Chapter XCIX

Glad was the King. Man gladder you never yet did see. He commanded all his nobles to ride forth hastily. And forth among the first of them did King Alfonso go, Of him who in good hour was born the tidings for to know. Know you the Heirs of Carrión happed in that place to be, Also Count don García the Cid's worst enemy. Of the tidings some were merry, and some were all folorn. They caught sight of his henchmen who in happy hour was born. They feared it was an army for no herald came before. Straightway the King Alfonso crossed himself o'er and o'er. Minaya and Per Vermudóz came forward with all speed, They leaped from the saddle, they dismounted from the steed. Before the King Alfonso upon their knees they fell. They kissed the ground beneath him, the kissed his feet as well: "Now a boon, King Alfonso. Thou art great and glorious. For my lord Cid the Campeador do we embrace thee thus. He holds himself thy vassal; he owns thee for his lord. He prizes high the honor thou didst to him accord. O King, but a few days agone in the fight he overcame The King out of Morocco, Yússuf (that is his name), With a host of fifty thousand from the field he drove away. The booty that he captured was a great and sovran prey. Great wealth unto his followers because of this did fall. He sends thee twoscore horses and doth kiss thy hands withal. Said King Alfonso: "Gladly to accept them am I fain. To the Cid who sent me such a gift I send my thanks again. When I do unto his liking, may he live to see the day."

Thereat were many of good cheer and kissed his hands straightway. Grieved was Count don García. Wroth was his heart within. Apart he wells a little with ten men of his kin: "A marvel is this matter of the Cid, so grows his fame. Now by the honor that he hath we shall be put to shame. Kings he o'erthroweth lightly, and lightly bringeth steeds As though he dead had found them; we are minished by his deeds."