Chapter LXXXVI

And lo! now the two hundred welcomed Minaya home. And the ladies and the daughters and all within the band. The Cid to them within his train had issued his command To ward full well the citadel, and the towers that were so high, And the gates that none might enter and none depart thereby. And he bade bring Baviéca that a little time before From the King of Seville he had taken, when he routed him in war. The Cid that in good season girt the brand on, of that steed Knew not if he were swift to run or to stop short at need. At the gateway of Valencia where none might work him woe, Unto his wife and daughters he desired his gear to show.

When the ladies with great honor the host had welcomed home, Then first into the city came the Bishop don Jerome. He left his horse; to chapel straightway the Bishop wet. With all men that he could gather who were of like intent And surplice-clad, with crosses of silver, once again They greeted good Minaya and the ladies of the train. He who was born in happy time tarried but little there. He has put on his surcoat. His beard was long and fair. On Baviéca saddle and caparisons they threw. The Cid took wooden weapons; forth on the steed he flew. Leaped the steed Baviéca. With a great rush did he run. 'Twas rare to see. And when he ceased they marvelled all and one. From that day Baviéca in all Spain had renown. When that career was ended, from the steed the Cid got down, And hastened forth his lady and daughters twain to greet. When Dame Xiména saw him she cast her at his feet: "Brand thou girdest in good season. Thy favour, Campeador! Thou hast brought me forth from insults that were exceeding sore. Look on me, lord! Look also on my daughters as on me. By Glod's help and thine they are noble, and gently reared they be.

And the Cid straightway embraced them, mother and daughters twain. Such joy they had that from their eyes the tears began to rain. His men rejoiced. The quintains, they pierced them with the spear. He who girt sword in a good time, hark what he said and hear.

"Oh thou my Dame Xiména, beloved and honored wife, And ye two both my daughters that are my heart and life, To the city of Valencia now do yet enter in, The fair estate that for you it was my lot to win."

His hands they have kissed straightway, the daughters and their dame. So with exceeding honor to Valencia they came.