The Chronicle Of The Cid

Book Two

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
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
center without a master. And while the battle was yet upon the chance,
King Don Sancho riding right 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 encampment place, for this reason
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 always 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 always 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 always 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 center 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
center 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 center
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
When 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 he 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
When 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 he 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 lest 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 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 Alfonso,
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 always,
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 sporting 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 always 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 brothers'
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
When 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 center Burgos they took up their lodging
at Fromesta; and the next day they came to Carrion, 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 commanded 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 always 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
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 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 center 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 Ordonez 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 the 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 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 showed 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
lest 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 curly-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 always
doth this and listen unto you, he will not be badly advised. Then
the Cid arose and kissed his hand, 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.