Chapter CXIV

The Cid and all his henchmen, it pleased them passing well, For so by the lord's favor their gain should grow the more. But know the Heirs of Carrión at heart were very sore, For they saw of the Moriscos many and many a tent, Which liked them not. The brothers forthwith apart they went. "We would keep in mind our profit, nor for the loss have care. And now within this battle we must needs do our share." "Such a thing well may keep us from seeing Carrión more. Widows will be the daughters of the good Campeador."

But Muñoz Gustióz heakened how in secret they conferred. To the Cid Campeador he came with the tale of what he heard: "The two Heirs thy sons-in-law, their courage is so strong, Because they go to battle, for Carrión they long. As God cherishes and keeps them, go bid them have good heart, That they in peace may tarry, nor in battle have a part. But with that we shall conquer, and God shall be our stay."

My lord Cid don Rodrigo with a smile went his way. "My sons, the Heirs of Carrión. God have you in his care. In your arms rest my daughters that as the sun are fair. And as I yearn for battle, so of Carrión are ye fain. In pleasance in Valencia to your hearts desire remain!, For as for the Moriscos, them well enough I know, And by grace of the Creator have courage to o'erthrow."

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While they spoke thus, King Búcar sent word and commanded The Cid to quit Valencia and go his way in peace.*

*At this point a lacuna occurs in the text of the poem. The prose passage is supplied from the Chronicle of the Twenty Kings, an emendation due to Pidal.

Otherwise Búcar would exact payment for all that the Cid had done in the city. The Cid said to him who bore the message:

"Go thou and say to Búcar, that son of an enemy, that before three days are past, I will give him all that he asks."

The next day the Cid ordered all his men to take up their weapons, and marched out against the Moors. The Heirs of Carrión on that occasion sought the van of him. After the Cid had marshalled his men in order of battle, don Ferrándo, one of the Heirs, went forth to attack a Moor who was called Aladraf. The Moor, when he beheld don Ferrándo, came forward likewise to attack him. Thereupon the Heir of Carrión, being overcome with fear of the Moor, wheeled his horse and fled before him. Single-handed he dared not await the Moor's coming.

When Pero Vermudóz, who was hard by, beheld this, he attacked the Moor, fought with him and slew him. Then he took the Moor's horse and went in quest of the Heir who was in full flight.

"Don Ferrándo," he said to him, "take this horse and tell all men that thou didst slay the Moor, his master. I will be thy witness." And the Heir replied: "Don Pero Vermudóz, I thank thee greatly for what thou sayest.

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"May I see that time when payment I shall make to thee twice o'er For all that thou deserves". The twain turned back once more. Don Pero there bore witness to Ferrándo's brag and lie. The Cid and all his vassals were gladdened much thereby.

"If God our Father wills it, in Heaven that doth dwell, My sons-in-law in battle shall both acquit them well."

So they spake. And the two armies now the advance began. In the Moorish host resounded of the drums the rataplan. It was among the Christians a marvel sore to some, For never had they heard it, since but newly were they come. On Diégo and Ferrándo greater wonder yet did fall, And of their free will thither they would not have come at all. To what he said who was brought forth in happy hour give ear: "Ho! now don Pero Vermudóz, who art my nephew dear, Dídago and Ferrándo now keep them well for me, For in mine eyes my sons-in-law are dear exceedingly. By God's help the Moriscos shall hold the field no more."