Chapter XXIV

"Much do I thank thee for it, illustrious Campeador. With what thou giv'st me, the fifth part of all our spoils of war, The King Alfonso of Castile full well content would be. I renounce it in thy favor; and without a claim to thee. But I swear to God who dwelleth in the high firmament, That till upon my charger I gallop in content Against the Moors, and till I wield both spear and brand again, And till unto my elbow from the blade the blood doth drain Before the Cid illustrious, howe'er so small it be, I will not take the value of a copper groat from thee. When through me some mighty treasure thou hast at thy command. I will take thy gift; till such a time, all else is in thine hand."