The Lay of the Cid

by Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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