The Lay of the Cid Part 30

"We have heard defeat conceded," said the judges every one.

The good King don Alfonso bade them clear the field straightway.

For himself he took the armour upon it yet that lay.

In honor have departed they who serve the Campeador.

Glory be to the Creator, they have conquered in the war.

Throughout the lands of Carrion was sorrow at the height.

The King my lord Cid's henchmen has sent away by night, That they should not be frightened or ambushed on the way, Like men of prudent spirit they journeyed night and day.

Ho! in Valencia with the Cid the Campeador they stand.

On Carrion's Heirs of knavery the three have put the brand, And paid the debt the lord Cid set upon them furthermore.

On that account right merry was the Cid Campeador.

Upon the heirs of Carrion is come a mighty smirch.

Who flouts a n.o.ble lady and leaves her in the lurch, May such a thing befall him, or worse fortune let him find.

Of Carrion's Heirs the dealings let us leave them now behind.

For what has been vouchsafed them now were they all forlorn.

Of this man let us make mention who in happy hour was born.

And great are the rejoicings through Valencia the town, Because the Campeador his men had won such great renown.

His beard their lord Roy Diaz hard in his hand has ta'en: "Thanks to the King of Heaven, well are 'venged my daughters twain.

Now may they hold their Carrion lands. Their shame is wiped away.

I will wed them in great honor, let it grieve whom it may."

They of Navarre and Aragon were busied now to treat, And with Alfonso of Leon in conference they meet.

Dame Sol and Dame Elvira in due course wedded are.

Great were their former matches, but these are n.o.bler far.

He gave with greater honor than before the twain to wed; He who in happy hour was born still doth his glory spread, Since o'er Navarre and Aragon as queens his daughters reign; Today are they kinswomen unto the kings of Spain.

From him came all that honor who in good hour had birth.

The Cid who ruled Valencia has departed from the earth At Pentecost. His mercy may Christ to him extend.

To us all, just men or sinners, may He yet stand our friend.

Lo! the deeds of the Cid Campeador! Here takes the book an end.