Chapter CXII

The Cid lay in Valencia with all his men beside; With him the Heirs of Carrión his sons-in-law abide. Upon his couch to slumber lay the good Campeador. There fell a hard occasion, a thing they looked not for. From his cage came forth the lion, from his bonds he broke away. All men throughout the palace in mighty dread were they. 'Neath the arm the Campeador his men their mantles up have ta'en, About his couch they gathered, and beside their lord remain. As for Ferránd Gonzálvez the Heir of Carrión, He saw no place to hide in; chamber or tower was none. Beneath the seat he crouched him so mighty was his dread. And Dídago Gonzálvez out through the doorway fled, Crying aloud: "Wo! Carrión no more shall I behold." Beneath a wine-press timber he hid in fear untold. Thence he brought cloak and tunic all filthy and forlorn.

With that he woke from slumber, who in happy hour was born, And saw his good men round his couch in a close ring that stood.

"Now what is this my henchmen ~ What is it that ye would?"

"Ha, worthy lord! The lion gave us a fearful fright." The Cid leaned on his elbow, on his feet he leaped upright. He flung his cloak on shoulder. Straight for the beast he made. The lion when he saw him, so sorely was afraid That before the Cid, low cowering, to earth his head he bent. My lord Cid don Rodrigo him by the neck has hent. He drew him and he dragged him and within his cage shut fast. As many as heheld it thought it a marvel vast.

And then through the palace they returned unto the hall, Of his sons the Cid made question, but found them not at all. Though they shouted for them loudly, none answered to the hail. And when at last they found them, oh, but their cheeks were pale! Such mirth as in the palace was ye never saw before; But to plague them was forbidden by the lord Cid Campeador. Many thought that but for cowards themselves the twain had shown. Sore grieved at what befell them were the Heirs of Carrión.