Chronicle Of The Cid
by
Various
Part 1 out of 5
E-text prepared by Charles Aldarondo, Tiffany Vergon, Marvin A. Hodges,
Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
CHRONICLE OF THE CID
Translated from the Spanish
BY ROBERT SOUTHEY
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY HENRY MORLEY LL.D.,
PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON
INTRODUCTION.
Robert Southey's "Chronicle of the Cid" is all translation from the
Spanish, but is not translation from a single book. Its groundwork is
that part of the _Cronica General de Espana_, the most ancient of the
Prose Chronicles of Spain, in which adventures of the Cid are fully
told. This old Chronicle was compiled in the reign of Alfonso the Wise,
who was learned in the exact science of his time, and also a
troubadour. Alfonso reigned between the years 1252 and 1284, and the
Chronicle was written by the King himself, or under his immediate
direction. It is in four parts. The first part extends from the
Creation of the World to the occupation of Spain by the Visigoths, and
is dull; the second part tells of the Goths in Spain and of the
conquest of Spain by the Moors, and is less dull; the third part brings
down the story of the nation to the reign of Ferdinand the Great, early
in the eleventh century; and the fourth part continues it to the date
of the accession of Alfonso himself in the year 1252. These latter
parts are full of interest. Though in prose, they are based by a poet
on heroic songs and national traditions of the struggle with the Moors,
and the fourth part opens with an elaborate setting forth of the
history of the great hero of mediaeval Spain, the Cid Campeador. The
Cid is the King Arthur, or the Roland, of the Spaniards, less mythical,
but not less interesting, with incidents of a real life seen through
the warm haze of Southern imagination. King Alfonso, in his Chronicle,
transformed ballads and fables of the Cid into a prose digest that was
looked upon as history. Robert Southey translated this very distinct
section of the Chronicle, not from the _Cronica General_ itself, but
from the _Chronica del Cid_, which, with small variation, was extracted
from it, being one in substance with the history of the Cid in the
fourth part of the General Chronicle, and he has enriched it. This he
has done by going himself also to the Poem of the Cid and to the
Ballads of the Cid, for incidents, descriptions, and turns of thought,
to weave into the texture of the old prose Chronicle, brightening its
tints, and adding new life to its scenes of Spanish chivalry.
"The Poem of the Cid," the earliest and best of the heroic songs of
Spain, is a romance of history in more than three thousand lines,
celebrating the achievements of the hero little more than fifty years
after his death. Ruy Diaz, or Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar, was born at Burgos
about the year 1040, and died in the year 1099. He was called the
_Cid_, because five Moorish Kings acknowledged him in one battle as
their _Seid_, or Lord and Conqueror, and he was _Campeador_ or Champion
of his countrymen against the Moors. Thus he was styled The Lord
Champion--_El Cid Campeador_. The Cid died at the end of the eleventh
century, and "The Poem of the Cid" was composed before the end of the
twelfth. It was written after the year 1135, but before the year 1200.
The Cid is also the foremost hero of the ancient Spanish Ballads. The
ballads invent or record more incidents of his life than are to be
found in the Poem and the Chronicle; and of these Southey, in the
translation here reprinted, has made frequent and skilful use. Thus it
is from the Chronicle, the Poem, and the whole group of Ballads, as
collated by an English poet with a fine relish for Spanish literature
and a keen sense of the charm of old historical romance, that we get
the translation from the Spanish which Southey published at the age of
thirty-four, in the year 1808, as "The Chronicle of the Cid."
Robert Southey was born at Bristol on the 12th of August, 1774. He was
the son of an unprosperous linen-draper, and was cared for in his
childhood and youth by two of his mother's relations, a maiden aunt,
with whom he lived as a child, and an uncle, the Rev. Herbert Hill, who
assisted in providing for his education. Mr. Hill was Chaplain to the
British Factory at Lisbon, and had a well-grounded faith in Southey's
genius and character. He secured for his nephew some years of education
at Westminster School, and when Southey was expelled by an unwise
headmaster for a boyish jest, his uncle's faith in him held firm, and
he was sent on to Balliol College, Oxford. Those were days of wild hope
among the young. They felt all that was generous in the aspiration of
idealists who saw the golden cities of the future in storm-clouds of
revolution. Robert Southey at Oxford dreamed good dreams as a poetical
Republican. He joined himself with other young students--Coleridge
among them--who planned an experiment of their own in ideal life by the
Susquehanna. He became engaged, therefore, at Bristol in mysterious
confabulation with strange youths. This alarmed his maiden aunt. Uncle
Hill, then in England, and about to return to his work at Lisbon,
shrewdly proposed to set his nephew right, and draw him out of any
confederacy that he might be in, by tempting him with an offer that
would take strong hold of his imagination. He offered to take him for a
run through Spain and Portugal. That was a chance not to be lost.
Southey went to Lisbon with his uncle, but secured, before he went, the
accomplishment of what he considered the best part of his design, by
secretly marrying Miss Edith Fricker. During that first run over ground
with which he became afterwards familiar, the young husband wrote
letters to his wife, thriftily planned for future publication in aid of
housekeeping. They were published in 1797, as "Letters from Spain and
Portugal." It was thus that Southey was first drawn to Spanish studies.
When he came back, and had to tell his aunt that he was married, he and
his wife were thrown upon their own resources. He worked manfully; his
uncle still abiding by him. In 1800 Southey went with his wife to visit
Mr. Hill, in Lisbon.
While winning his place among the English poets, Robert Southey more
than once turned to account his Spanish studies. He produced versions
of the old Spanish romances of chivalry. "Amadis of Gaul" he published
in 1803, and in 1807 "Palmerin of England." In 1807 he also published
"Espriella's Letters," an original book of his own, professing to
translate the letters of a Spaniard, who gave, as a traveller, his view
of life in England. This was a pleasant book, designed, like
Goldsmith's "Citizen of the World," to help us to see ourselves as
others see us. In the following year, 1808, Southey--already known as
the author of "Thalaba," published in 1802, and of "Madoc," published
in 1805--produced this "Chronicle of the Cid." It was a time for him of
energetic production and of active struggle, with a manly patience to
sustain it through years rich in gentle thoughts and kindly deeds that
kept his heart at rest. Sara Coleridge, to whom Southey was giving a
father's care and shelter in the days when the Chronicle was being
prepared, saw in him "upon the whole the best man she had ever known."
All qualities that should make a good translator of such a Chronicle as
this were joined in Robert Southey. As for the true Cid, let us not ask
whether he was ever--as M. Dozy, in his excellent _Recherches sur
l'Histoire Politique et Litteraire de l'Espagne pendant le Moyen Age_,
says that he could be--treacherous and cruel. What lives of him is all
that can take form as part of the life of an old and haughty nation,
proud in arms. Let the rest die.
HENRY MORLEY.
August, 1883.
THE CHRONICLE OF THE CID
BOOK I.
I. King Don Ferrando succeeded to the states of Castille after the
death of his father King Don Sancho el Mayor, in the era 1072, which
was the year of the Incarnation 1034, and from the coming of the
Patriarch Tubal to settle in Spain 3197, and from the general deluge
3339, and from the creation of the world 4995, according to the
computation of the Hebrews, and from the beginning of the false sect of
the Moors 413. And in the year 1037 Ferrando slew Bermudo the King of
Leon in battle, who was his wife's brother, and conquered his kingdom,
and succeeded to it in right of his wife Dona Sancha. So he was the
first person who united the states of Castille and Leon, and the first
who was called King of Castille; for till this time the lords of that
country had been called Counts. He was a good king, and one who judged
justly and feared God, and was bold in all his doings. Before he
reigned he had by Dona Sancha his wife the Infanta Dona Urraca, his
eldest daughter, who was a right excellent lady, of good customs and
bounty and beauty; and after her he had the Infante Don Sancho, his
eldest son and heir; and then the Infanta Dona Elvira, whom after the
death of the King her father, her brother King Don Alfonso married to
the Count Don Garci de Cabra. And after he became King he had the
Infante Don Alfonso, and the Infante Don Garcia, who was the youngest
of all. And he put his sons to read, that they might be of the better
understanding, and he made them take arms, and be shown how to demean
themselves in battle, and to be huntsmen. And he ordered that his
daughters should be brought up in the studies beseeming dames, so that
they might be of good customs, and instructed in devotion and in all
things which it behoved them to know.
II. In those days arose Rodrigo of Bivar. who was a youth strong in
arms and of good customs; and the people rejoiced in him, for he
bestirred himself to protect the land from the Moors. Now it behoves
that ye should know whence he came, and from what men he was descended,
because we have to proceed with his history. Ye are to know therefore,
that after the treason which King Don Ordono the Second committed upon
the Counts of Castille, that country remained without a chief: the
people therefore chose two judges, of whom the one was called Nuno
Rasuera, and the other Layn Calvo, who married Nuno's daughter, Elvira
Nunez. From Nuno Rasuera King Don Ferrando descended, and from Layn
Calvo, Diego Laynez, who took to wife Dona Teresa Rodriguez, the
daughter of Don Rodrigo Alvarez, Count and Governor of Asturias, and
had by her this Rodrigo. In the year of the Incarnation 1026 was
Rodrigo born, of this noble lineage, in the city of Burgos, and in the
street of St. Martin, hard by the palace of the Counts of Castille,
where Diego Laynez had his dwelling. In the church of St. Martin was he
baptized, a good priest of Burgos, whose name was Don Pedro de
Pernegas, being his godfather: and to this church Rodrigo was always
greatly affectionate, and he built the belfry tower thereof.
III. At this time it came to pass that there was strife between Count
Don Gomez the Lord of Gormaz, and Diego Laynez the father of Rodrigo;
and the Count insulted Diego and gave him a blow. Now Diego was a man
in years, and his strength had passed from him, so that he could not
take vengeance, and he retired to his home to dwell there in solitude
and lament over his dishonour. And he took no pleasure in his food,
neither could he sleep by night, nor would he lift up his eyes from the
ground, nor stir out of his house, nor commune with his friends, but
turned from them in silence as if the breath of his shame would taint
them. Rodrigo was yet but a youth, and the Count was a mighty man in
arms, one who gave his voice first in the Cortes, and was held to be
the best in the war, and so powerful that he had a thousand friends
among the mountains. Howbeit all these things appeared as nothing to
Rodrigo when he thought of the wrong done to his father, the first
which had ever been offered to the blood of Layn Calvo. He asked
nothing but justice of Heaven, and of man he asked only a fair field;
and his father seeing of how good heart he was, gave him his sword and
his blessing. The sword had been the sword of Mudarra in former times,
and when Rodrigo held its cross in his hand, he thought within himself
that his arm was not weaker than Mudarra's. And he went out and defied
the Count and slew him, and smote off his head and carried it home to
his father. The old man was sitting at table, the food lying before him
untasted, when Rodrigo returned, and pointing to the head which hung
from the horse's collar, dropping blood, he bade him look up, for there
was the herb which should restore to him his appetite. The tongue,
quoth he, which insulted you is no longer a tongue, and the hand which
wronged you is no longer a hand. And the old man arose and embraced his
son and placed him above him at the table, saying, that he who had
brought home that head should be the head of the house of Layn Calvo.
IV. After this Diego being full of years fell asleep and was gathered
to his fathers. And the Moors entered Castille, in great power, for
there came with them five Kings, and they past above Burgos, and crost
the mountains of Oca, and plundered Carrion, and Vilforado, and Saint
Domingo de la Calzada, and Logrono, and Najara, and all that land; and
they carried away many captives both male and female, and brood mares,
and flocks of all kinds. But as they were returning with all speed,
Rodrigo of Bivar raised the country, and came up with them in the
mountains of Oca, and fell upon them and discomfited them, and won back
all their booty, and took all the five Kings prisoners. Then he went
back to his mother, taking the Kings with him, and there he divided the
whole spoil with the hidalgos and his other companions, both the
Moorish captives and all the spoil of whatever kind, so that they
departed right joyfully, being well pleased with what he had done. And
he gave thanks to God for the grace which had been vouchsafed to him,
and said to his mother, that he did not think it good to keep the Kings
in captivity, but to let them go freely; and he set them at liberty and
bade them depart. So they returned each to his own country, blessing
him for their deliverance, and magnifying his great bounty; and
forthwith they sent him tribute and acknowledged themselves to be his
vassals.
V. King Don Ferrando was going through Leon, putting the Kingdom in
order, when tidings reached him of the good speed which Rodrigo had had
against the Moors. And at the same time there came before him Ximena
Gomez, the daughter of the Count, who fell on her knees before him and
said, Sir, I am the daughter of Count Don Gomez of Gormaz, and Rodrigo
of Bivar has slain the Count my father, and of three daughters whom he
has left I am the youngest. And, Sir, I come to crave of you a boon,
that you will give me Rodrigo of Bivar to be my husband, with whom I
shall hold myself well married, and greatly honoured; for certain I am
that his possessions will one day be greater than those of any man in
your dominions. Certes, Sir, it behoves you to do this, because it is
for God's service, and because I may pardon Rodrigo with a good will.
The King held it good to accomplish her desire; and forthwith ordered
letters to be drawn up to Rodrigo of Bivar, wherein he enjoined and
commanded him that he should come incontinently to Palencia, for he had
much to communicate to him, upon an affair which was greatly to God's
service, and his own welfare and great honour.
VI. When Rodrigo saw the letters of his Lord the King, he greatly
rejoiced in them, and said to the messengers that he would fulfil the
King's pleasure, and go incontinently at his command. And he dight
himself full gallantly and well, and took with him many knights, both
his own and of his kindred and of his friends, and he took also many
new arms, and came to Palencia to the King with two hundred of his
peers in arms, in festival guise; and the King went out to meet him,
and received him right well, and did him honour; and at this were all
the Counts displeased. And when the King thought it a fit season, he
spake to him and said, that Dona Ximena Gomez, the daughter of the
Count whom he had slain, had come to ask him for her husband, and would
forgive him her father's death; wherefore he besought him to think it
good to take her to be his wife, in which case he would show him great
favour. When Rodrigo heard this it pleased him well, and he said to the
King that he would do his bidding in this, and in all other things
which he might command; and the King thanked him much. And he sent for
the Bishop of Palencia, and took their vows and made them plight
themselves each to the other according as the law directs. And when
they were espoused the King did them great honour, and gave them many
noble gifts, and added to Rodrigo's lands more than he had till then
possessed: and he loved him greatly in his heart, because he saw that
he was obedient to his commands, and for all that he had heard him say.
VII. So Rodrigo departed from the King, and took his spouse with him to
the house of his mother, and gave her to his mother's keeping. And
forthwith he made a vow in her hands that he would never accompany with
her, neither in the desert nor in the inhabited place, till he had won
five battles in the field. And he besought his mother that she would
love her even as she loved him himself, and that she would do good to
her and show her great honour, for which he should ever serve her with
the better good will, his mother promised him so to do: and then he
departed from them and went out against the frontier of the Moors.
VIII. Now the history relates that King Don Ferrando contended with
King Don Ramiro of Aragon for the city of Calahorra, which each claimed
as his own; in such guise that the King of Aragon placed it upon the
trial by combat, confiding in the prowess of Don Martin Gonzalez, who
was at that time held to be the best knight in all Spain, King Don
Ferrando accepted the challenge, and said that Rodrigo of Bivar should
do battle on his part, but that he was not then present. And they
plighted homage on both parts to meet and bring each his knight, and
the knight who conquered should win Calahorra for his Lord. Having
ratified this engagement, they returned into their own lands. And
immediately Ferrando sent for Rodrigo of Bivar, and told him all the
matter as it then stood, and that he was to do battle. Well pleased was
Rodrigo when he heard this, and he accorded to all that the King had
said that he should, do battle for him upon that cause; but till the
day arrived he must needs, he said, go to Compostella, because he had
vowed a pilgrimage; and the King was content therewith, and gave him
great gifts.
IX. Rodrigo forthwith set out upon the road, and took with him twenty
knights. And as he went he did great good, and gave alms, feeding the
poor and needy. And upon the way they found a leper, struggling in a
quagmire, who cried out to them with a loud voice to help him for the
love of God; and when Rodrigo heard this, he alighted from his beast
and helped him, and placed him upon the beast before him, and carried
him with him in this manner to the inn where he took up his lodging
that night. At this were his knights little pleased. And when supper
was ready he bade his knights take their seats, and he took the leper
by the hand, and seated him next himself, and ate with him out of the
same dish. The knights were greatly offended at this foul sight,
insomuch that they rose up and left the chamber. But Rodrigo ordered a
bed to be made ready for himself and for the leper, and they twain
slept together. When it was midnight and Rodrigo was fast asleep, the
leper breathed against him between his shoulders, and that breath was
so strong that it passed through him, even through his breast; and he
awoke, being astounded, and felt for the leper by him, and found him
not; and he began to call him, but there was no reply. Then he arose in
fear, and called for light, and it was brought him; and he looked for
the leper and could see nothing; so he returned into the bed, leaving
the light burning. And he began to think within himself what had
happened, and of that breath which had passed through him, and how the
leper was not there. After a while, as he was thus musing, there
appeared before him one in white garments, who said unto him, Sleepest
thou or wakest thou, Rodrigo? and he answered and said, I do not sleep;
but who art thou that bringest with thee such brightness and so sweet
an odour? Then said he, I am Saint Lazarus, and know that I was the
leper to whom thou didst so much good and so great honour for the love
of God; and because thou didst this for his sake hath God now granted
thee a great gift; for whensoever that breath which thou hast felt
shall come upon thee, whatever thing thou desirest to do, and shalt
then begin, that shalt thou accomplish to thy heart's desire, whether
it be in battle or aught else, so that thy honour shall go on
increasing from day to day; and thou shalt be feared both by Moors and
Christians, and thy enemies shall never prevail against thee, and thou
shalt die an honourable death in thine own house, and in thy renown,
for God hath blessed thee;--therefore go thou on, and evermore
persevere in doing good; and with that he disappeared. And Rodrigo
arose and prayed to our lady and intercessor St. Mary, that she would
pray to her blessed son for him to watch over both his body and soul in
all his undertakings; and he continued in prayer till the day broke.
Then he proceeded on his way, and performed his pilgrimage, doing much
good for the love of God and of St. Mary.
X. Now the day came which had been appointed for the combat concerning
Calahorra, between Rodrigo and Don Martin Gonzalez, and Rodrigo was not
arrived; therefore his cousin Alvar Fanez Minaya undertook the battle
in his stead, and ordered his horse to be harnessed right well. While
he was arming himself Rodrigo came up and took the horse of Alvar
Fanez, and entered the lists; Don Martin Gonzalez did the same, and the
judges placed them fairly, each in his place, so that neither should
have the sun in his eyes. They ran their career, one against the other,
and met so fiercely that their lances brake, and both were sorely
wounded; but Don Martin began to address Rodrigo, thinking to dismay
him: Greatly dost thou now repent, Don Rodrigo, said he, that thou hast
entered into these lists with me: for I shall so handle thee that never
shalt thou marry Dona Ximena thy spouse, whom thou lovest so well, nor
ever return alive to Castille. Rodrigo waxed angry at these words, and
he replied, You are a good knight, Don Martin Gonzalez, but these words
are not suitable to this place, for in this business we have to contend
with hands and not with empty speeches; and the power is in God who
will give the honour as he thinketh best. And in his anger he made at
him, and smote him upon his helmet, and the sword cut through and
wounded as much of the head as it could reach, so that he was sorely
hurt and lost much blood. And Don Martin Gonzalez struck at Rodrigo,
and the sword cut into the shield, and he plucked it towards him that
with main force he made Rodrigo lose the shield; but Rodrigo did not
forget himself, and wounded him again in the face. And they both became
greatly enraged, and cruel against each other, striking without mercy,
for both of them were men who knew how to demean themselves. But while
they thus struggled Don Martin Gonzalez lost much blood, and for very
weakness he could not hold himself upon his horse, but fell from his
horse upon the ground; and Rodrigo alighted and went to him and slew
him; and when he had slain him he asked the judges if there was any
thing more to be done for the right of Calahorra: and they made answer
that there was not. Then came the King Don Ferrando to him, and
alighted by him, and helped to disarm him, and embraced him much; and
when he was disarmed he went with him from the field, he and all the
Castillians greatly rejoicing; but as great as was the pleasure of King
Don Ferrando and his people, so great was the sorrow of King Don Ramiro
of Aragon and of his. And he ordered them to take up Don Martin
Gonzalez, and they carried the body into his own lands, and he went
with it, and Calahorra remained in the power of King Don Ferrando.
XI. But when the Counts of Castille saw how Rodrigo increased day by
day in honour, they took counsel together that they should plot with
the Moors, and fix a day of battle with them on the day of the Holy
Cross in May, and that they should invite Rodrigo to this battle, and
contrive with the Moors that they should slay him; by which means they
should be revenged upon him, and remain masters of Castille, which now
because of him they could not be. This counsel they sent to communicate
to the Moors and to the Moorish Kings who were Rodrigo's vassals, being
those whom he had made prisoners and set at liberty. But they, when
they saw this counsel and the falsehood which was devised, took the
letters of the Counts, and sent them to Rodrigo their Lord, and sent to
tell him all the secret of the treason. And Rodrigo thanked them
greatly for their good faith, and took the letters and carried to the
King, and showed him all the enmity of the Counts, and especially of
the Count Don Garcia, who was afterwards called of Cabra. When the King
saw this as it was, he was astonished at their great falsehood, and he
issued his letters in which he ordered them to leave his dominions;
then he went to Santiago on a pilgrimage, and ordered Rodrigo to cast
these Counts out of the land; and Rodrigo did as the King commanded
him. Then Dona Elvira his kinswoman, the wife of the Count Don Garcia,
came and fell on her knees before him; but Rodrigo took her by the hand
and raised her up, and would not hear her till she was arisen. And when
he had raised her up she said. I beseech you, cousin, since you have
banished me and my husband, that you would give us a letter to some
King who is one of your vassals, enjoining him to befriend us, and give
us something for your sake whereon we may live. So he gave her a letter
to the King of Cordova, who received her and her husband well for the
love of Rodrigo, and gave Cabra to him, that he and his people might
dwell therein. This Count was afterwards so ungrateful to the King of
Cordova that he made war upon him from Cabra which the King had given
him, till Rodrigo came and took it.
XII. The history relateth that at this time while the King was in
Galicia, the Moors entered Estremadura, and the people called upon
Rodrigo of Bivar to help them. And when he heard the summons he made no
delay, but gathered together his kinsmen and his friends, and went
against the misbelievers. And he came up with them between Atienza and
San Estevan de Gormaz, as they were carrying away a great booty in
captives and in flocks, and there he had a brave battle with them in
the field; and in fine Rodrigo conquered, smiting and slaying, and the
pursuit lasted for seven leagues, and he recovered all the spoil, which
was so great that two hundred horses were the fifth, for the whole
spoil was worth a hundred times a thousand maravedis. Rodrigo divided
the whole among his people without covetousness, and returned with
great honour.
XIII. Now the greater part of these Moors had been they of Merida,
Badajoz, Beja and Evora, and the King was minded to requite them in
their own land according to their deeds; and he entered into the heart
of their country, carrying with him fire and sword, and pressed them
sorely so that they yielded vassalage. Then turning through Portugal,
he won the town of Sea, which was upon the western slope of the Serra
da Estrella; and also another town called Gamne, the site whereof
cannot now be known, for in course of years names change and are
forgotten. And proceeding with his conquests he laid siege to the city
of Viseu, that he might take vengeance for the death of King Don
Alfonso, his wife's father, who had been slain before that city. But
the people of Viseu, as they lived with this fear before their eyes,
had fortified their city well, and stored it abundantly with all things
needful, and moreover, they put their trust in their Alcayde, who was
an African, by name Cid Alafum, a man tried in arms. He encouraged
them, saying that the city could not be taken in ten years, by a
greater power than the Christians; and there were many good arbalisters
in the city, who shot so strong that neither shield nor armour availed
against their quarrels. King Don Ferrando therefore ordered mantles to
be made, and also pavaises to protect his people; and moreover he
enjoined them to fasten boards upon their shields, so that the quarrels
from the crossbows might not pierce through. And he continued for
eighteen days to combat the city, keeping such good watch, that neither
could they within receive help from without, nor themselves issue
forth; and on the eighteenth day, which was the Vesper of St. Peter's,
he won the city by force of arms; and few were they who escaped from
the sword of the conquerors, except those who retreated with Alafum
into the castle. And on the following day at the hour of tierce they
also came to terms, and yielded themselves to his mercy, saving their
lives. In this manner was Viseu recovered by the Christians, and never
after did that city fall into the hands of the barbarians. And the Moor
who had slain King Don Alfonso fell into Ferrando's power, and the King
took vengeance and punished him in all the parts which had offended; he
cut off the foot which had prest down the Armatost, and lopt off the
hands which had held the bow and fitted the quarrel, and plucked out
the eyes which had taken the mark; and the living trunk was then set up
as a butt for the archers.
XIV. In all these wars there was not a man who bore greater part, or
did better feats in arms, than Rodrigo of Bivar. And the King went up
against Lamego, and besieged it. Now Zadan Aben Huim, son of Huim
Alboazem, the King thereof, was mightier than all the Kings who had
reigned before him in Lamego, and he had peopled many places from the
Douro even to the rivers Tavora and Vouga. And because he was well
beloved and his city well stored and strong, all the chief Moors in
that district being dismayed by the fall of Viseu, retired into it, to
be under his protection. But maugre all their power. King Don Ferrando
girt the city round about, and brought against it so many engines, and
so many bastilles, that Zadan submitted, and opened his gates on the
twenty-second of July, the day of St. Mary Magdalene, being twenty-five
days after the capture of Viseu. And Zadan became tributary to the
King, and the King took with him many of the Moors, to be employed in
building up the churches which had fallen to ruin since the land was
lost.
XV. All this while was Coimbra in the power of the misbelievers. And
the Abbot of Lorvam took counsel with his Monks, and they said, Let us
go to King Ferrando and tell him the state of the city. And they chose
out two of the brethren for this errand. When the Moors therefore who
came to hunt among the mountains took up their lodging in the Monastery
as they were wont to do, these twain said unto them, We would go to the
holy _Dominicum_, to say prayers there for our sins. So feigning this
to be their errand they set forth, and came to the King in the town of
Carrion, and spake unto him in council, saying, Sir King, we come to
you through waters and over mountains and by bad ways, to tell you
concerning Coimbra in what plight it is, if you desire to know, and in
what guise the Moors dwell therein, what they are and how many, and
with how little heed they keep the city. And he said unto them. I
beseech ye, for the love of God, say on. Then told they him what they
knew: and the King took counsel upon this matter with Rodrigo of Bivar,
and Rodrigo said, that certes the Lord would help him to win the city;
and he said that he would fain be knighted by the King's hand, and that
it seemed to him now that he should receive knighthood at his hand in
Coimbra. A covenant was then made with the two Monks, that they should
go with the army against the city in the month of January without fail.
Now this was in October. Incontinently the King sent to summon his
knights and people, and when one part of them had assembled at Santa
Maria, he bade them do all the damage they could against Coimbra, and
ravage the country, which accordingly they did. In the meantime the
King made a pilgrimage to Santiago, as Rodrigo had exhorted him to do;
and he remained there three days and nights in prayer, offering great
gifts, and taking upon himself great devotion, that it might please God
to fulfil his desire. And with the help of Santiago he gathered
together a great host, and went up against Coimbra in the month of
January, even as he had covenanted, and laid siege to it. And he fought
against the city all February, and March, and April, May and June, five
months did he fight, and could not prevail against it. And when July
came the food of the besiegers failed them, insomuch that they had only
the dole for a few days left; then the baggage was made ready, and the
sumpter-beasts and serving-men were ordered to depart for Leon, and
proclamation was made in the camp that the army should remain yet four
days, and on the fifth they might break up and depart every one to his
own house. But then the Monks of Lorvam and the Abbot consulted
together and said, Let us now go to the King and give him all the food
which we have, both oxen and cows, and sheep and goats and swine, wheat
and barley and maize, bread and wine, fish and fowl, even all that we
have; for if the city, which God forbid, should not be won, by the
Christians, we may no longer abide here. Then went they to the King and
gave him all their stores, both of flocks and herds, and pulse, and
wine beyond measure, which they had for a long time stored. Then was
there abundance in the camp; but they who were within the city waxed
feeble for hunger long suffering, because the Christians beset them on
all sides, and warred upon them hotly, and brought their engines to
bear on every part, and the walls of the city were broken down. When
the Moors saw this they came to the King, and fell at his feet, and
besought him of his mercy that he would let them depart, leaving to him
the city and all that they had therein, for they asked for nothing but
their lives. And the King had compassion upon them and granted their
prayer; and the city was yielded to him on a Sunday at the hour of
tierce, which was before a week had run out since the Monks of Lorvam
had succoured the host.
XVI. Now it came to pass that while the King lay before Coimbra, there
came a pilgrim from the land of Greece on pilgrimage to Santiago; his
name was Estiano, and he was a Bishop. And as he was praying in the
church he heard certain of the townsmen and of the pilgrims saying that
Santiago was wont to appear in battle like a knight, in aid of the
Christians. And when he heard this it nothing pleased him, and he said
unto them, "Friends, call him not a knight, but rather a fisherman."
Upon this it pleased God that he should fall asleep, and in his sleep
Santiago appeared to him with a good and cheerful countenance, holding
in his hand a bunch of keys, and said unto him, "Thou thinkest it a
fable that they should call me a knight, and sayest that I am not so:
for this reason am I come unto thee that thou never more mayest doubt
concerning my knighthood; for a knight of Jesus Christ I am, and a
helper of the Christians against the Moors." While he was thus saying a
horse was brought him the which was exceeding white, and the Apostle
Santiago mounted upon it, being well clad in bright and fair armour,
after the manner of a knight. And he said to Estiano, "I go to help
King Don Ferrando who has lain these seven months before Coimbra, and
to-morrow, with these keys which thou seest, will I open the gates of
the city unto him at the hour of tierce, and deliver it into his hand."
Having said this he departed. And the Bishop when he awoke in the
morning called together the clergy and people of Compostella, and told
them what he had seen and heard. And as he said, even so did it come to
pass; for tidings came that on that day, and at the hour of tierce, the
gates of the city had been opened.
XVII. King Don Ferrando then assembled his Counts and chief captains,
and told them all that the Monks of Lorvam had done, in bringing him to
besiege the city, and in supplying his army in their time of need: and
the Counts and chief captains made answer and said, Certes, O King, if
the Monks had not given us the stores of their Monastery, thou couldest
not have taken the city at this time. The King then called for the
Abbot and the brethren, for they were with him in the host, and said
the hours to him daily, and mass in St. Andre's, and buried there and
in their Monastery as many as had died during the siege, either of
arrow-wounds or by lances, or of their own infirmities. So they came
before him and gave him joy of his conquest; and he said unto them,
Take ye now of this city as much as ye desire, since by God's favour
and your council I have won it. But they made answer, Thanks be to God
and to you, and to your forefathers, we have enough and shall have, if
so be that we have your favour and dwell among Christians. Only for the
love of God, and for the remedy of your own soul, give us one church
with its dwelling-houses within the city, and confirm unto us the gifts
made to us in old times by your forefathers, and the good men to whom
God give a happy rest. With that the King turned to his sons and his
soldiers, and said, Of a truth, by our Creator, these who desire so
little are men of God. I would have given them half the city, and they
will have only a single church! Now therefore, since they require but
this, on the part of God Almighty let us grant and confirm unto them
what they ask, to the honour of God and St. Mamede. And the brethren
brought him their charters of King Ramiro, and King Bermudo, and King
Alfonso, and of Gonzalo Moniz, who was a knight and married a daughter
of King Bermudo, and of other good men. And the King confirmed them,
and he bade them make a writing of all which had passed between him and
them at the siege of Coimbra; and when they brought him the writing,
they brought him also a crown of silver and of gold, which had been
King Bermudo's and which Gonzalo Moniz had given to the Monastery in
honour of God and St. Mamede. The King saw the crown, how it was set
with precious stones, and said to them, To what end bring ye hither
this crown? And they said, That you should take it, Sire, in return for
the good which you have done us. But he answered, Far be it from me
that I should take from your Monastery what the good men before me have
given to it! Take ye back the crown, and take also ten marks of silver,
and make with the money a good cross, to remain with you for ever. And
he who shall befriend you, may God befriend him; but he who shall
disturb you or your Monastery, may he be cursed by the living God and
by his Saints. So the King signed the writing which he had commanded to
be made, and his sons and chief captains signed it also, and in the
writing he enjoined his children and his children's children, as many
as should come after him, to honour and protect the Monastery of
Lorvam, upon his blessing he charged them so to do, because he had
found the brethren better than all the other Monks in his dominions.
XVIII. Then King Don Ferrando knighted Rodrigo of Bivar in the great
mosque of Coimbra, which he dedicated to St. Mary. And the ceremony was
after this manner: the King girded on his sword, and gave him the kiss,
but not the blow. To do him more honour the Queen gave him his horse,
and the Infanta Dona Urraca fastened on his spurs; and from that day
forth he was called Ruydiez. Then the King commanded him to knight nine
noble squires with his own hand; and he took his sword before the
altar, and knighted them. The King then gave Coimbra to the keeping of
Don Sisnando, Bishop of Iria, a man, who having more hardihood than
religion, had by reason of his misdeeds gone over to the Moors, and
sorely infested the Christians in Portugal. But during the siege he had
come to the King's service, and bestirred himself well against the
Moors; and therefore the King took him into his favour, and gave him
the city to keep, which he kept, and did much evil to the Moors till
the day of his death. And the King departed and went to Compostella to
return thanks to Santiago.
XIX. But then Benalfagi, who was the Lord of many lands in Estremadura,
gathered together a great power of the Moors and built up the walls of
Montemor, and from thence waged war against Coimbra, so that they of
Coimbra called upon the King for help. And the King came up against the
town, and fought against it, and took it. Great honour did Ruydiez win
at that siege; for having to protect the foragers, the enemy came out
upon him, and thrice in one day was he beset by them; but he, though
sorely prest by them, and in great peril, nevertheless would not send
to the camp for succour, but put forth his manhood and defeated them.
And from that day the King gave more power into his hands, and made him
head over all his household.
XX. Now the men of Leon besought the King that he would repeople
Zamora, which had lain desolate since it was destroyed by Almanzor. And
he went thither and peopled the city, and gave to it good privileges.
And while he was there came messengers from the five Kings who were
vassals to Ruydiez of Bivar, bringing him their tribute; and they came
to him, he being with the King, and called him Cid, which signifyeth
Lord, and would have kissed his hands, but he would not give them his
hand till they had kissed the hand of the King. And Ruydiez took the
tribute and offered the fifth thereof to the King, in token of his
sovereignty; and the King thanked him, but would not receive it, and
from that time he ordered that Ruydiez should be called the Cid,
because the Moors had so called him.
XXI. In those days Pope Victor II. held a council at Florence, and the
Emperor Henry there made his complaint against King Don Ferrando, that
he did not acknowledge his sovereignty, and pay him tribute like all
other Kings; and he besought the Pope to admonish him so to do. And the
Pope being a German, and the friend of Henry, sent to the King to
admonish him, and told him that unless he obeyed he would proclaim a
crusade against him; and in like manner the Emperor, and the King of
France, and the other Kings, sent to exhort him to obedience, defying
him if he should refuse. When the King saw their letters he was
troubled, for he knew that if this thing were done, great evil would
follow to Castille and Leon. And he took counsel with his honourable
men. They seeing on the one hand the great power of the Church, and on
the other the great evil that it would be if Castille and Leon should
be made tributary, knew not what counsel to give: howbeit at length
they said to him that he should do the Pope's bidding. At this council
the Cid was not present, for he had lately completed his marriage with
Dona Ximena Gomez, and was then with her; but at this time he arrived,
and the King showed him the letters, and told him the matter how it
then stood, and what had been the advice of his good men, and besought
him to speak his advice, as a good and true vassal to his Lord. When
the Cid heard what had passed it grieved him to the heart, more for the
counsel which had been given to the King, than because of the Pope's
commands; and he turned to the King and said, In an ill day, Sir, were
you born in Spain, if it be in your time to be made tributary, which it
never was before; for all the honour which God hath given you, and
whatever good he hath done to you, is lost if it should be so. And,
Sir, whoever hath given you this counsel is not a true man, neither one
who regardeth your honour nor your power. But send to defy them since
they will have it so, and let us carry the war home to them. You shall
take with you five thousand knights, all of whom are hidalgos, and the
Moorish Kings who are your vassals will give you two thousand knights;
and, Sir, you are such a one as God loves, and he will not that your
honour should perish. And the King thought that he was well counselled
by him, for the King was of a great heart.
XXII. Then the King ordered letters to be written, in which he besought
the Pope not to proceed farther against him without just cause, for
Spain had been conquered by those who dwelt therein, by the blood of
them and of their fathers, and they had never been tributary, and never
would be so, but would rather all die. Moreover he sent his letters to
the Emperor and to the other Kings, telling them that they well knew
the wrong which the Emperor did him, having no jurisdiction over him,
nor lawful claim; and he besought them to let him alone that he might
continue to wage war against the enemies of the faith; but if they
persisted to speak against him he then sent them back their friendship,
and defied them, and where they all were there would he go seek them.
While this reply was on its way he gathered together his people, as he
and the Cid had advised, and set forward with eight thousand and nine
hundred knights, both of his own and of the Cid, and the Cid led the
advanced guard. When they had passed the passes of Aspa they found that
the country was up, and the people would not sell them food; but the
Cid set his hand to, to burn all the country before him, and plunder
from those who would not sell, but to those who brought food he did no
wrong. And after such manner did he proceed, that wherever the King and
his army arrived they found all things of which they could stand in
need; and the news went sounding throughout all the land, so that all
men trembled.
XXIII. Then Count Remon, Lord of Savoy, with the power of the King of
France, gathered together twenty thousand knights and came beyond
Tolosa, to hold the road against King Don Ferrando. And he met with his
harbinger the Cid, who went before him to prepare lodgings, and they
had a hard battle; and the men of the Count were discomfited, and he
himself made prisoner and many with him, and many were slain. And the
Count besought the Cid of his mercy to set him free, saying that he
would give him a daughter he had, the which was right fair; and the Cid
did as he besought him, and the daughter was given to him, and he set
the Count free. And by this woman King Don Ferrando had his son the
Cardinal Ferrando, who was so honourable a man.
XXIV. After this the Cid had another battle with all the power of
France, and discomfited them, and at neither of these battles did the
King and his main army arrive. So the news went sounding before them to
the council, of the fierceness of the Cid; and as they all knew that he
was the conqueror of battles, they knew not what to advise; and they
besought the Pope that he would send to them, begging them to turn
back, and saying that they did not require tribute. These letters came
to the King when he had past Tolosa, and he took counsel with the Cid
and with his good men, and they advised that he should send two of his
good men to the Pope, who should tell him to send a Cardinal with power
to make a covenant, that this demand should never again be made upon
Spain; and that persons from the Emperor and from the other Kings also
should come to ratify this, and meanwhile he would abide where he was.
But if they did not come he would go on to them. Count Don Rodrigo, and
Alvar Fanez Minaya, and certain learned men, were sent with this
bidding. And when they came to the Pope and gave him their letters, he
was much dismayed, and he assembled the good and honourable men of the
council, and asked of them what he should do. And they made answer that
he must do as the King willed him, for none was so hardy as to fight
against the good fortune of his vassal the Cid. Then the Pope sent
Master Roberto, the Cardinal of St. Sabina, with full powers, and the
representatives of the Emperor and of the other Kings came also and
signed the covenant, that this demand should never again be made upon
the King of Spain. And the writings which they made were confirmed by
the Pope and by the Emperor and the other Kings, and sealed with their
seals.
XXV. While this was doing the King abode where he was, beyond Tolosa;
six months did he abide there. And the Pope sent to ask of him the
daughter of Count Remon; and she was then five months gone with child;
and by the advice of his vassal the Cid the King sent her, and sent to
tell the Pope the whole truth, requesting that he would see she was
taken care of; and the Pope ordered that she should be taken care of
till the event should be. And she was delivered of the Abbot Don
Ferrando; the Pope was his godfather, and brought him up right
honourably, and dispensed with his bastardry that he might hold any
sacred dignity; and in process of time he was made an honourable
Cardinal. So the King returned with great honour into his own land, and
from that time he was called Don Ferrando the Great, the Emperor's
Peer; and it was said of him in songs that he had passed the passes of
Aspa in despite of the Frenchmen.
XXVI. Many other things did King Don Ferrando, which are written in the
book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Spain, enriching churches and
monasteries, and honouring the saints and martyrs, and making war upon
the misbelievers. And it came to pass when he was waxed old, that as he
was one day saying his prayers, the confessor St. Isidro appeared unto
him, and told him the day and hour when he should die, to the intent
that he might make ready and confess his sins, and make atonement for
them, and take thought for his soul, that so he might appear clean from
offence before the face of God. From that day he, being certain that
his end was at hand, began to discharge his soul. And he devised within
himself how to dispose of the kingdoms which God had given him, that
there might be no contention between his sons after his death; and he
thought it best to divide his lands among them; but this which he
thought best proved to be the worst, and great evil came thereof, for
better had it been that he had left all to the eldest. Howbeit it was
his pleasure to divide them: he had three sons, Don Sancho who was the
eldest, and Don Alfonso who was the second born, and Don Garcia who was
the youngest; and two daughters, Dona Urraca and Dona Elvira. The
manner in which he divided his lands was this: he gave to Don Sancho
the kingdom of Castille as far as to the river Pisuerga, on the side of
Leon, with the border, which included the dioceses of Osma, and
Segovia, and Avila, and on the side of Navarre as far as the Ebro, as
he had won it from his nephew Don Sancho Garcia, King of Navarre. To
Don Alfonso he gave the kingdom of Leon, and in Asturias as far as the
river Deva, which runs by Oviedo, and part of Campos as far as Carrion
and the river Pisuerga, with the border, which contained the dioceses
of Zamora, Salamanca, and Ciudad Rodrigo, and the city of Astorga, and
other lands in Galicia, with the town of Zebreros. To Don Garcia he
gave the kingdom of Galicia, and all the lands which he had won in
Portugal, with the title of King of Galicia, which country had had no
King of its own since the kingdom of the Suevi had been overthrown by
King Leovegildo. And to Dona Urraca he gave the city of Zamora with all
its dependencies, and with half the Infantazgo: and the other half,
with the city of Toro and its dependencies, to Dona Elvira.
XXVII. When the Infante Don Sancho knew that the King his father had
made this allotment it displeased him, for he was the eldest son; and
he said to his father that he neither could nor ought to make this
division; for the Gothic Kings had in old time made a constitution for
themselves, that the kingdom and empire of Spain never should be
divided, but remain one dominion under one Lord. But the King replied
that he would not for this forbear to do as he had resolved, for he had
won the kingdom; then the Infante made answer, Do as you will, being my
father and Lord; but I do not consent unto it. So the King made this
division against the right of the Infante Don Sancho, and it displeased
many in the kingdom, and many it pleased; but they who were of good
understanding perceived the evil which would arise.
XXVIII. After this the King fell sick with the malady whereof he died.
And he made himself be carried to Leon, and there on his knees before
the bodies of the saints he besought mercy of them. And putting his
crown upon his head before the holy body of St. Isidro he called upon
God, saying, O Lord Jesus Christ, thine is the power over all, and
thine is the kingdom, for thou art King of all kingdoms, and of all
Kings, and of all nations, and all are at thy command. And now Lord I
return unto thee the kingdom which thou hast given me, but I beseech
thee of thy mercy that my soul may be brought to the light which hath
no end. Having said thus, he stript himself of the royal robes adorned
with gold in which he was arrayed, and took the crown from his head and
placed it upon the altar; and he put sackcloth upon the carrion of his
body, and prayed to God, confessing all the sins which he had committed
against him, and took his acquittal from the Bishops, for they absolved
him from his sins; and forthwith he there received extreme unction, and
strewed ashes upon himself. After this, by his own order he was carried
to St. Mary of Almazan in pilgrimage, and there he remained thrice nine
days, beseeching St. Mary that she would have mercy upon him and
intercede with her blessed Son for his soul. From thence they carried
him to Cabezon, and there the Abbot Don Ferrando came to him, an
honourable man, and many other honourable men of his realms, and the
Cid Ruydiez, whom the King commended to the Infante Don Sancho, his
son. And after he had put all his affairs in order he remained three
days lamenting in pain, and on the fourth, being the day of St. John
the Evangelist, he called for the Cardinal Abbot, and commended Spain
and his other sons to him, and gave him his blessing, and then at the
hour of sexts he rendered up his soul without stain to God, being full
of years. So they carried him to Leon and buried him near his father,
in the Church of St. Isidro, which he had built. Thirty and one years
did King Don Ferrando the Great who was peer with the Emperor, Reign
over Castille. The Queen his wife lived two years after him, leading a
holy life; a good Queen had she been and of good understanding, and
right loving to her husband: alway had she counselled him well, being
in truth the mirror of his kingdoms, and the friend of the widows and
orphans. Her end was a good end, like that of the King her husband: God
give them Paradise for their reward. Amen.
BOOK II
I. The history relates how after the death of King Don Ferrando, the
three Kings his sons reigned each in his kingdom, according to the
division made by their father, who had divided that which should all by
right have descended to the King Don Sancho. Now the Kings of Spain
were of the blood of the Goths, which was a fierce blood, for it had
many times come to pass among the Gothic Kings, that brother had slain,
brother upon this quarrel; from this blood was King Don Sancho
descended, and he thought that it would be a reproach unto him if he
did not join together the three kingdoms under his own dominion, for he
was not pleased with what his father had given him, holding that the
whole ought to have been his. And he went through the land setting it
in order, and what thing soever his people asked at his hand that did
he grant them freely, to the end that he might win their hearts.
II. Now when King Don Sancho of Navarre saw that there was a new King
in Castille, he thought to recover the lands of Bureva and of Old
Castille as far as Laredo, which had been lost when the King his father
was defeated and slain at Atapuerca in the mountains of Oca. And now
seeing that the kingdom of Ferrando was divided, he asked help of his
uncle Don Ramiro, King of Aragon; and the men of Aragon and of Navarre
entered Castille together. But King Don Sancho gathered together his
host, and put the Cid at their head; and such account did he give of
his enemies, that he of Navarre was glad to enjoy Rioja in peace, and
lay no farther claim to what his father had lost. Now the King of
Castille was wroth against the King of Aragon, that he should thus have
joined against him without cause; and in despite of him he marched
against the Moors of Zaragoza, and laying waste their country with fire
and sword, he came before their city, and gave orders to assault it,
and began to set up his engines. When the King of Zaragoza saw the
great will which the King had to do evil unto him, and that there was
none to help him, he thought it best to come to his mercy, paying
tribute, or serving him, or in any manner whatsoever. And he sent
interpreters to King Don Sancho saying, that he would give him much
gold and silver, and many gifts, and be his vassal, and pay him tribute
yearly. The King received them right honourably, and when he had heard
their bidding he answered resolutely, being of a great heart, All this
which the King of Zaragoza sends to say unto me is well, but he hath
another thing in his heart. He sends to bid me break up the siege and
depart from his land, and as soon as I should have departed, he would
make friends unto himself among Christians and among Moors, and fail me
in all which he covenants. Nevertheless I will do this thing which your
King requires of me; but if in the end he lie, I will come back upon
him and destroy him, trusting in God that he cannot defend himself
against me. And when the interpreters heard this they were greatly
dismayed, and they returned and told their King all that he had said.
And the Moors seeing that they could not help themselves, made such
terms with him as it pleased him to grant, and gave him hostages that
they might not be able to prove false. And they gave him gold and
silver and precious stones in abundance, so that with great riches and
full honourably did he and all his men depart from the siege.
III. Greatly was the King of Aragon displeased at this which King Don
Sancho had done, thinking that it was to his great injury and
abasement, for Zaragoza he held to be within his conquest. And he came
out with all his power to cut off the King's return, and took
possession of the way, and said unto him that he should not pass till
he had made amends for the great dishonour which he had wrought him, in
coming into his conquest and against his vassals: the amends which he
required was, that he should yield unto him all the spoil, and all
which the King of Zaragoza had given him, else should he not pass
without battle. When King Don Sancho heard this, being a man of great
heart, he made answer, that he was the head of the kingdoms of Castille
and Leon, and all the conquests in Spain were his, for the Kings of
Aragon had no conquests appertaining unto them, being by right his
tributaries, and bound to appear at his Cortes. Wherefore he counselled
him to waive this demand, and let him pass in peace. But the King of
Aragon drew up his host for battle, and the onset was made, and heavy
blows were dealt on both sides, and many horses were left without a
master. And while the battle was yet upon the chance, King Don Sancho
riding light bravely through the battle, began to call out Castille!
Castille! and charged the main body so fiercely that by fine force he
broke them; and when they were thus broken, the Castillians began
cruelly to slay them, so that King Don Sancho had pity thereof, and
called out unto his people not to kill them, for they were Christians.
Then King Don Ramiro being discomfited, retired to a mountain, and King
Don Sancho beset the mountain round about, and made a covenant with him
that he should depart, and that the King of Zaragoza should remain
tributary to Castille; and but for this covenant the King of Aragon
would then have been slain, or made prisoner. This was the battle
whereof the Black Book of Santiago speaketh, saying, that in this year,
on the day of the Conversion of St. Paul, was the great slaughter of
the Christians in Porca. In all these wars did my Cid demean himself
after his wonted manner; and because of the great feats which he
performed the King loved him well, and made him his Alferez; so that in
the whole army he was second only to the King. And because when the
host was in the field it was his office to chuse the place for
encampment, therefore was my Cid called the Campeador.
IV. While King Don Sancho was busied in these wars, King Don Garcia of
Galicia took by force from Dona Urraca his sister a great part of the
lands which the King their father had given her. And when she heard
this she began to lament aloud, saying, Ah King Don Ferrando, in an
evil hour didst thou divide thy kingdom, for thereby will all the land
be brought to destruction. And now also will be accomplished that which
my fosterer Arias Gonzalo said, for now that King Don Garcia who is my
younger brother, hath dispossessed me and broken the oath which he made
unto my father, what will not the elder do, who made the vow by
compulsion, and alway made protestation against the division! God send
that as thou hast disherited me, thou mayest speedily thyself in like
manner be disherited, Amen! But when King Don Sancho heard what his
brother had done he was well pleased thereat, thinking that he might
now bring to pass that which he so greatly desired; and he assembled
together his Ricos-omes and his knights, and said unto them, The King
my father divided the kingdoms which should have been mine, and therein
he did unjustly; now King Don Garcia my brother hath broken the oath
and disherited Dona Urraca my sister; I beseech ye therefore counsel me
what I shall do, and in what manner to proceed against him, for I will
take his kingdom away from him. Upon this Count Don Garcia Ordonez
arose and said, There is not a man in the world, Sir, who would counsel
you to break the command of your father, and the vow which you made
unto him. And the King was greatly incensed at him and said, Go from
before me, for I shall never receive good counsel from thee. The King
then took the Cid by the hand and led him apart, and said unto him,
Thou well knowest my Cid, that when the King my father commended thee
unto me, he charged me upon pain of his curse that I should take you
for my adviser, and whatever I did that I should do it with your
counsel, and I have done so even until this day; and thou hast alway
counselled me for the best, and for this I have given thee a county in
my kingdom, holding it well bestowed. Now then I beseech you advise me
how best to recover these kingdoms, for if I have not counsel from you
I do not expect to have it from any man in the world.
V. Greatly troubled at this was the Cid, and he answered and said, Ill,
Sir, would it behove me to counsel you that you should go against the
will of your father. You well know that when I went to Cabezon unto
him, after he had divided his kingdoms, how he made me swear to him
that I would alway counsel his sons the best I could, and never give
them ill counsel; and while I can, thus must I continue to do. But the
King answered, My Cid, I do not hold that in this I am breaking the
oath made to my father, for I ever said that the partition should not
be, and the oath which I made was forced upon me. Now King Don Garcia
my brother hath broken the oath, and all these kingdoms by right are
mine: and therefore I will that you counsel me how I may unite them,
for from so doing there is nothing in this world which shall prevent
me, except it be death. Then when the Cid saw that he could by no means
turn him from that course, he advised him to obtain the love of his
brother King Don Alfonso, that he might grant him passage through his
kingdom to go against Don Garcia: and if this should be refused he
counselled him not to make the attempt. And the King saw that his
counsel was good, and sent his letters to King Don Alfonso beseeching
him to meet him at Sahagun. When King Don Alfonso received the letters
he marvelled to what end this might be: howbeit he sent to say that he
would meet him. And the two kings met in Sahagun. And King Don Sancho
said, Brother, you well know that King Don Garcia our brother hath
broken the oath made unto our father, and disherited our sister Dona
Urraca: for this I will take his kingdom away from him, and I beseech
you join with me. But Don Alfonso answered that he would not go against
the will of his father, and the oath which he had sworn. Then King Don
Sancho said, that if he would let him pass through his kingdom he would
give him part of what he should gain: and King Don Alfonso agreed to
this. And upon this matter they fixed another day to meet; and then
forty knights were named, twenty for Castille and twenty for Leon, as
vouchers that this which they covenanted should be faithfully fulfilled
on both sides.
VI. Then King Don Sancho gathered together a great host, Castillians
and Leonese, and they of Navarre and Biscay, Asturians, and men of
Aragon and of the border. And he sent Alvar Fanez, the cousin of the
Cid, to King Don Garcia, to bid him yield up his kingdom, and if he
refused to do this to defy him on his part. Alvar Fanez, albeit
unwillingly, was bound to obey the bidding of his Lord, and he went to
King Don Garcia and delivered his bidding. When King Don Garcia heard
it he was greatly troubled, and he cried out in his trouble and said,
Lord Jesus Christ, thou rememberest the oath which we made to our
father! for my sins I have been the first to break it, and have
disherited my sister. And he said to Alvar Fanez, Say to my brother
that I beseech him not to break the oath which he made to our father;
but if he will persist to do this thing I must defend myself as I can.
And with this answer Alvar Fanez returned. Then King Don Garcia called
unto him a knight of Asturias, whose name was Ruy Ximenez, and bade him
go to his brother King Don Alfonso and tell him what had past, and how
King Don Sancho would take away his kingdom from him; and to beseech
him as a brother that he would not let him pass through his dominions.
And King Don Alfonso replied, Say to my brother that I will neither
help King Don Sancho, nor oppose him; and tell him that if he can
defend himself I shall be well pleased. And with this answer, Ruy
Ximenez returned, and bade the King look to himself for defence, for he
would find no help in his brother.
VII. Now Don Garcia was not beloved in his kingdom of Galicia, neither
in Portugal, for as much as he showed little favour to the hidalgos,
both Galegos and Portugueze, and vexed the people with tributes which
he had newly imposed. The cause of all this was a favourite, by name
Verna, to whom the King gave so much authority, that he displeased all
the chief persons in his dominions, and hearkened unto him in all
things; and by his advice it was that he had despoiled his sister Dona
Urraca of her lands, and his sister Dona Elvira also, and had done
other things, whereby Portugal and Galicia were now in danger to be
lost. And the knights and hidalgos took counsel together how they might
remedy these evils, and they agreed that the King should in the name of
them all be advised how ill he was served, and intreated to put away
his favourite. Don Rodrigo Frojaz was the one named to speak unto the
King; for being a man of approved valour, and the Lord of many lands,
it was thought that the King would listen more to him than to any
other. But it fell out otherwise than they had devised, for Verna had
such power over the mind of the King, that the remonstrance was ill
received, and Don Rodrigo and the other hidalgos were contumeliously
treated in public by the King. Don Rodrigo would not bear this, being a
right loyal and valiant man; and he went one day into the palace, and
finding Verna busied in affairs of state, he drew forth his sword and
slew him; then leaving the palace, for none cared to lay hands on him,
he left Portugal, and took the road toward France; many of his vassals
and kinsmen and friends following him, to seek their fortunes in a
country where valour would be esteemed, for they were weary of the bad
Government of King Don Garcia.
VIII. But when King Don Garcia knew of the league which his brethren
had made to divide his kingdom between them, it was a greater trouble
to him than the death of Verna, and he called his chief captains
together and consulted with them; and they advised him that he should
send to recall Don Rodrigo Frojaz, for having him the realm would be
secure, and without him it was in danger to be lost. So two hidalgos
were sent after him, and they found him in Navarre, on the eve of
passing into France. But when he saw the King's letters, and knew the
peril in which he then stood, setting aside the remembrance of his own
wrongs, like a good and true Portugueze, he turned back, and went to
the King at Coimbra. In good time did he arrive, for the captains of
King Don Sancho had now gained many lands in Galicia and in the
province of Beira, finding none to resist them, and the Count Don Nuno
de Lara, and the Count of Monzon, and Don Garcia de Cabra, were drawing
nigh unto Coimbra. When Don Rodrigo heard this and knew that the
Castillians were approaching, and who they were, he promised the King
either to maintain his cause, or die for it; and he besought him not to
go into the battle himself, having so many vassals and so good; for it
was not fitting that he should expose himself when there was no King
coming against him. And it came to pass that when the scouts gave
notice that the Castillians were at hand, he ordered the trumpets to be
sounded, and the Portugueze sallied, and a little below the city, at
the place which is now called Agoa de Mayas, the two squadrons met.
Then was the saying of Arias Gonzalo fulfilled, that kinsmen should
kill kinsmen, and brother fall by his brother's hand. But the
Portugueze fought so well, and especially Don Rodrigo, and his brothers
Don Pedro and Don Vermui Frojaz, that at length they discomfited the
Castillians, killing of them five hundred and forty, of whom three
hundred were knights, and winning their pennons and banners. Howbeit
this victory was not obtained without great loss to themselves: for two
hundred and twenty of their people were left upon the field, and many
were sorely wounded, among whom, even to the great peril of his life,
was Don Rodrigo Frojaz, being wounded with many and grievous wounds. In
this battle was slain the Count Don Fafes Sarracem de Lanhoso, with
many of his vassals, he from whom the Godinhos are descended: he was a
right good knight.
IX. A sorrowful defeat was that for King Don Sancho, more for the
quality of the slain than for their number; and he put himself at the
head of his army, and hastened through the midst of Portugal, to go
against his brother. And King Don Garcia hearing of his approach,
called together his knights and hidalgos, and said unto them, Friends,
we have no land whereunto to fly from the King Don Sancho my brother,
let us therefore meet him in battle, and either conquer him or die; for
better is it to die an honourable death than to suffer this spoiling in
our country. And to the Portugueze he said, Friends, ye are right noble
and haughty knights, and it is your custom to have among you few lords
and good ones; now therefore make me a good one, which will be to your
own great honour and profit; and if I come out of this struggle well, I
shall guerdon ye well, so that ye shall understand the will I have to
do good towards ye. And they made answer and said that they would stand
by him to the last, and that he should not be put down by their
default. Then spake he to the Galegos and said. Friends, ye are right
good and true knights, and never was it yet said that lord was forsaken
by you in the field. I put myself in your hands, being assured that ye
will well and loyally advise me, and help me to the utmost of your
power. Ye see how King Don Sancho my brother presses upon us, and we
have nothing left us but to die or to conquer; but if ye know any other
counsel. I beseech ye tell it now. And the Galegos answered, that they
would serve and defend him loyally, and that they held it best to
fight. Nevertheless they were too few in number to stand against the
King Don Sancho: so they retired before him. And Don Garcia took with
him three hundred horsemen, and went to the Moors, and besought them to
lend him aid against his brother, saying that he would give them the
kingdom of Leon. And the Moors made answer, O King, thou canst not
defend thyself; how then canst thou give unto us the kingdom of Leon?
Howbeit they did him honour and gave him great gifts, and he returned
to his people and recovered many of the castles which he had lost.
X. Then King Don Sancho came against his brother, to besiege him in
Santarem. And the Portugueze and Galegos took counsel together what
they should do; for some were of advice that it was better to defend
the cities and fortresses which they held, and so lengthen out the war;
others that they should harass the army of the Castillians with
frequent skirmishes and assaults, and never give them battle power to
power, thinking that in this manner they might baffle them till the
winter came on. Don Rodrigo Frojaz was at this time recovering of the
wounds which he had received at Agoa de Mayas, and he said unto the
King that it behoved him above all things to put his kingdom upon the
hazard of a battle; for his brother being a greater lord of lands than
he, and richer in money and more powerful in vassals, could maintain
the war longer than he could do, who peradventure would find it
difficult another year to gather together so good an army as he had now
ready. For this cause he advised him to put his trust in God first, and
then in the hidalgos who were with him, and without fear give battle to
the King his brother, over whom God and his good cause would give him
glorious victory. And to show his own good will to the King, he
besought of him the leading of the van for himself and the Counts Don
Pedro and Don Vermui Frojaz his brethren, and his two nephews. Greatly
was the King Don Garcia encouraged by his gallant cheer, and he bade
his host make ready to give battle to King Don Sancho, as soon as he
should arrive; and he marched out from the city, and took his stand
near unto it in a field where afterwards were the vineyards of the
town. And when the banners of the Castillians were seen advancing, the
Galegos and Portugueze drew up in battle array, Don Rodrigo and his
brethren having the van, as he had requested, and a body of chosen
knights with them.
XI. Count Don Garcia came in the front of King Don Sancho's army, and
in the one wing was the Count de Monzon and Count Don Nuno de Lara; and
the Count Don Fruela of Asturias in the other; and the King was in the
rear, with Don Diego de Osma, who carried his banner: and in this
manner were they arrayed on the one side and on the other, being ready
for the onset. And King Don Garcia bravely encouraged his men, saying,
Vassals and friends, ye see the great wrong which the King my brother
doth unto me, taking from me my kingdom; I beseech ye help me now to
defend it; for ye well know that all which I had therein I divided
among ye, keeping ye for a season like this. And they answered, Great
benefits have we received at your hands, and we will serve you to the
utmost of our power. Now when the two hosts were ready to join battle,
Alvar Fanez came to King Don Sancho and said to him, Sir, I have played
away my horse and arms; I beseech you give me others for this battle,
and I will be a right good one for you this day; if I do not for you
the service of six knights, hold me for a traitor. And the Count Don
Garcia, who heard this, said to the King, Give him, Sir, what he
asketh; and the King ordered that horse and arms should be given him.
So the armies joined battle bravely on both sides, and it was a sharp
onset; many were the heavy blows which were given on both sides, and
many were the horses that were slain at that encounter, and many the
men. Now my Cid had not yet come up into the field.
XII. Now Don Rodrigo Frojaz and his brethren and the knights who were
with them had resolved to make straight for the banner of the King of
Castille. And they broke through the ranks of the Castillians, and made
their way into the middle of the enemy's host, doing marvellous feats
of arms. Then was the fight at the hottest, for they did their best to
win the banner, and the others to defend it; the remembrance of what
they had formerly done, and the hope of gaining more honours, heartened
them; and with the Castillians there was their King, giving them brave
example as well as brave words. The press of the battle was here; here
died Gonzalo de Sies, a right valiant Portugueze, on the part of Don
Garcia; but on Don Sancho's part the Count Don Nuno was sorely wounded
and thrown from his horse; and Count Don Garcia Ordonez was made
prisoner, and the banner of King Don Sancho was beaten down, and the
King himself also. The first who encountered him was Don Gomes
Echiguis, he from whom the old Sousas of Portugal derived their
descent; he was the first who set his lance against King Don Sancho,
and the other one was Don Moninho Hermigis, and Don Rodrigo made way
through the press and laid hands on him and took him. But in the
struggle his old wounds burst open, and having received many new ones
he lost much blood, and perceiving that his strength was failing, he
sent to call the King Don Garcia with all speed. And as the King came,
the Count Don Pedro Frojaz met him and said, An honourable gift, Sir,
hath my brother Don Rodrigo to give you, but you lose him in gaining
it. And tears fell from the eyes of the King, and he made answer and
said, It may indeed be that Don Rodrigo may lose his life in serving
me, but the good name which he hath gained, and the honour which be
leaveth to his descendants, death cannot take away. Saying this, he
came to the place where Don Rodrigo was, and Don Rodrigo gave into his
hands the King Don Sancho his brother, and asked him three times if he
was discharged of his prisoner; and when the King had answered Yes, Don
Rodrigo said, For me, Sir, the joy which I have in your victory is
enough; give the rewards to these good Portugueze, who with so good a
will have put their lives upon the hazard to serve you, and in all
things follow their counsel, and you will not err therein. Having said
this he kissed the King's hand, and lying upon his shield, for he felt
his breath fail him, with his helmet for a pillow, he kissed the cross
of his sword in remembrance of that on which the incarnate Son of God
had died for him, and rendered up his soul into the hands of his
Creator. This was the death of one of the worthy knights of the world,
Don Rodrigo Frojaz. In all the conquests which King Don Ferrando had
made from the Moors of Portugal, great part had he borne, insomuch that
that King was wont to say that other Princes might have more dominions
than he, but two such knights as his two Rodrigos, meaning my Cid and
this good knight, there was none but himself who had for vassals.
XIII. Then King Don Garcia being desirous to be in the pursuit himself,
delivered his brother into the hands of six knights that they should
guard him, which be ought not to have done. And when he was gone King
Don Sancho said unto the knights, Let me go and I will depart out of
your country and never enter it again; and I will reward ye well as
long as ye live; but they answered him, that for no reward would they
commit such disloyalty, but would guard him well, not offering him any
injury, till they had delivered him to his brother the King Don Garcia.
While they were parleying Alvar Fanez Minaya came up, he to whom the
King had given horse and arms before the battle; and he seeing the King
held prisoner, cried out with a loud voice, Let loose my Lord the King:
and he spurred his horse and made at them; and before his lance was
broken he overthrew two of them, and so bestirred himself that he put
the others to flight; and he took the horses of the two whom he had
smote down, and gave one to the King, and mounted upon the other
himself, for his own was hurt in the rescue; and they went together to
a little rising ground where there was yet a small body of the knights
of their party, and Alvar Fanez cried out to them aloud, Ye see here
the King our Lord, who is free; now then remember the good name of the
Castillians, and let us not lose it this day. And about four hundred
knights gathered about him. And while they stood there they saw the Cid
Ruydiez coming up with three hundred knights, for he had not been in
the battle, and they knew his green pennon. And when King Don Sancho
beheld it his heart rejoiced, and he said, Now let us descend into the
plain, for he of good fortune cometh: and he said, Be of good heart,
for it is the will of God that I should recover my kingdom, for I have
escaped from captivity, and seen the death of Don Rodrigo Frojaz who
took me, and Ruydiez the fortunate one cometh. And the King went down
to him and welcomed him right joyfully, saying, In happy time are you
come, my fortunate Cid; never vassal succoured his Lord in such season
as you now succour me, for the King my brother had overcome me. And the
Cid answered, Sir, be sure that you shall recover the day, or I will
die; for wheresoever you go, either you shall be victorious or I will
meet my death.
XIV. By this time King Don Garcia returned from the pursuit, singing as
he came full joyfully, for he thought that the King his brother was a
prisoner, and his great power overthrown. But there came one and told
him that Don Sancho was rescued and in the field again, ready to give
him battle a second time. Bravely was that second battle fought on both
sides; and if it had not been for the great prowess of the Cid, the end
would not have been as it was: in the end the Galegos and Portugueze
were discomfited, and the King Don Garcia taken in his turn. And in
that battle the two brethren of Don Rodrigo Frojaz, Don Pedro and Don
Vermui, were slain, and the two sons of Don Pedro, so that five of that
family died that day. And the King Don Sancho put his brother in better
ward than his brother three hours before had put him, for he put him in
chains and sent him to the strong castle of Luna.
XV. When King Don Sancho had done this he took unto himself the kingdom
of Galicia and of Portugal, and without delay sent to his brother King
Don Alfonso, commanding him to yield up to him the kingdom of Leon, for
it was his by right. At this was the King of Leon troubled at heart;
howbeit he answered that he would not yield up his kingdom, but do his
utmost to defend it. Then King Don Sancho entered Leon, slaying and
laying waste before him, as an army of infidels would have done; and
King Don Alfonso sent to him to bid him cease from this, for it was
inhuman work to kill and plunder the innocent: and he defied him to a
pitched battle, saying that to whichsoever God should give the victory,
to him also would he give the kingdom of Leon: and the King of Castille
accepted the defiance, and a day was fixed for the battle, and the
place was to be Lantada, which is near unto Carrion. The chief
counsellor of King Don Alfonso was Don Pero Ansures, a notable and
valiant knight, of the old and famous stock of the Ansures, Lords of
Monzon, which is nigh unto Palencia; the same who in process of time
was Count of Carrion and of Saldana and Liebana, and Lord of
Valladolid, a city which was by him greatly increased. This good knight
commanded the army of his King Don Alfonso, and on the part of King Don
Sancho came Ruydiez the Cid. Both Kings were in the field that day, and
full hardily was the battle contested, and great was the mortality on
either side, for the hatred which used to be between Moors and
Christians was then between brethren. And that day also was the saying
of Arias Gonzalo fulfilled. But in the end the skill and courage of my
Cid prevailed, and King Don Alfonso was fain to avail himself of his
horse's feet to save himself.
XVI. Nevertheless the power of King Don Alfonso was not yet destroyed,
and he would not yield up his kingdom: and he sent to his brother a
second time to bid him battle, saying that whosoever conquered should
then certainly remain King of Leon; and the place appointed was at
Vulpegera, beside the river Carrion. And the two armies met and joined
battle, and they of Leon had the victory, for my Cid was not in the
field. And King Don Alfonso had pity upon the Castillians because they
were Christians, and gave orders not to slay them; and his brother King
Don Sancho fled. Now as he was flying, my Cid came up with his green
pennon; and when he saw that the King his Lord had been conquered it
grieved him sorely: howbeit he encouraged him saying, This is nothing,
Sir! to fail or to prosper is as God pleases. But do you gather
together your people who are discomfited, and bid them take heart. The
Leonese and Galegos are with the King your brother, secure as they
think themselves in their lodging, and taking no thought of you; for it
is their custom to extol themselves when their fortune is fair, and to
mock at others, and in this boastfulness will they spend the night, so
that we shall find them sleeping at break of day, and will fall upon
them. And it came to pass as he had said. The Leonese lodged themselves
in Vulpegera, taking no thought of their enemies, and setting no watch;
and Ruydiez arose betimes in the morning and fell upon them, and
subdued them before they could take their arms. King Don Alfonso fled
to the town of Carrion, which was three leagues distant, and would have
fortified himself there in the Church of St. Mary, but he was
surrounded and constrained to yield.
XVII. Now the knights of Leon gathered together in their flight, and
when they could not find their King they were greatly ashamed, and they
turned back and smote the Castillians; and as it befell, they
encountered King Don Sancho and took him prisoner, not having those in
his company whom he should have had, for his people considered the
victory as their own, and all was in confusion. And thirteen knights
took him in their ward and were leading him away,--but my Cid beheld
them and galloped after them: he was alone, and had no lance, having
broken his in the battle. And he came up to them and said, Knights,
give me my Lord and I will give unto you yours. They knew him by his
arms, and they made answer, Ruydiez, return in peace and seek not to
contend with us, otherwise we will carry you away prisoner with him.
And he waxed wroth and said, Give me but a lance and I will, single as
I am, rescue my Lord from all of ye: by God's help I will do it. And
they held him as nothing because he was but one, and gave him a lance.
But he attacked them therewith so bravely that he slew eleven of the
thirteen, leaving two only alive, on whom he had mercy; and thus did he
rescue the King. And the Castillians rejoiced greatly at the King's
deliverance: and King Don Sancho went to Burgos, and took with him his
brother prisoner.
XVIII. Great was the love which the Infanta Dona Urraca bore to her
brother King Don Alfonso, and when she heard that he was made prisoner,
she feared least he should be put to death: and she took with her the
Count Don Peransures, and went to Burgos. And they spake with the Cid,
and besought him that he would join with them and intercede with the
King that he should release his brother from prison, and let him become
a Monk at Sahagun. Full willing was the Cid to serve in any thing the
Infanta Dona Urraca, and he went with her before the King. And she
knelt down before the King her brother, and besought mercy for Don
Alfonso, his brother and hers. And the King took her by the hand and
raised her from her knees, and made her sit beside him, and said unto
her, Now then, my sister, say what you would have. And she besought him
that he would let their brother Don Alfonso take the habit of St.
Benedict, in the royal Monastery of Sahagun, and my Cid, and Count
Peransures and the other chief persons who were there present, besought
him in like manner. And the King took my Cid aside, and asked counsel
of him what he should do; and the Cid said, that if Don Alfonso were
willing to become a Monk, he would do well to set him free upon that
condition, and he besought him so to do. Then King Don Sancho, at my
Cid's request, granted to Dona Urraca what she had asked. And he
released King Don Alfonso from prison, and Don Alfonso became a Monk in
the Monastery at Sahagun, more by force than of free will. And being in
the Monastery he spake with Don Peransures, and took counsel with him,
and fled away by night from the Monks, and went among the Moors to King
Alimaymon of Toledo. And the Moorish King welcomed him with a good
will, and did great honour to him, and gave him great possessions and
many gifts.
XIX. When Dona Urraca knew that her brother King Don Alfonso had fled
to Toledo, she sent to him three good men of the kingdom of Leon, that
they should be his counsellors, for she loved him well. These were Don
Pero Ansures, and Don Ferran Ansures, and Don Gonzalo Ansures, all
three brethren: and they went with King Don Sancho's permission, for it
was God's pleasure. Now Alimaymon rejoiced in the King Don Alfonzo, and
loved him as if he had been his own son. And Don Alfonso made a
covenant with him to love him and defend him and serve him alway, so
long as he should remain with him, and not to depart from him without
his leave; and the King covenanted on his side to love him and honour
him, and defend him to the utmost of his power. And Alimaymon ordered
fair palaces to be edified for him, by the wall of the Alcazar, on the
outer part, that the Moors of the city might do no displeasure neither
to him nor to his companions: and they were hard by a garden of the
King's, that he might go out and disport himself therein whensoever it
pleased him. And for these things King Don Alfonso loved to serve King
Alimaymon. Nevertheless when he saw the great honour of the King of
Toledo, and how powerful he was, and that he was the Lord of so great
chivalry, and of the noblest city which had belonged unto the Gothic
Kings, from whom he himself was descended, it grieved him in his heart
to see that city in the hands of the Moors: and he said within his
heart, Lord God and Father Jesus Christ, it is wholly in thy power to
give and to take away, and right it is that thy will should be done,
even as thou hast done it to me, to whom thou gavest a kingdom, and it
was thy will to take it away from me, and thou hast made me come hither
to serve the enemies who were at the service of the King my father.
Lord, I put my hope in thee that thou wilt deliver me from this
servitude, and give me a land and kingdom to command, and that thou
wilt show unto me such favour that this land and this city shall by me
be won, that thy holy body may be sacrificed in it to the honour of
Christendom. This prayer he made with great devotion and with many
tears; and the Lord God heard him, as hereafter you shall hear in this
history. In those days King Alimaymon was at war with other Moorish
Kings his enemies, and King Don Alfonso fought against them on his
side, and did such good service that he quelled their power, and they
durst no longer offend him. And in time of peace Don Alfonso and his
companions went fowling along the banks of the Tagus, for in those days
there was much game there, and venison of all kinds; and they killed
venison among the mountains. And as he was thus spoiling he came to a
place which is now called Brihuega, and it pleased him well, for it was
a fair place to dwell in, and abounded with game, and there was a
dismantled castle there, and he thought that he would ask the King for
this place. And he returned to Toledo and asked it of the King, and
King Alimaymon gave it him, and he placed there his huntsmen and his
fowlers who were Christians, and fortified the place as his own. And
the lineage of these people continued there till Don Juan, the third
archbishop of Toledo, enlarged it, and peopled the parish of St. Pedro.
XX. It came to pass after this that both the Kings one day came out of
Toledo, and past over the bridge of Alcantara, and went into the royal
garden to disport themselves therein and take their pleasure. And at
evening Don Alfonso lay down upon a bed to sleep, and King Alimaymon
fell in talk with his favourites concerning his city of Toledo, how
strong it was and how well provided with all things, and that he feared
neither war of Moor nor Christian against it; and he asked them if it
could, by any, means be lost in war. Then one of them answered and
said, Sir, if you would not hold it ill, I would tell you how it might
be lost, and by no other manner in the world could it be so. And the
King bade him say on. And the favourite then said, If this city were
beset for seven years, and the bread and the wine and the fruits should
be cut down year by year, it would be lost for lack of food. All this
King Don Alfonso heard, for he was not sleeping, and he took good heed
of it. Now the Moors knew not that he was lying there. And when they
had thus spoken, Alimaymon arose to walk in the palace, and he saw King
Don Alfonso lying there as if he were sleeping: and it troubled him,
and he said to his favourites, We did not heed Alfonso who is lying
there, and has heard all that we have said. And the favourites made
answer, Kill him, Sir. But the King said, How shall I go against my
true promise? moreover he sleepeth, and peradventure hath heard
nothing. And they said to him, Would you know whether or not he
sleepeth? and he answered, Yea: and they said, Go then and wake him,
and if he have drivelled he hath slept, but if not he hath been awake
and hath heard us. Then King Don Alfonso immediately wetted the pillow,
and feigned himself hard to be awakened, so that Alimaymon thought he
slept.
XXI. And when the Easter of the Sheep was come, which the Moors
celebrate, the King of Toledo went out of the city to kill the sheep at
the place accustomed, as he was wont to do, and King Don Alfonso went
with him. Now Don Alfonso was a goodly personage and of fair demeanour,
so that the Moors liked him well. And as he was going by the side of
the King, two honourable Moors followed them, and the one said unto the
other, How fair a knight is this Christian, and of what good customs!
well doth he deserve to be the lord of some great land. And the other
made answer, I dreamed a dream last night, that this Alfonso entered
the city riding upon a huge boar, and many swine after him, who rooted
up all Toledo with their snouts, and even the Mosques therein: Certes,
he will one day become King of Toledo. And while they were thus
communing every hair upon King Don Alfonso's head stood up erect, and
Alimaymon laid his hand upon them to press them down, but so soon as
his hand was taken off they rose again; and the two Moors held it for a
great token, and spake with each other concerning it, and one of King
Alimaymon's favourites heard all which they said. And after the sheep
had been sacrificed they returned into the city, and the favourite told
the King what he had heard the two Moors say; and the King sent for
them forthwith, and questioned them, and they repeated to him what they
had said, even as ye have heard. And King Alimaymon said unto them,
What then shall I do? and they made answer, that he should put Don
Alfonso to death; but the King replied, that this he would not do, nor
go against the true promise which he had given him, but that he would
so deal that no evil should ever come towards himself from Alfonso. So
he sent for Don Alfonso and bade him swear that he would never come
against him, nor against his sons, and that no evil should come against
them from him; and King Don Alfonso did as Alimaymon required, and did
him homage to this effect. And thenceforth was the King of Toledo more
secure of him, and held him even in greater favour than before. All
this while did King Don Alfonso govern himself by the advice of Count
Peransures, who alway advised him discreetly and well.
XXII. But when King Don Sancho heard how his brother had fled from the
Monastery, he drew out his host and went against the city of Leon. The
Leonese would fain have maintained the city against him, but they could
not, and he took the city of Leon, and all the towns and castles which
had been under the dominion of his brother King Don Alfonso. And then
he put the crown upon his head, and called himself King of the three
kingdoms. He was a fair knight and of marvellous courage, so that both
Moors and Christians were dismayed at what they saw him do, for they
saw that nothing which he willed to take by force could stand against
him. And when the Infanta Dona Urraca, and the men of Zamora, saw that
he had quiet possession of both his brother's kingdoms, they feared
that he would come against them and disherit his sister also. And for
this reason they took Don Arias Gonzalo to be their chief captain, Dona
Urraca's foster-father, that by his means they might protect
themselves, if need should be. And it came to pass as they had feared,
for King Don Sancho knew that his sisters greatly loved Don Alfonso,
and he thought that by their counsel he had fled from the Monastery,
especially by Dona Urraca's, because Don Alfonso guided himself in all
things by her counsel, holding her in place of a mother, for she was a
lady of great understanding. And he went forth with his army, and took
from the Infanta Dona Elvira the half of the Infantazgo which she
possessed, and also from Dona Urraca the other half. And he went
against Toro, the city of Dona Elvira, and took it; and then he went to
Zamora to Dona Urraca, bidding her yield him up the city, and saying
that he would give her lands as much as she required in the plain
country. But she returned for answer, that she would in no manner yield
unto him that which the King her father had given her; and she besought
him that he would suffer her to continue to dwell peaceably therein,
saying that no disservice should ever be done against him on her part.
XXIII. Then King Don Sancho went to Burgos, because it was not the
season for besieging a town, being winter. And he sent his letters
through all the land, calling upon his vassals to assemble together
upon the first day of March in Sahagun, upon pain of forfeiting his
favour. Now though the King was yet but a young man, whose beard was
but just coming, he was of so great courage that the people feared him,
and dared not do otherwise than as he commanded. And they assembled
together in Sahagun on the day appointed; and when the King heard in
what readiness they were, it gladdened him, and he lifted up his hands
to God and said, Blessed be thy name, O Lord, because thou hast given
me all the kingdoms of my father. And when he had said this he ordered
proclamation to be made through the streets of Burgos, that all should
go forth to protect the host and the body of the King their Lord. And
the day in which they left Burgos they took up their lodging at
Fromesta; and the next day they came to Canion, but the King would not
lodge there, and he went on to Sahagun, where the army awaited him, and
took up his lodging without the town; and on the following morning he
bade the host advance, and they made such speed that in three days they
arrived before Zamora, and pitched their tents upon the banks of the
Douro; and he ordered proclamation to be made throughout the host that
no harm should be done until he had commanded it. And he mounted on
horseback with his hidalgos and rode round the town, and beheld how
strongly it was situated upon a rock, with strong walls, and many and
strong towers, and the river Douro running at the foot thereof; and he
said unto his knights, Ye see how strong it is, neither Moor nor
Christian can prevail against it; if I could have it from my sister
either for money or exchange, I should be Lord of Spain.
XXIV. Then the King returned to his tents, and incontinently he sent
for the Cid, and said unto him, Cid, you well know how manifoldly you
are bound unto me, both by nature, and by reason of the breeding which
the King my father gave you; and when he died he commended you to me,
and I have ever shown favour unto you, and you have ever served me as
the loyalest vassal that ever did service to his Lord; and I have for
your good deserts given unto you more than there is in a great county,
and have made you the chief of all my household. Now therefore I
beseech you as my friend and true vassal, that you go to Zamora to my
sister Dona Urraca, and say unto her again, that I beseech her to give
me the town either for a price, or in exchange, and I will give to her
Medina de Rio-seco, with the whole Infantazgo, from Villalpando to
Valladolid, and Tiedra also, which is a good Castle; and I will swear
unto her, with twelve knights of my vassals, never to break this
covenant between us; but if she refuseth to do this I will take away
the town from her by force. And my Cid kissed the hand of the King and
said unto him, This bidding, Sir, should be for other messenger, for it
is a heavy thing for me to deliver it; for I was brought up in Zamora
by your father's command, in the house of Don Arias Gonzalo, with Dona
Urraca and with his sons, and it is not fitting that I should be the
bearer of such bidding. And the King persisted in requiring of him that
he should go, insomuch that he was constrained to obey his will. And he
took with him fifteen of his knights and rode towards Zamora, and when
he drew nigh he called unto those who kept guard in the towers not to
shoot their arrows at him, for he was Ruydiez of Bivar, who came to
Dona Urraca with the bidding of her brother King Don Sancho. With that
there came down a knight who was nephew to Arias Gonzalo, and had the
keeping of the gate, and he bade the Cid enter, saying that he would
order him to be well lodged while he went to Dona Urraca to know if she
would be pleased to see him. So the Cid went in, and the knight went to
the Infanta, and told her that Ruydiez of Bivar was come with a message
from King Don Sancho; and it pleased her well that he should be the
messenger, and she bade him come before that she might know what was
his bidding; and she sent Arias Gonzalo and the other knights of her
party to meet him and accompany him. And when the Cid entered the
palace Dona Urraca advanced to meet him, and greeted him full well, and
they seated themselves both upon the Estrado. And Dona Urraca said unto
him, Cid, you well know that you were brought up with me here in
Zamora, in the house of Don Arias Gonzalo, and when my father was at
the point of death he charged you that you should alway counsel his
sons the best you could. Now therefore tell me I beseech you what is it
which my brother goes about to do, now that he has called up all Spain
in arms, and to what lands he thinks to go, whether against Moors or
Christians. Then the Cid answered and said, Lady, to messenger and a
letter no wrong should be done; give me safe assurance and I will tell
unto you that which the King your brother hath sent me to say. And she
said she would do as Don Arias Gonzalo should advise her. And Don Arias
answered that it was well to hear what the King her brother had sent to
say: Peradventure, said he, he goeth against the Moors, and requires
aid of you, which it would be right to give; and for such service I and
my sons would go with him, and I would give fifteen of my people well
mounted and armed, and supply them with food for ten years, if he
needed them. Dona Urraca then said to the Cid, that he might speak his
bidding safely. Then said my Cid, The King your brother sends to greet
you, and beseeches you to give him this town of Zamora, either for a
price or in exchange; and he will give to you Medina de Rio-seco, with
the whole Infantazgo, from Villalpando to Valladolid, and the good
castle of Tiedra, and he will swear unto you, with twelve knights his
vassals, never to do you hurt or harm; but if you will not give him the
town, he will take it against your will.
XXV. When Dona Urraca heard this she was sorely grieved, and in her
great sorrow she lamented aloud, saying, Wretch that I am, many are the
evil messages which I have heard since my father's death! He hath
disherited my brother King Don Garcia of his kingdom, and taken him,
and now holds him in irons as if he were a thief or a Moor; and he hath
taken his lands from my brother King Don Alfonso, and forced him to go
among the Moors, and live there exiled, as if he had been a traitor;
and would let none go with him except Don Peransures and his brethren,
whom I sent; and he hath taken her lands from my sister Dona Elvira
against her will, and now would he take Zamora from me also! Now then
let the earth open and swallow me, that I may not see so many troubles!
And with that, in her strong anger against her brother King Don Sancho,
she said, I am a woman, and well know that I cannot strive with him in
battle; but I will have him slain either secretly or openly. Then Don
Arias Gonzalo stood up and said, Lady Dona Urraca, in thus complaining
and making lamentation you do inconsiderately; for in time of trouble
it befits us to take thought of what best is to be done, and so must we
do. Now then, Lady, give order that all the men of Zamora assemble in
St. Salvador's and know of them whether they will hold with you, seeing
that your father gave them to you to be your vassals. And if they will
hold with you, then give not you up the town, neither for a price, nor
in exchange; but if they will not, let us then go to Toledo among the
Moors, where your brother King Don Alfonso abideth. And she did as her
foster-father had advised, and it was proclaimed through the streets
that the men of Zamora should meet in council at St. Salvador's. And
when they were all assembled, Dona Urraca arose and said, Friends and
vassals, ye have seen how my brother King Don Sancho hath disherited
all his brethren, against the oath which he made to the King my father,
and now he would disherit me also. He hath sent to bid me give him
Zamora, either for a price or in exchange. Now concerning this I would
know whereunto ye advise me, and if you will hold with me as good
vassals and true, for he saith that he will take it from me whether I
will or no; but if ye will keep my career I think to defend it by God's
mercy and with your help. Then by command of the council there rose up
a knight who was called Don Nuno, a man of worth, aged, and of fair
speech; and he said, God reward you, Lady, this favour which you have
shown us in thinking good to come to our council, for we are your
vassals, and should do what you command. And we beseech you give not up
Zamora, neither for price nor for exchange, for he who besieges you
upon the rock would soon drive you from the plain. The council of
Zamora will do your bidding, and will not desert you neither for
trouble nor for danger which may befall them, even unto death. Sooner,
Lady, will we expend all our possessions, and eat our mules and horses,
yea sooner feed upon our children and our wives, than give up Zamora,
unless by your command. And they all with one accord confirmed what Don
Nuno had said. When the Infanta Dona Urraca heard this she was well
pleased, and praised them greatly; and she turned to the Cid and said
unto him, You were bred up with me in this town of Zamora, where Don
Arias Gonzalo fostered you by command of the King my father, and
through your help it was that the King my father gave it unto me to be
my inheritance. I beseech you help me now against my brother, and
intreat him that he will not seek to disherit me; but if he will go on
with what he hath begun, say to him that I will rather die with the men
of Zamora, and they with me, than give him up the town, either for
price or exchange. And with this answer did the Cid return unto the
King.
XXVI. When King Don Sancho heard what the Cid said, his anger kindled
against him, and he said, You have given this counsel to my sister
because you were bred up with her. And my Cid answered and said,
Faithfully have I discharged your bidding, and as a true vassal.
Howbeit, O King, I will not bear arms against the Infanta your sister,
nor against Zamora, because of the days which are passed;--and I
beseech you do not persist in doing this wrong. But then King Don
Sancho was more greatly incensed, and he said unto him, If it were not
that my father left you commended to me, I would order you this instant
to be hanged. But for this which you have said I command you to quit my
kingdom within nine days. And the Cid went to his tent in anger, and
called for his kinsmen and his friends, and bade them make ready on the
instant to depart with him. And he set forth with all the knights and
esquires of his table, and with all their retainers horse and foot,
twelve hundred persons, all men of approved worth, a goodly company;--
and they took the road to Toledo, meaning to join King Don Alfonso
among the Moors. And that night they slept at Castro Nuno. But when the
Counts and Ricos-omes, and the other good men of the host saw this,
they understood the great evil and disservice which might arise to the
King, and to the land, from the departure of the Cid, who went away in
wrath. And they went to the King and said unto him, Sir, wherefore
would you lose so good a vassal, who has done you such great service?
If he should go unto your brother Don Alfonso among the Moors, he would
not let you besiege this city thus in peace. And the King perceived
that they spake rightly, and he called for Don Diego Ordonez, the son
of Count Don Bermudo, who was the son of the Infante Don Ordono of
Leon, and bade him follow the Cid, and beseech him in his name to
return; and whatever covenant he should make it should be confirmed
unto him; and of this he ordered his letters of credence to be made
out. And Don Diego Ordonez went to horse, and rode after the Cid, and
overtook him between Castro Nuno and Medina del Campo. And when it was
told unto the Cid that Don Diego Ordonez was coming, he turned to meet
him, and greeted him well, and asked him wherefore he was come. And he
delivered the King's bidding, and showed unto him his letters of
credence, and said unto him that the King besought him not to bear in
mind the words which he had spoken unto him, being in anger. Then the
Cid called together his kinsmen and friends, and asked them what they
should do. And they counselled him that he should return to the King,
for it was better to remain in his land and serve God, than to go among
the Moors. And he held their counsel good, and called for Don Diego,
and said unto him that he would do the will of the King: and Don Diego
sent to the King to tell him how he had sped. And when the Cid drew
nigh unto the host, the King went out with five hundred knights to meet
him, and received him gladly, and did him great honour. And the Cid
kissed his hand and asked him if he confirmed what Don Diego had said;
and the King confirmed it before all the knights who were there
present, promising to give him great possessions. And when they came to
the army great was the joy because of the Cid's return, and great were
the rejoicings which were made: but as great was the sorrow in Zamora,
for they who were in the town held that the siege was broken up by his
departure. Nevertheless my Cid would not bear arms against the Infanta,
nor against the town of Zamora, because of the days which were past.
XXVII. And the King ordered proclamation to be made throughout the host
that the people should make ready to attack the town. And they fought
against it three days and three nights so bravely that all the ditches
were filled up, and the barbicans thrown down, and they who were within
fought sword in hand with those without, and the waters of the Douro,
as they past below the town, were all discoloured with blood. And when
Count Don Garcia de Cabra saw the great loss which they were suffering,
it grieved him; and he went unto the King and told him that many men
were slain, and advised him to call off the host that they should no
longer fight against the town, but hold it besieged, for by famine it
might soon be taken. Then the King ordered them to draw back, and he
sent to each camp to know how many men had died in the attack, and the
number was found to be a thousand and thirty. And when the King knew
this he was greatly troubled for the great loss which he had received,
and he ordered the town to be beleagered round about, and in this
manner he begirt it, that none could enter into it, neither go out
therefrom; and there was a great famine within the town. And when Don
Arias Gonzalo saw the misery, and the hunger, and the mortality which
were there, he said to the Infanta Dona Urraca, You see, Lady, the
great wretchedness which the people of Zamora have suffered, and do
every day suffer to maintain their loyalty; now then call together the
Council, and thank them truly for what they have done for you, and bid
them give up the town within nine days to the King your brother. And
we, Lady, will go to Toledo to your brother King Don Alfonso, for we
cannot defend Zamora; King Don Sancho is of so great heart and so
resolute, that he will never break up the siege, and I do not hold it
good, that you should abide here longer. And Dona Urraca gave orders
that the good men of Zamora should meet together in Council; and she
said unto them, Friends, ye well see the resoluteness of King Don
Sancho my brother; and already have ye suffered much evil and much
wretchedness for doing right and loyally, losing kinsmen and friends in
my service. Ye have done enough, and I do not hold it good that ye
should perish; I command ye therefore give up the town to him within
nine days, and I will go to Toledo to my brother King Don Alfonso. The
men of Zamora when they heard this had great sorrow, because they had
endured the siege so long, and must now give up the town at last; and
they determined all to go with the Infanta, and not remain in the town.
XXVIII. When Vellido Dolfos heard this, he went to Dona Urraca and
said, Lady, I came here to Zamora to do you service with thirty
knights, all well accoutred, as you know; and I have served you long
time, and never have I had from you guerdon for my service, though I
have demanded it: but now if you will grant my demand I will relieve
Zamora, and make King Don Sancho break up the siege. Then said Dona
Urraca, Vellido, I shall repeat to thee the saying of the wise man, A
man bargains well with the slothful and with him who is in need; and
thus you would deal with me. I do not bid thee commit any evil thing,
if such thou hast in thy thought; but I say unto you, that there is not
a man in the world to whom if he should relieve Zamora, and make the
King my brother raise the siege, I would not grant whatsoever he might
require. And when Vellido heard this he kissed her hand, and went to a
porter who kept one of the gates of the town, and spake with him,
saying, that he should open the gate unto him when he saw him flying
toward it, and he gave him his cloak. Then went he to his lodging and
armed himself, and mounted his horse, and rode to the house of Don
Arias Gonzalo, and cried with a loud voice, We all know the reason, Don
Arias Gonzalo, why you will not let Dona Urraca exchange Zamora with
her brother; it is because you deal with her as a harlot, like an old
traitor. When Arias Gonzalo heard this, it grieved him to the heart,
and he said, In an evil day was I born, that so shameful a falsehood as
this should be said to me in mine old age, and there should be none to
revenge me! Then his sons arose and armed themselves hastily, and went
after Vellido, who fled before them toward the gate of the town. The
porter when he saw him coming opened the gate, and he rode out and
galloped into the camp of the King Don Sancho, and the others followed
him till they were nigh the camp, but farther they did not venture. And
Vellido went to the King and kissed his hand, and said unto him these
false words with a lying tongue: Sir, because I said to the Council of
Zamora that they should yield the town unto you, the sons of Arias
Gonzalo would have slain me, even as you have seen. And therefore come
I to you, Sir, and will be your vassal, if I may find favour at your
hands. And I will show you how in a few days you may have Zamora, if
God pleases; and if I do not as I have said, then let me be slain. And
the King believed all that he said, and received him for his vassal,
and did him great honour. And all that night they talked together of
his secrets, and he made the King believe that he knew a postern by
means of which he would put Zamora into his hands.
XXIX. On the morrow in the morning, one of the knights who were in the
town went upon the wall, and cried out with a loud voice, so that the
greater part of the host heard him, King Don Sancho, give ear to what I
say; I am a knight and hidalgo, a native of the land of Santiago; and
they from whom I spring were true men and delighted in their loyalty,
and I also will live and die in my truth. Give ear, for I would
undeceive you, and tell you the truth, if you will believe me, I say
unto you, that from this town of Zamora there is gone forth a traitor
to kill you; his name is Vellido Dolfos; he is the son of Adolfo, who
slew Don Nuno like a traitor, and the grandson of Laino, another
traitor, who killed his gossip and threw him into the river; and this
is as great a traitor as the rest of his race; look to yourself
therefore and take heed of him. I say this to you, that if peradventure
evil should befall you by this traitor, it may not be said in Spain
that you were not warned against him. Now the name of this knight was
Bernal Dianez de Ocampo. And the men of Zamora sent also to the King to
bid him beware of Vellido, and the king took their warning in good
part, and sent to say unto them, that when he had the town he would
deal bountifully with them, for this which they had done; nevertheless
he gave no heed to the warning. And Vellido, when he heard this went to
the King, and said, Sir, the old Arias Gonzalo is full crafty, and hath
sent to say this unto you, because he knows that by my means you would
have won the town. And he called for his horse, feigning that he would
depart because of what had been said. But the King took him by the hand
and said, Friend and vassal, take no thought for this; I say unto you,
that if I may have Zamora, I will make you chief therein, even as Arias
Gonzalo is now. Then Vellido kissed his hand and said, God grant you
life, Sir, for many and happy years, and let you fulfil what you
desire. But the traitor had other thoughts in his heart.
XXX. After this Vellido took the King apart and said to him, If it
please you, Sir, let us ride out together alone; we will go round
Zamora, and see the trenches which you have ordered to be made; and I
will show unto you the postern which is called the Queen's, by which we
may enter the town, for it is never closed. When it is night you shall
give me a hundred knights who are hidalgos, well armed, and we will go
on foot, and the Zamorans because they are weak with famine and misery,
will let us conquer them, and we will enter and open the gate, and keep
it open till all your host shall have entered in; and thus shall we win
the town of Zamora. The King believed what he said, and they took horse
and went riding round the town, and the King looked at the trenches,
and that traitor snowed him the postern whereof he had spoken. And
after they had ridden round the town the King had need to alight upon
the side of the Douro and go apart; now he carried in his hand a light
hunting spear which was gilded over, even such as the Kings from whom
he was descended were wont to bear; and he gave this to Vellido to hold
it while he went aside, to cover his feet. And Vellido Dolfos, when he
saw him in that guise, took the hunting spear and thrust it between his
shoulders, so that it went through him and came out at his breast. And
when he had stricken him he turned the reins and rode as fast as he
could toward the postern; this was not the first treason which he had
committed, for he had killed the Count Don Nuno treacherously. Now it
chanced that the Cid saw him riding thus, and asked him wherefore he
fled, and he would not answer; and then the Cid understood that he had
done some treason, and his heart misgave him that he had slain the
King; and he called in haste for his horse, but while they were
bringing it, Vellido had ridden far away; and the Cid being eager to
follow him, took only his lance and did not wait to have his spurs
buckled on. And he followed him to the postern and had well nigh
overtaken him, but Vellido got in; and then the Cid said in his anger,
Cursed be the knight who ever gets on horseback without his spurs. Now
in all the feats of the Cid never was fault found in him save only in
this, that he did not enter after Vellido into the town; but he did not
fail to do this for cowardice, neither for fear of death, or of
imprisonment; but because he thought that peradventure this was a
device between him and the King, and that he fled by the King's
command; for certes, if he had known that the King was slain, there was
nothing which would have prevented him from entering the town, and
slaying the traitor in the streets, thereright.
XXXI. Now the history saith, that when Vellido Dolfos had got within
the postern, he was in such fear both of those who were in the town and
of those who were without, that he went and placed himself under the
mantle of the Infanta Dona Urraca. And when Don Arias Gonzalo knew this
he went unto the Infanta and said, Lady, I beseech you that you give up
this traitor to the Castillians, otherwise be sure that it will be to
your own harm; for the Castillians will impeach all who are in Zamora,
and that will be greater dishonour for you and for us. And Dona Urraca
made answer, Counsel me then so that he may not die for this which he
hath done. Don Arias Gonzalo then answered, Give him unto me, and I
will keep him in custody for three days, and if the Castillians impeach
us we will deliver him into their hands; and if they do not impeach us
within that time, we will thrust him out of the town so that he shall
not be seen among us. And Don Arias Gonzalo took him from thence, and
secured him with double fetters, and guarded him well.
XXXII. Meantime the Castillians went to seek their King, and they found
him by the side of the Douro, where he lay sorely wounded, even unto
death; but he had not yet lost his speech, and the hunting spear was in
his body, through and through, and they did not dare to take it out
least he should die immediately. And a master of Burgos came up who was
well skilled in these things, and he sawed off the ends of the spear,
that he might not lose his speech, and said that he should be
confessed, for he had death within him. Then Count Don Garcia de Cabra,
the curley-haired one of Granon, said unto him, Sir, think of your
soul, for you have a desperate wound. And the King made answer, Blessed
be you, Count, who thus counsel me, for I perceive that I am slain; the
traitor Vellido has killed me, and I well know that this was for my
sins, because I broke the oath which I made unto the King my father.
And as the King was saying this the Cid came up and knelt before him
and said, I, Sir, remain more desolate than any other of your vassals,
for for your sake have I made your brethren mine enemies, and all in
the world who were against you, and against whom it pleased you to go.
The King your father commended me to them as well as to you, when he
divided his kingdoms, and I have lost their love for your sake, having
done them great evil. And now neither can I go before King Don Alfonso,
your brother, nor remain among the Christians before Dona Urraca your
sister, because they hold that whatsoever you have done against them was
by my counsel. Now then, Sir, remember me before you depart. The King
then commanded that they should raise him up in the bed, and the Counts
and Ricos-omes stood round about him, and the Bishops and Archbishops
who had come thither to make accord between him and his sister Dona
Urraca, and they heard what the Cid said, and knew that he said truly;
for whatever good speed King Don Sancho had had in his doings was all
by means of my Cid. And the King said unto them, I beseech all ye who
are here present, Counts and Ricos-omes, and all my other vassals, that
if my brother King Don Alfonso should come from the land of the Moors,
ye beseech him to show favour unto you, my Cid, and that he always be
bountiful unto you, and receive you to be his vassal; and if he alway
doth this and listen unto you, he will not be badly advised. Then the
Cid arose and kissed his Wand, and all the chief persons who were there
present did the like. And after this the King said unto them, I beseech
ye intreat my brother King Don Alfonso to forgive me whatever wrong I
have done him, and to pray to God to have mercy upon my soul. And when
he had said this he asked for the candle, and presently his soul
departed. And all who were there present made great lamentation for the
King.
BOOK III.
I. Now when the King was dead, the townsmen who were in the camp
forsook their tents and fled, and much did they lose in their flight;
but the noble Castillians, thinking rather of what they were bound to
do as men who had always preserved their loyalty, like their ancestors
before them, would not depart from Zamora, nor break up the siege
thereof, but remained bravely before it, though they had lost their
Lord. And they summoned all the Bishops, and took the body of the King
and sent it full honourably to the Monastery of Ona, and buried him
there as beseemed a King: and while one part of the chief men of the
host accompanied the body, the rest remained in the camp before Zamora.
And when the prelates and good men had returned to the army, they took
counsel together how they should proceed against the men of Zamora for
this great treason which had been committed. Then Count Don Garcia de
Cabra arose and said, Friends, ye see that we have lost our Lord the
King Don Sancho; the traitor, Vellido, being his vassal, slew him, and
they of Zamora have received and harboured him within their walls; and
therefore as we think, and as has been said unto us, he did this
treason by their counsel. Now then if there be one here who will
impeach them for this thing, we will do whatever may be needful that he
may come off with honour, and the impeachment be carried through. Then
Don Diego Ordonez arose, the son of Count Don Ordono, a man of royal
lineage and great hardihood; and he said unto them, If ye will all
assent to this which ye have heard, I will impeach the men of Zamora,
for the death of the King our Lord: and they all assented, promising to
fulfil what had been said. Now my Cid did not make this impeachment
against the people of Zamora, because of the oath which he had sworn.
II. Then Don Diego Ordonez went to his lodging and armed himself well,
and armed his horse also, and mounted and rode toward Zamora. And when
he drew nigh unto the town, he covered himself with his shield that
they might not hurt him from the walls, and began to cry aloud, asking
if Don Arias Gonzalo were there, for he would speak with him. A squire
who was keeping guard upon the wall went to Don Arias and told him that
there was a knight well armed calling for him, without the walls, and
he said that if it pleased Don Arias he would shoot at him with a
cross-bow, and strike him or kill his horse; but Don Arias forbade him,
saying that he should no ways harm him. And Don Arias Gonzalo went with
his sons upon the wall to see who called for him, and he spake to the
knight, saying, Friend, what wouldest thou? And Don Diego Ordonez
answered, The Castillians have lost their Lord; the traitor Vellido
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