Chapter XCVI

The Christians in Valencia were all right glad of heart, For now excelling riches, horses and arms they had. Xiména and her daughters all three were passing glad, And the other dames; as wedded upon themselves looked they. And my lord Cid the noble in no wise would delay. "Where art thou brave Minaya? Come hither to me now. For thy great share of booty, no gratitude hast thou? Of this my fifth of all the prey, I tell thee clear and plain, Take unto thy good pleasure, but let the rest remain. And tomorrow in the morning thou shalt certainly ride out With the horses of my portion that I captured in the rout, With the saddles and the bridles and the swords that them behove, For the sake of my lady and for my daughters love. Since Alfonso sent the ladies whither they were content, These same two hundred horses to him thou shalt present, That of him who rules Valencia the King no ill may say."

He bade go with Minaya Per Vermudóz straightway. The next day in the morning they departed with all speed, And a full two hundred henchmen along with them they lead, With greetings from the Cid who fain would kiss his hands aright. Even out of the battle where my lord Cid won the fight, For a gift he sent Alfonso of horses good ten score: "While I have breath within me, I will serve him evermore."