would you return to your own Carrión,

While I’d escort his daughters to the loyal Cid.

I now part from you, as from sinful traitors.

By your leave, I go, Doña Elvira, Doña Sol;

I prize them but little, your lords of Carrión.

May God, who rules the world, so order things

That your marriages please the Campeador.’

And having spoken so, the Moor turned back,

With weapons at the ready, crossed the Jalón,

And, like a man of sense, returned to Molina.

Lines 2697-2764: The affront in the oak-woods

The infantes of Carrión left La Ansarera,

And continued to journey day and night.

On their left they passed the hill of Atienza,

Then made the crossing of the Miedes range,

And spurred on through the Montes Claros,

By Griza on the left, that Álamos founded,

And the caves where he imprisoned Elfa,

By San Esteban de Gormaz, on the right,

And then entered the oak woods of Robledo.

The hills tall, the branches reached the clouds,

And wild creatures roamed there, all around.

They found a clearing with a limpid spring,

Where the infantes of Carrión pitched camp.

With all the rest, they slept there that night,

Their wives in their arms, like men devoted.

Yet such came but to ill, when the sun arose!

They ordered the pack-horses loaded high,

Striking the tents in which they’d stayed;

Then their household was sent on ahead,

As those infantes of Carrión had intended.

Not another man or woman now remained,

But their wives, Doña Elvira and Doña Sol,

For they wished to treat them as they chose.

The rest had gone, leaving these four alone,

And the infantes of Carrión wrought evil:

‘Hark well to us, Doña Elvira, Doña Sol,

We desert you both, here in this wilderness,

For we shall depart, abandoning you here,

You’ll have no part of our lands in Carrión.

This our message to El Cid, the Campeador:

We take revenge for the business of the lion.’

They stripped them of their furs and their robes;

They left them in their silk shifts and tunics.

Those vile traitors took up, in their hands,

The strong and solid straps to their spurs!

When she saw this, Doña Sol cried aloud:

‘In God’s name, Don Diego, Don Fernando,

You bear two swords, sharp and strong,

One blade’s Colada, Tizón is the other,

Sever our heads, we beg you; martyr us.

Moors and Christians alike will tell of this,

That we have not deserved what we incur.

Make not of us so shameful an example;

Beat us and it will be to your dishonour.

You’ll be denounced in every hall and court.’

Yet the ladies’ pleas failed to sway them.

Those lords of Carrión began to thrash them.

They laid on with the strap-buckles so hard,

And their sharp spurs, savage was the pain.

They tore the shifts, and the fair flesh beneath,

The crimson blood staining the silk tunics,

Till the pain was felt in the very marrow.

If only it had pleased the Lord above us

For the Cid to have appeared at that hour!

They beat them so hard they both fainted;

Crimsoned were their shifts and their tunics.

Both the villains grew tired of their labour,

Of their urging each other to strike harder.

Doña Elvira, Doña Sol could no longer speak.

Left for dead in the oak-woods of Robledo.

The villains seized their mantles and their furs,

Left them there in their tunics and their shifts,

Left them to the wild beasts, and birds of prey;

They left them for dead, now barely breathing.

What good fortune had been theirs, if only

The Cid had been there at that very hour!

Those vile lords of Carrión, had abandoned

El Cid’s daughters in the oak-woods of Robledo,

And neither lady could, as yet, rouse the other.

Left for dead in the oak-woods of Robledo

‘Left for dead in the oak-woods of Robledo’

Lines 2765-2819: Félez Muñoz rescues the daughters of El Cid

The infantes boasted as they quit the woodland:

‘We have taken our revenge on those we wed,

Whom we’d not have married without urging,

For those brides were in no way our equals.

The shameful business of the lion is avenged.’

The infantes thus journeyed onwards boasting.

But let me tell of the deeds of Félez Muñoz,

That was the nephew of El Cid, the Campeador.

They’d sent him on ahead, which annoyed him;

He’d felt pained at heart as he took to the road,

And had swiftly drawn aside from the others.

Félez Muñoz took cover in a grove of trees,

And waited there for the ladies, his cousins,

To see how the lords of Carrión behaved.

He saw them pass and heard their boasting,

Though they thought not of him nor saw him,

For he’d not have escaped death if they had.

The infantes rode by, and spurred onwards;

Then Félez Muñoz turned back upon the trail,

To find the women, lying there, half-dead.

Crying: ‘Cousins, my cousins!’ he dismounted,

Tethered his horse, and then hastened to them:

‘Oh, Doña Elvira, Doña Sol, my poor cousins!

Those villains have shown their wickedness!

May God, and Santa Maria, see them punished!’

He drew his cousins to him, and embraced them.

Neither was in a state where she could speak.

He felt his very heart-strings strained within.

‘Oh, Doña Elvira, Doña Sol, my poor cousins!

For the Lord’s sake, cousins, rouse yourselves,

While the sun still shines, and there is light,

Ere wild beasts seek their prey in the woods!

Now Doña Elvira and Doña Sol soon revived,

Oped their eyes, and saw it was Félez Muñoz.

‘For the love of God, raise yourselves, cousins,’

He cried ‘for, when they notice I’m not there,

The infantes will both strive hard to find me,

And, if the Lord aids us not, here we’ll die.’

Doña Sol, with much pain, spoke these words:

‘Dear cousin, may the Campeador reward you!

Bring us water, and may the Lord defend you!’

Félez Muñoz now brought the women water,

That he collected in his hat from the stream,

(A brand-new hat he’d worn since Valencia!)

Which eased them; both were badly bruised.

He beseeched them both, till they sat upright,

While encouraging and comforting the pair

Till they could move, and then he raised them,

And swiftly set the two ladies on his steed,

Wrapping them both about in his wide mantle.

Grasping the reins, he led the charger on;

They threaded the oak-woods of Robledo,

Three alone, till, at dawn, they quit the trees,

And reached the waters of the river Douro.

In the Tower of Doña Urraca, he left them.

Lines 2820-2848: El Cid sends out a company to escort them to Valencia

To San Estaban, then, came Félez Muñoz,

And found Diego Téllez, Álvar Fáñez’ man,

Who felt pained at his heart to hear the story.

He gathered clothing, led forth two palfreys,

And sought out Doña Elvira and Doña Sol,

Ere escorting those ladies to San Estaban.

Where he honoured them, as best he might.

The San Estaban folk were more than kind,

And the tale they heard grieved them deeply.

They gave their encouragement to the ladies.

And kept them there till they were quite well.

The lords of Carrión boasted of the matter,

Though it weighed heavily on King Alfonso.

The tidings of all this had reached Valencia,

And were related to El Cid, the Campeador,

Who mused for a long while and, pondering,

Stroking his beard, then lifted up his hand:

‘Thanks be to Christ, Lord of all the world,

That those infantes show me such honour!

By this, my beard, that none ever plucked,

(Not even these same grandees of Carrión),

I’ll make sure my daughters are well-married.’

The business troubled my Cid and his court,

Álvar Fáñez was grieved in heart and soul.

So Minaya rode forth, with Pero Bermúdez,

And Martín Antolínez, nobleman of Burgos,

And two hundred cavaliers, El Cid’s men,

Whom he commanded to ride day and night,

And bring his daughters to Valencia the mighty.

Lines 2849-2877: Minaya takes charge of the ladies

They obeyed their lord, and did not linger,

But galloped swiftly, by day and by dark.

They came to San Esteban de Gormaz,

And lodged in that strong castle for the night.

To San Esteban there now came the tidings

That Minaya would come for his two cousins.

Those in San Esteban, being worthy folk,

Welcomed Minaya, and all his company.

They offered Minaya a tribute that night,

Which he refused, with a show of gratitude:

‘My thanks to the wise folk of San Esteban!

My Cid, the Campeador, is most grateful

For the honour shown us on this occasion.

He is as grateful, where he now is, as I.

May the Lord above reward you fittingly!’

They thanked him, expressed their gratitude,

And returned to their homes for the night.

Minaya, though, went to seek his cousins.

When Doña Elvira and Doña Sol saw him,

They cried: ‘Tis as if we saw Our Saviour;

Give thanks to Him indeed that we yet live;

Some quiet day to come, we’ll tell our story.’

The ladies wept, and Álvar Fáñez with them,

As did Pero Bermúdez for all their suffering:

‘Doña Elvira, Doña Sol, be comforted,’ he said,

‘You’re alive and well, and free of your ills.

Husbands you’ve lost, yet you’ll find better.

May we see the day when you gain revenge!’

That night they rested there, filled with joy.

Lines 2878-2908: Minaya escorts El Cid’s daughters to Valencia

Next day, all their party took to the road,

Accompanied by the folk of San Estaban

As far as the Duero, in a show of kindness,

Bidding them farewell there, then returning.

Minaya, with the ladies, rode straight ahead,

Traversed the Alcoceba, to the right of Gormaz,

Intending to rest at a place called Vadorrey.

And found lodgings in the town of Berlanga.

The next morning, they took the road again,

To find lodgings, thereafter, at Medinaceli.

From there, in a day, they reached Molina.

Avengalvón, the Moor, was pleased indeed.

He sallied forth with a will, to greet them,

And feasted them well, for love of my Cid.

From there they rode directly to Valencia,

And of this the Campeador heard tidings.

He rode swiftly at once to receive them,

While flourishing his weapons in his joy.

He hastened to embrace his two daughters,

And kissed them both, filled with delight:

‘Ah, my daughters; God keep you from harm!

I dared do naught but endorse your marriages.

But may it please the Lord, who dwells on high,

That I see you wed more fittingly in future.

God grant vengeance on the lords of Carrión!’

His two daughters kissed their father’s hands.

Brandishing his weapons, he entered the city.

Doña Jimena greeted her daughters, joyfully.

He that was born in a fair hour, lingered not,

But communed with his closest companions.

Seeking to petition King Alfonso of Castile.

Lines 2909-2960: El Cid petitions King Alfonso

‘Where are you, Muño Gustioz, worthy vassal?

Fortunate the days when I raised you at court!

Bear this message to King Alfonso, to Castile.

Kiss his hand; give him my heartfelt greetings,

And repeat that I am his vassal; he, my lord;

Yet I’m dishonoured by these lords of Carrión,

Which should trouble his very heart and soul.

He gave away my daughters; it was not I.

They have been most shamefully abandoned,

Thus, whate’er the dishonour that falls to me,

Whether great or small, is shared by my lord.

They have been granted much wealth by me,

The loss of which is as vile as the dishonour.

Let them be brought before court or council,

That I may have justice from these infantes,

For great is the rancour that pains my heart.’

Now Muño Gustioz took to the road swiftly,

With two knights to serve him at his pleasure,

And two squires, also, of El Cid’s household.

They left Valencia as quickly as they might,

Resting neither day nor night upon the way.

Muño found the King of Castile at Sahagún,

That monarch being the King of León also,

Of the Asturias, south, as far as San Salvador,

Of the land to the west, including Santiago,

While the Counts of Galicia held him their lord.

As soon as Muño Gustioz had dismounted,

Bowing to the saints, praying to the Lord above,

He made for the palace where the king held court.

With him went the two knights, his defenders.

As soon as they reached the midst of the court,

The king saw, and recognised, Muño Gustioz,

He rose, and welcomed the three, courteously,

Upon which Muño Gustioz knelt before him,

And humbly kissed the monarch’s feet, saying:

‘Your Grace, Alfonso, monarch of many lands,

The Campeador kisses your hands and feet.

For he is your vassal, and you are his lord.

You gave his daughters to Carrión’s infantes

In noble marriage, for such was then your wish.

You must know of the dishonour we suffer,

How these lords of Carrión have harmed us,

Insulting the daughters of the Campeador,

Beating, and shaming, the half-naked pair,

Abandoning them, in the oak-woods of Robledo,

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

Now El Cid’s daughters are safe in Valencia.

He kisses your hands, as a vassal with his king,

And asks that the lords of Carrión be summoned,

His dishonour great, yet he deems yours greater.

It should trouble you greatly; as you are wise,

Grant justice for my Cid against these infantes.’

Grant justice for my Cid against these infantes

‘Grant justice for my Cid against these infantes’

Lines 2961-2992: King Alfonso responds

The king mused on all this, silently, awhile:

‘Indeed, it troubles my very heart,’ he said.

‘And all that you say, Muño Gustioz, is true;

I married his daughters to Carrión’s infantes,

Intending well, wishing to show him favour.

Now, I wish they had ne’er been married so!

El Cid and I are both pained in heart and soul.

By the Lord above I’ll help him, as I should,

A thing that I’d not expected I’d need do!

My envoys will ride through all the kingdom,

And announce that I’ll hold court in Toledo,

And that my counts and nobles must attend.

I will summon there the infantes of Carrión.

To render justice to my Cid, the Campeador.

He’ll have no complaint, if I can prevent it.

Tell that man, that was born in fortunate hour,

To take seven weeks to prepare, and ride,

And come to me in Toledo, with his vassals.

For love of the Cid, I’ll convene my court.

Greet the ladies for me; peace be with them.

They’ll gain honour, despite what befell them.’

Muño Gustioz took his leave, and so departed.

Alfonso did as he’d said, and without delay,

It being the Castilian king’s main concern,

And sent his envoys to León, and Santiago,

To the Galicians too, and to the Portuguese,

The Castilian nobles, and those of Carrión,

Declaring that he’d hold court, and in Toledo,

And, in seven-weeks-time; all must be there;

For he that was not, would be no vassal of his.

All the nobles were possessed by one thought:

None must fail to do as the king commanded.

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