Chapter LXXVI

There was among those Christians excelling happiness For my lord Roy Diaz that was born in a season of good grace. And now his beard was growing; longer it grew apace. For this the Cid had spoken, this from his mouth said he, "By my love for King Alphonso the king who banished me," That the shears should not shear it, nor a single hair dispart, That so the Moors and Christians might ponder it at heart.

And resting in Valencia did the lord Cid abide, With Minaya Alvar Fañez who would not leave his side. They who went forth to exile of riches had good store. To all men in Valencia, the gallant Campeador Gave houses and possessions whereof they were right glad. All men of the Cid's bounty good testimony had. And of them that had come later well content was every one. My lord Cid saw it plainly that they fain would get them gone, With the goods that they had taken, if unhindered they might go. The lord Cid gave his order (Minaya counselled so) That if any man that with him in richer case did stand Should take his leave in secret and fail to kiss his hand, If they might overtake him and catch him as he fled, They would seize his goods and bring him unto the gallows-head. Lo! was it well looked after. Counsel he took again With Minaya Alvar Fañez "An it be that thou art fain, Gladly would I know, Minaya, what may the number be Of my henchmen, as at present, that have gained aught by me. I shall set it down in writing. Let them well the number scan, Lest one depart in secret and I should miss the man. To me and my companions his goods shall be restored, All they who guard Valencia and keep the outer ward.

"The measure is well counselled," said Minaya therewithal.