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El Cantar de mío Cid

(The Song of My Lord)

Part I: Exile

Translated by A. S. Kline © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved.

This work may be freely reproduced, stored and transmitted, electronically or otherwise, for any non-commercial purpose. Conditions and Exceptions apply.

Contents

Translator’s Introduction

‘El Cantar del mío Cid’, or ‘The Song of My Lord’ the oldest Castilian epic poem extant, and Spain’s national epic, exists in a single fourteenth century codex, but was composed earlier, in the twelfth century, or as late as the early thirteenth. It tells of Rodrigo (Ruy) Díaz de Vivar (c1043-1099AD), known as El Cid (Lord) and El Campeador (Master of the Battlefield). The poem is set in the eleventh century, an age of warfare amongst the northern Christian and the central and southern Muslim realms of Spain, marked by shifting alliances. Born in Vivar, near Burgos, Díaz served in the armies of both Christian and Muslim rulers, ultimately wresting the principality of Valencia from Muslim control, and ruling there until his death. His fraught relationship with Alfonso VI (c1040-1109AD), King of León and Castile, who twice exiled Díaz from his realm, was a central determinant in his military career. El Cid’s rule of Valencia was tolerant of both Christians and Muslims alike, and won him popular support. He countered the attempts of the Almoravid Berbers, who had made successful incursion into Spain from North Africa in 1086AD, to conquer Valencia, and he inflicted on them their first major defeat, in 1094AD, on the plain of Cuarte (Quart de Poblet), outside the city. He died, his cause of death uncertain, on July 10th, 1099AD. The tomb of Diaz and his wife Jimena is located in Burgos cathedral. She and her retinue fled to Burgos, bearing the body of her husband, in 1101AD, prior to the fall of Valencia to the Almoravids in 1102AD. The poem begins with the departure of Rodrigo, from his home in Vivar, to the first of the two exiles decreed by Alfonso. In the poem his first exile (1081AD) and his second (1089AD) are merged, and are precursors to Rodrigo’s campaigns in the Spanish Levant, ending in his conquest of Valencia, and the tale of his claim for justice against the (likely fictitious) infantes of Carrión.

Note: The Way of El Cid (Camino del Cid) extends from Castilla in the north-west of Spain to the Mediterranean coast in the south-east. The Way traces the legacy of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, with the El Cantar de mío Cid providing the primary guide for the route. In order to assist readers interested in following the Camino del Cid, the initial occurrence of place names in each part of the text are linked to maps provided by OpenStreetMap - which clearly indicate the trail. Alternatively, you may view a map of all locations detailed in the text, provided by uMap (open map in new tab).

El Cantar del mío Cid

‘El Cantar del mío Cid’

Lines 1-14: Rodrigo Díaz leaves Vivar for Burgos

He turned his eyes towards them, and wept profusely,

He turned his head away, and he gazed on it all.

The open gates he saw, and the doors unbolted,

Empty wooden hangers, void of clothes or furs,

And the perches free of falcons and goshawks.

My Cid sighed, burdened by heavy thoughts,

My Cid spoke, in grave and measured speech:

‘Thanks be to you, Lord, Our Father, on high;

All this, my evil foes have brought upon me!’

Now they spurred onwards, now they slacked their reins.

Quitting Vivar, noticed a crow upon the right,

Entering Burgos, noticed a crow upon their left.

My Cid shrugged his shoulders, my Cid shook his head,

‘Fine tidings, Álvar Fáñez, we’re exiled from this land!’

Lines 15-30: King Alfonso VI decrees that none grant him hospitality there

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, now made entry into Burgos,

Sixty pennons of his comrades raised about him,

And the men and women came out to view him.

Burghers and their wives, gazed from the windows.

Tears fell from their eyes, so deep their sorrow.

Words sprang from their mouths, all cried, as one:

‘Lord, if this good servant boasted as good a master!’

Gladly they’d have welcomed him, but none dared,

So dreadful the anger shown by the king, Alfonso,

Whose written decree reached Burgos, ere nightfall,

Heavily sealed, and conveyed with great caution:

‘That none give lodging to the Cid, Ruy Díaz,

On penalty of losing all they own and their lives,

And not their bodies only, but even their souls.’

Great sorrow they felt, all those Christian people,

Not daring to do a thing, they all hid from my Cid.

Lines 31-39: The door of his lodgings is bolted against him

The Campeador rode towards his old lodgings;

On reaching the door, he found it tightly bolted.

His hosts now feared Alonso, and all had agreed

The door be shut; he must break it down by force.

His comrades called aloud, but none responded;

From those within the house issued not a word.

My Cid rode closer; he approached the doorway,

Drew his foot from the stirrup, launched a blow,

And yet the door was strong, and failed to open.

Lines 40-49: A little girl, of nine years old, addresses Rodrigo

A little girl, nine years old, now came in sight:

‘Ah, Campeador, well it is you bear a sword!

The king denies you, last night came his decree,

Heavily sealed, and borne here with great caution.

We dare not open the door now to admit you,

Or we will lose all we own, even our houses,

And even the two eyes that show in our faces.

Cid, amidst these evils, you can gain nothing,

Yet, may God and all his holy virtues aid you.’

And with this, the little girl returned to her house.

Lines 50-60: El Cid camps by the river Arlanzón, at the village of that name

Now the Cid, finding he’d lost the king’s favour,

Turned from the door, and spurred through Burgos.

He came to Santa María, and there dismounted,

Knelt upon the ground, and prayed from his heart.

When the prayer was ended, then he remounted,

He rode through the gate; he camped at Arlanzón;

He camped on the river bank, close to the village.

He ordered his tent pitched, and then dismounted.

My Cid, Ruy Díaz – well it was he bore his sword! –

Camped by the river, since none dared offer lodging,

While his goodly company camped, all, about him.

Lines 61-77: Martín Antolínez provides sustenance to the Cid

The Cid rested there as one does in the mountains.

They forbade him purchase, in the city of Burgos,

Of aught that might serve as supplies, nourishment;

Not a single penny’s-worth would they grant him.

Martín Antolínez, that noble citizen of Burgos,

Provided bread and wine to my Cid and his friends.

He purchased it not; he gave what he had with him;

With all that they needed he now supplied them.

My Cid, the Campeador, and all, were delighted,

Martín Antolínez spoke, you shall hear what he said:

‘Ah, Campeador, fair the hour when you were born!

Tonight let us rest here, and leave in the morning,

For accused shall I be of my kindness towards you.

I shall surely incur the wrath of King Alfonso.

Yet if I should escape with you, safe and sound,

Sooner or later, the king will seek my friendship;

And if not, what I leave behind’s not worth a fig.’

Lines 78-95: The ploy of the chests of sand

Then spoke my Cid – fair the hour he donned a sword:

‘Martín Antolínez, a valiant lance-wielder are you!

If I should survive, then your wealth I will double.

I have spent all my gold, and all of my silver;

As you can clearly see, not a penny do I bear,

And any I had I would share among my friends.

This am I forced to do, or else I’ll have nothing:

With your assistance, two chests we’ll acquire;

Let us fill them with sand, so they feel heavy,

Covered all in leather, nailed firmly all around,

The leather, crimson, and the nails, well-gilded.

Go you secretly then, to Raquel and Vidas;

Burgos I’m denied; being banished by Alfonso.

Say my wealth is so great it can scarce be carried;

I will pawn it to them, for whatever is fitting.

Let them bear it by night, so no Christians see it.

Let the Lord above, and his saints alone view it.

I can do no other now; I am forced to do this.’

Lines 96-121: Martín Antolínez pursues the business of the chests

Martín Antolínez made his way, without pause,

To seek conversation with Raquel and Vidas.

He rode through Burgos, he entered the castle,

He sought conversation with Raquel and Vidas.

Raquel and Vidas he found there, seated together,

Counting the riches, they had gained at a profit.

Said Martín Antolínez, being a man of prudence:

‘How are you, my dear friends, Raquel and Vidas?

I would like to speak with both of you in private.’

Without delay, all three moved inside, together.

‘Raquel and Vidas, clasp my hand and affirm,

That you’ll not betray me to Christian or Moor.

I’ll make you so rich, you’ll lack for nothing.

The Campeador, he went to exact the tribute;

He collected much, of inestimable worth.

He took for himself all that seemed of value.

It comes to this, that of such he stands accused.

He has two chests, filled with golden treasure,

And, since the king has declared him an exile,

He’s abandoned his land, his houses, and halls.

He can’t bear the chests away, lest he’s discovered,

So, the Campeador would leave them in your hands.

Lend him such coinage, as seems to you fitting,  

And take both the chests into your safekeeping,

And swear, the pair of you, with a solemn oath,

Not to open those chests for the rest of this year.’

Lines 122-147: Raqel and Vidas respond to his request

Raquel and Vidas now consulted together:

‘We need to achieve a respectable profit.

We both of us know that he gained great spoils,

In the land of the Moors, great riches he gathered.

He who bears such chests must attract suspicion.

Let us take them both, and place them together

In a hiding-place where they’ll not be discovered.’

To Martín they said: ‘What will satisfy the Cid?

What interest would he pay on the loan this year?’

Said Martín Antolínez, ever a man of prudence:

‘My Cid will pay you whatever is most fitting.

He asks little of you for his chests’ safekeeping.

From all parts, men are flocking to join him,

And he needs six hundred marks to pay them.’

Said Raquel and Vidas: ‘We’ll loan them gladly.’

Said Martín: ‘The night falls, his need is pressing.

We need you to hand us the monies requested.’

Said Raquel and Vidas: ‘That’s not how it’s done;

First comes the receiving, and then the giving.’

Said Martín Antolínez: ‘That is fine by me.

Come both of you to see the great Campeador,

And we will assist you then, as is most fitting,

To bear the chests here for your safe-keeping,

All un-beknown to both Christians and Moors.’

Said Raquel and Vidas: ‘That sits well with us.

Once the chests arrive, six hundred you shall have.’

Lines 148-165: They ride to El Cid’s camp to ratify the agreement

Raquel and Vidas mounted willingly and gladly

And, with Martín Antolínez, they rode swiftly,

Not over the bridge there, but through the water,

So that none from Burgos might perceive them;

And behold them now in the Campeador’s tent.

Upon entering there, they kissed the Cid’s hand.

My Cid smiled; in these words, he addressed them:

‘Ah, Don Raquel and Vidas, how you neglect me!

Now, I go from this land, banished by King Alfonso,

It seems that you will be guardians of my treasure;

For as long as you live, you’ll never be in need.’

Don Raquel and Vidas kissed Rodrigo’s hands,

And Martín Antolínez had sealed the agreement:

Six hundred marks for the riches he had pawned,

The chests to be guarded well throughout that year,

For so they’d agreed, and to him they’d sworn

Not to open the chests, or be known as perjurers,

Nor receive, from my Cid, one penny of interest.

Lines 166-181: The loaded chests are brought

Martín Antolínez said: ‘Bring the chests, swiftly;

Take them Raquel and Vidas, into safekeeping,

And I will go with you, and return with the loan.

For my Cid must depart before the cock crows.’

Lifting those chests, there was joy on their faces,

Scarce could they do so, though they were strong.

Raquel and Vidas were pleased with the treasure,

For they might be rich now, as long they lived.

Raquel went to my Cid, to kiss my lord’s hand,

‘You go, Campeador, from Castile into exile.

Ah, fair was the hour when you donned a sword!

Such is your destiny that great are your gains.

Cid, I kiss your hand, and might I have as a gift

A red leather coat, one both Moorish and noble.’

‘That is fine by me,’ said the Cid, ‘let it be so;

I’ll bring one from exile, or charge it against me.’

Lines 182-200: The chests having been received, the loan is granted

In the midst of their house, the pair laid out a rug,

And over the rug spread a white linen bedsheet,

Then three hundred silver marks, at a stroke,

They heaped upon it, that Don Martín counted,

Un-weighed, and another three hundred in gold.

Martín’s five squires then took up the payment;

You shall hear what he said, when all was done:

‘Ah, Don Raquel and Vidas, the chests are yours.

I that arranged this, deserve a new pair of hose!’

Raquel and Vidas communed aside together:

‘Let us grant him a fine gift, for arranging all.’

‘Martín Antolínez, famed citizen of Burgos,

You deserve,’ they cried, ‘a fine gift from us.

For new hose, a rich fur, and a splendid mantle,

We’ll give you thirty marks to buy those same.

You shall earn them, as is only right and proper,

You shall guarantee the agreement we’ve made.’

Don Martín thanked them, and received the loan,

Said farewell to both, and departed the house.

Lines 201-212: Rodrigo prepares to leave Arlanzón

Don Martín rode from Burgos, and reached Arlanzón,

And the tent of my Cid, that in a fair hour was born.

With open arms, Don Rodrigo now received him:

‘Are you here, Martín Antolínez, faithful vassal?

May I live to see the day when I shall repay you!’

‘I am here, Campeador, and with all due caution.

You have gained six hundred marks, and I, thirty.

Now, order the tents struck, and let us go swiftly,

At cockcrow we’ll be in San Pedro de Cardeña.

There we shall find your wife, that noble lady.

We’ll stay but a moment, then depart the kingdom,

As we must, for the grace-period shortly ends.’

Lines 213-225: Rodrigo utters his farewell to Burgos

Camp was struck, once these words were spoken.

My Cid and his companions, mounted swiftly.

His steed turned towards Santa María de Burgos,

He raised his hand, and made the sign of the cross:

‘I thank you, Lord, God of the earth and heavens!

May your virtue aid me, glorious Santa Maria!

I leave Castile now, since I’ve angered the king;

And know not if I’ll return, ere I end my days.

In exile, may your powers, noble lady, save me,

And defend and sustain me, by night and day.

If you do so, and you grant me good fortune,

Offerings I’ll send, rich and fine, to your altar;

And a thousand Masses I vow there, to be sung.’

Lines 226-241: El Cid departs for San Pedro de Cardeña

The knight said farewell, both in mind and heart.

They loosened the reins, and spurred on their steeds.

Said Martín Antolínez: ‘My wife is my solace;

Her I must see, and tell her of all she must do

If the king, my master, should seek what I own.

Ere the sun sheds it light again, I’ll be with you.’

Martín Antolínez turned, while the Cid rode on,

Spurring hard as he could to San Pedro de Cardeña,

With those fair knights, whose service he enjoyed.

The cock crowed suddenly, the dawn was breaking,

When the noble Campeador arrived at San Pedro.

The abbot, Don Sancho, God’s Christian servant,

Was saying the Matins, in the first light of dawn.

There was Doña Jimena, with five noble ladies,

Praying to Saint Peter, and likewise the Creator:

‘You who guide us, aid my Cid, the Campeador.’

Lines 242-261: Don Sancho, the abbot, welcomes him

He knocked at the gate; they all heard his command.

Oh, how joyful, Lord, was Don Sancho, the abbot!

With torches and candles, they all rushed to the gate,

With joy they received the famous Commander.

‘Thank the Lord, my Cid,’ cried the abbot, Don Sancho,

‘That I see you here, to take lodging now with me!’

‘Thank you, abbot, I am in your debt,’ said the Cid:

‘I will need food prepared for my vassals and I.

Here are fifty marks, since I’m leaving this land.

If I should yet live, then the sum will be doubled,  

For not one single penny shall the monastery lose.

Here’s one hundred more, see, for Doña Jimena;

Her, her daughters, her ladies, for all of this year.

Shelter both my fair daughters, here, in your arms,

For I entrust them to you, Abbot Don Sancho;

Grant the best of care to both, and Doña Jimena.

If what I give you is spent, and more is needed,

Provide for them well, such I now command you;

And for every mark I’ll grant the monastery four.’

All that he asked, the abbot granted him gladly.

Lines 262-286: Ruy greets his wife Doña Jimena

Behold, Doña Jimena there, with her daughters,

Each daughter led by a lady, her companion.

Before the Campeador, Doña Jimena knelt,

Weeping sore, as she reached to kiss his hands.

‘Ah, Campeador, in a fair hour you were born!

Yet evil-wishers now drive you from this land.

Ah, Campeador, bearded in your splendour,

Here I am before you, I, and your daughters

Who are but children, young as yet in years,

And these my ladies who live to serve me.

I see you are already upon your journey,

And, all life long, we’ll be parted from you.

Give us counsel, for love of the Virgin Mary!’

The Cid lowered his two hands to raise her,

He took both of his daughters into his arms,

Clasped them to his heart, for he loved them dearly,

And, his eyes brimming with tears, sighed deeply:

‘Ah, Doña Jimena, my wife, my perfection,

I love you as deeply as I love my own soul!

Yet, as you see, we must part now, in this life,

For I must go hence, and you remain behind.

May it please the Lord, and the Virgin Mary,

That I may live to see my daughters wedded;

And that good fortune, and many years of life,

Be granted me to serve you, my noble lady.’

Lines 287-310: The gathering of El Cid’s forces

They prepared a great feast for the Campeador.

The bells of San Pedro raised a mighty clamour.

All throughout Castile, those tidings were heard,

That my Cid, the Campeador, must leave the land.

Some men left their houses, others their fiefdoms,

And upon that day, at the bridge of Arlanzón,

A hundred and fifteen knights met together,

All enquiring after the Campeador, my Cid.

Martín Antolínez now joined their company;

To San Pedro they rode, to one born in a fair hour.

Now, when my Cid, Díaz de Vivar, learned of this,

That all of his forces were gathering in strength,

He mounted his steed, and went forth to greet them.

He broke into a smile; they all came towards him.

They moved to kiss his hands; he spoke forcefully:

‘You, who leave your land and your homes for me,

I pray to God and, likewise, to the Holy Spirit,

That I might do you some good before I die,

Such that you may regain twice what you’ve lost.’

It pleased my Cid to see how his forces grew.

And pleased the others, all of those about him.

Six days of the period of grace had now passed.

Know this: they had three days left and no more.

The king had ordered that the Cid be watched,

So, he might be seized, when the moment came;

Not for all his gold or silver, should he escape.

Lines 311-324: The Cid prepares to depart San Pedro

The day was done, and the night about to fall.

The Cid commanded all his knights to gather:

‘Listen friends, don’t be burdened by regret.

Little I bring, I wish to give you your share.

Be careful now as to how you all behave.

In the morning, as the cock begins to crow,

Brook no delay, but have the horses saddled,

The abbot, in San Pedro, will ring for Matins,

He will chant the Mass of the Holy Trinity.

Once Mass is said, then let us be on our way,

For the time is near, and we have far to ride.’

All those there now did as the Cid commanded:

The night well-nigh done, and dawn drawing nigh,

As the cock was crowing, they prepared to ride.

Lines 325-365: Doña Jimena’s prayer

Now the bells were rung speedily for Matins.

My Cid and his wife went quickly to church.

Doña Jimena knelt on the steps before the altar,

Praying, to the Lord above, in her own manner,

That He keep my Cid, the Campeador, from harm.

‘O Glorious Father, our Lord that is in heaven,

You who made the sky, and the earth, and sea,

The stars, the moon, and the sun for warmth,

You became incarnate in your Mother Mary,

Born there in Bethlehem, as was your will.

The shepherds glorified you, and praised you,

Three Kings of Arabia came to adore you,

Melchior, Caspar, Balthasar; they offered

Gold, incense, and myrrh, as was your will.

You saved Jonah, who was swallowed by the sea;

You saved Daniel, from out of the lions’ den;

You saved Saint Sebastian, pierced in Rome;

You saved Saint Susanna, from false witness.

For thirty years, Lord, you walked this earth,

Miracles you performed, of which we tell:

From water you made wine, from stones bread,

And, at your will, raised Lazarus from the dead;

Taken captive, you were nailed upon the cross,

On Mount Calvary, the place they called Golgotha,

And, with you, two thieves, one on either side;

One gained paradise; the other could not enter.

You performed a miracle, there, on the cross.

Longinus was blind; never had his eyes seen;

With a lance he pierced your side, your blood flowed;

The blood ran down the shaft, it wet his hands.

He lifted his hands, he raised them to his face,

He opened his eyes, and saw, all, about him,

And, freeing himself from evil, believed in you.

In the sepulchre, resurrected, you then arose,

And entered Hell itself, for such was your will;

And broke the gates, to rescue the holy fathers.

You are the king of kings, and the world’s father.

I adore and believe in you with all my heart,

And I pray to Saint Peter to aid my prayer,

That you keep my Cid, the Campeador, from harm.

Though we part, today, in this life, yet, unite us!’

Lines 366-390: The Cid takes his departure

The prayer so ended, They left the church; the Cid prepared to ride

‘...the prayer so ended, They left the church; the Cid prepared to ride’

The Mass completed, and the prayer so ended,

They left the church; the Cid prepared to ride.

Rodrigo moved to embrace Doña Jimena;

Doña Jimena moved to kiss Rodrigo’s hands,

Weeping so sore she knew not what to do,

While he turned to look again at his daughters.

‘I commend you to God, and the Holy Spirit.

Now, we part; God knows if we’ll meet again.’

Weeping more sorrowfully than ere was seen,

They parted as fingernails part from the flesh.

My Cid now sought to leave with his vassals;

As they waited, the Cid kept turning his head.

Minaya Álvar Fáñez spoke, with great wisdom:

‘Cid, born in a fair hour, where’s your strength!

Cease your grieving, and let us be on our way.

All of these sorrows will later turn to joy.

God that granted us souls, will grant His aid.’

Once again, they gave counsel to Don Sancho;

How to help Doña Jimena and her daughters,

And all of the ladies that they had with them,

For which aid he knew he’d gain his reward.

Álvar Fáñez spoke, as Don Sancho turned back:

‘Now, Abbot, if you see folk who would join us

Tell them to ride, and to follow our hoofprints,

And seek us in townships, or open country.’

Lines 391-412: El Cid’s dream

They slackened the reins, and began their journey,

For the time drew near to depart the kingdom.

My Cid halted and rested at Espinaz de Can,

And next day, in the dawn, recommenced his ride.

Men from everywhere had joined him that night;

The faithful Campeador was leaving the kingdom.

On the left was San Esteban, that splendid city,

On the right were the towers built by the Moors.

He passed Alcubilla, now on Castile’s border;

He crossed the causeway that’s named Quinea;

He crossed the Duero, close to Navapalos;

And, at La Figueruela, my Cid then made camp.

Men from everywhere came there to join him;

And there, after his supper, my Cid sought rest.

A sweet dream came to him, he slept so deeply;

The angel Gabriel appeared to him, in dream:

‘Ride onwards, Cid, the finest of Campeadors,

For at never so fair a time did any man ride.

All shall go well with you, as long as you live.’

When the Cid woke, he made the sign of the cross;

He crossed himself, commending himself to God,

His mind eased by the dream he had dreamed.

Lines 413-453: Rodrigo sends a raiding party, southwards

Early next morning they rode on their way;

Know, they’d one day of grace, and no more.

In the mountains of Miedes, they made camp.

It was daylight as yet, for the sun had not set.

Then my Cid, the Campeador, held a review,

He counted three hundred lances with pennons,

Without the brave men, the foot-soldiers, there:

‘Prepare the food early, may God save you all!

Eat whoever would; and who would not, ride.

We’ll cross the mountains, so wild and high,

For, tonight, we will leave Alfonso’s kingdom.

And then let whoever seeks us come find us!’

They crossed the mountains ere the light of dawn,

And, down from the ridge, they began to ride.

There, amidst a wilderness vast and marvellous,

My Cid ordered the tents pitched, and food given.

He told them all he would ride through the night,

And, such vassals as those, they took it to heart,

For all would obey the command of their lord.

Before night fell, they set out upon their ride,

My Cid rode at night so none might view them.

They rode all that night; denied themselves rest.

At the town named Castejón, upon the Henares,

My Cid, with the troops he had, set up an ambush,

And all night that man, born in fair hour, lay hid,

For so Minaya Álvar Fáñez had advised him:

‘Ah, Cid, in a fair hour you’ll bear the sword!

You and a hundred fine men of our company,

Since at Castejón we must set up an ambush…’

‘You, with two hundred, go raid,’ cried the Cid,

‘And take Álvar Salvadórez, and Álvar Álvarez,

And Galín García, a bold man with the lance,

And let the best knights here accompany Minaya.

Go and plunder at will, and fear not to take all.

Go down from Hita, go through Guadalajara,

Go as far as Alcalá, and gather the spoils,

Leave naught behind through fear of the Moors.

I’ll be here, in the rear with my hundred men,

I’ll take Castejón here, where we’ll be secure.

If you meet with trouble while you are raiding

Send a message swiftly, to us here in the rear,

And all Spain will hear the tale of your rescue.’

Lines 454-476: He captures the town of Castejón

Those who would go on the raid they established,

And those who would stay with the Cid at the rear.

Now dawn was breaking, the daylight advancing,

The sun leapt forth (Lord, how lovely a sight!)

While in Castejón all the folk were now waking,

And opening their doors, and making their way

Forth to the fields, to view the crops on their land.

The people went forth, leaving the gate wide open,

So that few remained in the town of Castejón.

The folk were all scattered far, outside the town.

The Campeador burst forth, swiftly, from hiding;

He plundered, most fully, the town of Castejón.

Moorish men and women he held as captives,

And took all the cattle that he found grazing.

My Cid, Don Rodrigo, had charged the gates,

The guards who had found themselves attacked,

Trembling with fear, then abandoned their post.

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, through that path, made entry;

He came bearing his naked blade in his hand.

He killed fifteen of the Moors he encountered.

He won Castejón, and its gold and silver.

His knights brought Ruy Díaz their plunder,

And abandoned it there, like a prize of no worth.

He came bearing his naked blade in his hand. He killed fifteen of the Moors he encountered

‘He came bearing his naked blade in his hand. He killed fifteen of the Moors he encountered’

Lines 477-505: Minaya Álvar Fáñez returns from the raid

Minaya’s banner flies downriver, far as Alcalá

‘Minaya’s banner flies downriver, far as Alcalá’

Behold the two hundred and three raid, fearlessly.

Minaya’s banner flies downriver, far as Alcalá,

And back they ride upstream bearing their plunder,

Along the Henares’ bank, through Guadalajara.

What a wealth of plunder, what herds of livestock,

Fine sheep and cattle, garments and other riches,

Minaya Álvar Fáñez’ banner there, flying on high,

While none dare attack his raiders from the rear!

With that wealth of plunder, the company returns,

Behold them in Castejón, before their Commander,

Who leaves the gates wide open, and rides forth.

He goes out to welcome them, amidst his guards,

With arms wide-open, he greets the brave Minaya:

‘You are here, Álvar Fáñez, the valiant lancer!

I have hopes of plunder, wherever I send you.

A fifth of the haul is yours, if you wish, Minaya.’

‘I thank you, Campeador, for that,’ he answered,

‘For the offer of a fifth of the plunder we bear.

Such a thing might please Alfonso of Castile,

But I render it all to you, and right willingly.

This claim I make to God, to the Lord on high:

As long as I’m able still to ride my steed,

And fight with the Moors on the open field,

Wield my lance, and grasp my sword in hand,

As, from my elbow, the crimson blood runs down

In sight of Ruy Díaz, my famed Commander,

Then I’ll not accept a single bad penny from you,

Not until I’ve brought you something of worth.

So, I shall leave my fifth in your own two hands.’

Lines 506-523: Rodrigo distributes the plunder

The various spoils then were gathered together.

My Cid (he that was born in a fortunate hour)

Mused on the likely approach of Alfonso’s army

And that he would seek to do him utmost harm.

The Cid ordered four-fifths of the spoils divided,

And for his apportioners to do so to the letter.

Each of his vassals thus gained a small fortune,

For a hundred marks’ worth fell to every knight,

And half of that amount to each foot-soldier,

While the fifth part was reserved for El Cid.

It could not be sold in, or handed to Castejón,

Nor did he want his force burdened with captives.

He thus sent word to Hita, and Guadalajara,

Asking what they’d pay for the fifth remaining;

Whatever they paid they stood to make a profit.

The Moors offered three thousand silver marks,

And my Cid was pleased indeed with the offer,

So, on the third day, the exchange was made.

Lines 524-538: El Cid prepares to leave Castejón for the Jalón river-valley

My Cid, with his whole company, considered

That they could not rest there in the fortress,

Which, though defensible, lacked fresh water.

‘Though at peace with the Moors, by written truce,’

Said the Cid, ‘King Alfonso will follow in force.

Hark, Minaya and all, to me; I’ll leave Castejón!

Now, don’t take these words, that I utter, badly,

For there’s no way that we could hold Castejón.

King Alfonso draws near, and will pursue us,

Nor do I seek to raze the castle to the ground.

I wish to set free these hundred captive Moors,

Men and women, so they’ll not speak ill of me.

You’ve had your spoils, none remains without,

Tomorrow, let us ride forth, in the morning;

For I would not fight against my lord Alfonso.’

Lines 539-572: He camps (at Cerro Torrecid) on the right bank of the Jalón

The company were content with what he’d said.

Rich, they parted from the castle they’d taken,

While the Moorish men and women blessed them.

They rode swiftly upstream by the Henares;

They crossed the Alcarria, and forged ahead;

They rode, passing by the caves of Anguita,

Over the rivers, reached the fields of Toranz,

And rode, fast as they could, through that country.

El Cid made camp twixt Ariza and Cetina,

Great the plunder he’d gained everywhere.

The Moors were unaware of his intentions,

And next day my Lord of Vivar moved on.

He crossed to Alhama, down the gorge he went,

Passed Bubierca and, further on, Ateca.

Near the castle of Alcocer, my Cid made camp,

On a rounded hill that was both steep and high.

Nearby runs the Jalón; he would take Alcocer;

My Cid, Don Rodrigo, wished to take Alcocer.

He positioned his force, he lodged there securely,

Some facing the hills, and others facing the water,

The good Campeador, who in fair hour was born,

Ordered his troops to dig deep, and make a moat,

All about the hill there, and close to the river,

So, they’d not be surprised, by day or night,

And all might know the Cid was entrenched there.

The news soon travelled throughout that land,

That my Cid, the Campeador, was now installed.

He had left the Christian realm for the Moorish;

None dared till the fields in that neighbourhood.

My Cid, and his band of vassals, now kept watch.

The castle of Alcocer rendered him tribute,

Those of Alcocer rendered him tribute, freely,

And the folk of Ateca, and those of Terrer;

While on Calatayud, that debt weighed heavily.

Lines 573-610: El Cid takes the castle of Alcocer on the Jalón’s left bank

There Rodrigo lay, for full fifteen weeks.

When my Cid saw Alcocer would not yield,

He devised a plan, for immediate action.

He left one tent pitched, the others he lowered,

And, with banner raised, rode down the Jalón,

His men well-armoured, their swords girded,

Like prudent folk, to draw the enemy forth.

Alcocer’s folk saw. Lord, how they rejoiced!

‘The Cid has no flour for the baking of bread.

He has left one tent, scarce can carry the rest.

The Cid flees, as if he’s escaped from a rout.

Let’s pursue him now, and we’ll gain the spoils,

Ere those of Terrer come, who’ll leave us none.

And the tribute we gave we’ll gain twice over.’

From Alcocer, the folk rushed forth en masse,

And my Cid, when he saw, fled as if in retreat.

He and his troops, they rode on down the Jalón.

Those of Alcocer cried: ‘Our prize is escaping!’

The great and the small issued forth, in pursuit,

So eager to catch him, they cared for nothing else;

They left the gates open, and none to guard them.

The good Campeador turned his gaze behind him.

He saw that his foes were now far from the castle.

He turned, and spurred back, his banner waving:

‘My knights, strike at them, strike them fearlessly!

With the aid of the Lord, then the battle is ours!’

They clashed with their foes in the midst of the plain.

Dear God, how great was the joy in the morning!

My Cid, and Álvar Fáñez, led the host in attack.

They rode fine steeds, I say, sped as they wished;

Between themselves and the castle were their foes,

The vassals of my Cid struck and showed no mercy,

They killed three hundred Moors in no time at all.

Those that led the attack were whooping loudly,

They turned their chargers, they sped for the castle,

With bared swords they halted there, at the gates.

And the rest soon followed, for the battle was over;

And thus, the Cid, with a ruse, captured Alcocer.

With bared swords they halted there, at the gates

‘With bared swords they halted there, at the gates’

The End of ‘El Cantar de mío Cid: Part I’