Chapter CIII

Unto the King much honored, the letters they present. When he had looked upon them, then was his heart content. "To the Cid who in good time girt brand my greeting do I send, And let us hold the parley when three weeks are at an end. If I yet live, then doubtless I shall wait him in that place." They tarried not, but hastened home to the Cid apace.

On both sides for the parley they got ready point device. In Castile was ne'er such foison of mules without a price, Nor so many fair-paced palfreys, nor strong steeds swift to guide, Nor so many noble pennons on the stout lances tied, And shields whereof the bosses did with gold and silver shine, Robes, furs and Alexandrian cloth of satin woven fine. And the King gave his order, to send much victual there, To the waters of the Tagus where the parley they prepare. The King leads many a good troop, and Carrión's Heirs are gay. And here they run in debt apace, and there again they pay, For they thought to have great profit and increase manifold, And whatso they should desire, goods of silver and of gold. And now hath King Alfonso got swiftly to his horse, With counts and little nobles and vassals in great force. As for the Heirs of Carrión great companies they bring. From León and from Galicia came much people with the King; Know well, the levies of Castile, they are a countless train. And straight unto the parley they rode with slackened rein.