Chapter LVI

The Count was a great braggart and an empty word he spake: "Great wrongs he put upon me, he of Bivár, the Cid. Within my very palace much shame to me he did: He gave no satisfaction though he struck my brother's son; And the lands in my keeping now doth he over-run. I challenged him not; our pact of peace I did not overthrow; But since he seeks it of me, to demand it I will go."

He gathered the his powers that were exceeding strong, Great bands of Moors and Christians to his array did throng. After the lord Cid of Bivár they went upon their way, Three nights and days together upon the march were they. At length in Tévar's pine grove the Cid they have o'erta'en. So strong were they that captive to take him were they fain.

My lord Cid don Rodrigo bearing great spoil he went. From the ridge unto the valley he had finished the descent. And in that place they bore him Count don Remónd his word. My lord Cid sent unto him when the message he had heard:

"Say to the Count that it were well his anger now should cease. No goods of his I carry. Let him leave me in peace."

Thereto the Count gave answer: "Not so the matter ends. For what was and is of evil he shall make me full amends. The Exile shall know swiftly whom he has sought to slight."

Back hastened the ambassador as swiftly as he might. And then my lord Cid of Bivár knew how the matter lay, And that without a battle they could not get away.