The Lay of the Cid

Synopsis: The national epic of Spain, written in the twelfth century about Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar, conqueror of Valencia, who only died in 1099 but had already become a legend. Rendered into vigorous English rhymed couplets of seven iambic feet in 1919.

Transcription by Holly Ingraham.

THE LAY OF THE CID
Translated into English Verse
R. Selden Rose
and
Leonard Bacon ______________________
THE CID Lashed in the saddle, the Cid thundered out To his last onset. With a strange disdain The dead man looked on victory. In vain Emir and Dervish strive against the rout. In vain Morocco and Biserta shout, For still before the dead man fall the slain. Death rides for Captain of the Men of Spain, And their dead truth shall slay the living doubt.
The soul of the great epic, like the chief, Conquers in aftertime on fields unknown. Men hear today the horn of Roland blown To match the thunder of the guns of France, And nations with a heritage of grief Follow their dead victorious in Romance. ______________________
INTRODUCTION