Chapter CXVI

"In the name of every charity I tell thee, Campeador, That today to be their keeper I never will remain. To me they matter little--let him keep them who is fain. I with my men about me against their van will smite; Do thou with thine hold firmly the rearward of the fight. Then canst thou aid me lightly if peril should arise."

Minaya Alvar Fañez came then to him likewise. "Oh, Cid, give ear, and hearken, Oh faithful Campeador! For surely in this battle shall God himself make war, And He will make thee worthy with Him therein to share. Where 'er thou deemest fitting bid us attack them there. Each man must do his duty. Upon them let us thrust. On God and on thy fortune now hangeth all our trust." My lord Cid said: "Then prithee tarry here yet awhile." Lo! don Jerome the Bishop who was armed in gallant style, He stopped before the Campeador. Fair fortune had he aye. "The Mass of Holy Trinity I sang for thee this day. For this cause from mine own country did I seek thee and ensue, Since in the slaughter of the Moor such great delight I knew. And I am fain to honor both mine order and mine hand. In the forefront of the battle it is my desire to stand. And crosses on my pennant, and blazoned arms have I. If it be God his pleasure, I am fain mine arms to try, That so at last my spirit in perfect peace may be, And thou mayst be, my lord the Cid, better content with me. If thou cost me not this honor, from thy side I will retire."

The lord Cid gave him answer: "I am pleased with thy desire. Of the Moors go make a trial, lo, where they are in sight. From hence we shall behold it, how the Abbot fights the fight."