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El Cantar de mío Cid

(The Song of My Lord)

Part II, Conflict with Valencia and Barcelona

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

Lines 611-622: El Cid decides to hold Alcocer

Came Pero Bermúdez, with the banner in hand,

And, upon the topmost point, set it on high.

Then spoke my Lord Cid, the famed Campeador:

‘Give thanks to God now, and His saints above,

Here are better lodgings for steeds and their masters.

Hear me, Álvar Fáñez, and all of you knights,

We have gained great spoils in seizing this castle.

The Moors are defeated, I see few still living.

The men and women that are left I’ll not sell,

While by their deaths there’s naught to be gained.

Let them live with us, for the ownership’s ours;

We’ll seize their houses, and they can serve us.’

Lines 623-642: The Moors send word to the King of Valencia

Now, my Cid, with his troops, lay in Alcocer;

Having sent for the tents that he’d left behind.

This burdened Ateca, and pleased not Terrer,

And weighed hard on Calatayud, as we know.

To the King of Valencia, they bore the tidings,

That a man called El Cid, one Ruy Díaz de Vivar,

In disgrace with Alfonso, who’d ordered his exile,

Had camped in a useful place, near Alcocer,

Trapped them in ambush, and taken the castle:

‘Help us not, and you’ll lose Terrer and Ateca;

And you’ll lose Calatayud, for it cannot escape.

And all will go ill, on the banks of our river,

And upon the Jiloca, that flows to the Jalón.’

When King Tamin heard this, his heart weighed heavy:

‘Three Moorish kings I see standing before me.

Brook no delay, and let two of you march there;

Three thousand Moors you may take, fully-armed,

While those on the border will surely assist you.

Take this warrior alive, and bring him before me.

He entered my realm; he can pay compensation.’

Lines 643-664: King Tamin’s army marches on Alcocer

Three thousand Moors mounted, and set forth to ride,

By night, reached Segorbe, and camped on the spot.

Next day, in the morning, they rode forth again,

And by night came to Cella, where they remained,

Sending word for those on the border to gather.

Without hesitation, those men came and joined them.

They rode from Cella, the place named ‘del Canal’,

And they rode all that day, for they brooked no rest,

Till they reached Calatayud, and there they made camp.

Through all of those lands, the news soon passed,

That a vast host of warriors had joined together

With those under the two kings, Fáriz and Galve,

To besiege, at Alcocer, my brave leader, the Cid.

The foe took up position; they set up their camp.

Their force was growing, their people were many,

And many the scouts that the Moors could deploy.

Day and night, they rode out, clad in full armour;

Full many the scouts, and vast the kings’ forces.

And they cut off the water supply to the fortress.

My Cid’s men desired to go forth and do battle,

But he, that was born in a fair hour, forbade it.

For three full weeks they remained under siege.

For three full weeks they remained under siege

‘For three full weeks they remained under siege’

Lines 665-681: The Cid seeks counsel from his captains

After three weeks, as the fourth week commenced,

Ruy gathered his captains, and sought their counsel:

‘They deny us water, our stores we’ve exhausted,

If we try to depart in the night, they’ll prevent us;

While vast is their army if we should seek battle,

Advise me, my captains, what action to take.’

First to speak was that worthy general, Minaya:

‘We few are now exiled from fairest Castile;

Our survival depends on us fighting the Moors.

We have six hundred warriors, and a few over;

In the name of the Lord, what else can we do?

Let us fight them tomorrow, and brook no delay!’

Said the Campeador: ‘You speak to my liking;

You seek honour, Minaya, as I would expect!’

He expelled the Moorish men, and their women,

So that his foes might not learn his intention.

Day and night, they set themselves to prepare.

Lines 682-703: El Cid attacks the army of the two kings

Early next morn, as the bright sun was rising,

The Cid armed himself, and his forces likewise.

And Rodrigo then spoke as you will hear tell:

‘Let all go forth, now; let no man remain here,

Except for two, to stand guard on the gateway.

If we die in the field, our foes enter the castle;

If we win this battle, then all will be wealthy.

You, Pero Bermúdez, take good hold of the banner;

Fine knight that you are, you’ll bear it steadfastly,

But don’t spur ahead, now, unless I so order.’

Pero kissed the Cid’s hand, and raised the banner;

They opened the gate, and then, swiftly, went forth.

They opened the gate, and then, swiftly, went forth

‘They opened the gate, and then, swiftly, went forth’

The Moorish scouts saw, and fled to their camp.

How quickly the Moors were roused, and re-armed!

The earth seemed to quake, at the sound of the drums,

As the Moors formed up, grasping their weapons.

Over their ranks, there now fluttered two banners,

Over twin formations of countless foot-soldiers.

The ranks of the Moors now marched forth to battle,

Seeking to capture my Cid, and his captains.

‘Wait,’ cried the Cid, ‘and maintain good order,

And let no man break ranks, till I so command!’

Lines 704-721: Pero Bermúdez pierces the enemy ranks

But Pero Bermúdez could stand it no longer,

And, banner in hand, he spurred on his steed:

‘Cid, faithful Campeador, may God aid you,

Into the heart of their ranks goes your banner,

Those who hold true, let us see how you follow!’

‘For heaven’s sake, hold you still!’ cried the Cid.

‘It waits upon none!’ answered Pero Bermúdez.

He spurred on his steed, and he entered their ranks,

As the Moors attacked him, to win the Cid’s banner.

They dealt mighty blows but failed to unseat him.

‘For heaven’s sake, aid him!’ commanded the Cid.

They raised their shields to their chests then, as one,

They lowered their lances, the pennons a-flutter,

Over their saddlebows, bowed down their faces,

And, hearts full of courage, they rode to attack.

He that was born in a fair hour, cried loudly:

‘For love of charity, strike home my knights!

El Cid, Ruy Díaz de Vivar, your leader, am I.’

Lines 722-743: The roll-call of Christian captains

They all struck at the foes about Pero Bermúdez,

Three hundred lancers, with pennons a-fluttering,

And many a Moor there was killed at a blow;

And as many, I say, died, as they charged again.

Many a lance you’d have seen raised and lowered;

Many a shield struck, and pierced right through;

Many a chain-mail coat broken and shattered;

Many a white pennon trailing, blood-smeared;

And many a steed, straying, shorn of its rider!

The Moors cried ‘Mahomet!’, our men ‘Santiago!’,

Thirteen hundred Moors, in a brief space, fell dead.

How well he fought, high on his gilded saddle,

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, much the finest of warriors!

Minaya Álvar Fáñez, who commanded Zorita,

Martín Antolínez, that fine citizen of Burgos,

Muño Gustioz, the Cid’s faithful attendant,

And Martín Muñoz, who ruled Montemayor,

Álvar Álvarez, and Álvar Salvadórez,

Galín García, that fine Aragónese,

Félez Muñoz, the Campeador’s nephew,

With all the brave knights that were there, about him,

Rallied to the flag, and the Campeador.

Lines 744-771: El Cid aids Álvar Fáñez and fights Fáriz

Minaya Álvar Fáñez saw his horse slain beneath him;

The Christian troops raced, at once, to his rescue.

His lance now broken, he drew his sharp blade,

And, though on foot, struck many a fierce blow.

My Cid, Ruy Díaz of Castile, viewed his efforts;

He drew nigh a vizier, who rode a fine steed,

And with his right arm dealt a stroke of his sword

That cut him in two, and felled him to the ground.

He rode on, gave the steed to Minaya Álvar Fáñez.

‘Ride on, brave Minaya, my right arm today!

This very hour, in your deeds I find succour.’

Yet the Moors stood firm, not one foe fled the field,

As Minaya rode on, his good sword in his hand,

Fighting fiercely amid the ranks of the enemy,

And slaying, swiftly, every warrior he met.

My Cid Ruy Díaz, the one born in a fair hour,

Launched three mighty blows against King Fáriz.

Two missed their mark, but the third struck home,

And the blood flowed down from the coat of mail.

The king then drew rein, and turned quickly to flee.

With that one fine blow, the Moors were defeated.

Martín Antolínez aimed a stroke at King Galve;

The gemstones on his helm, he broke them asunder;

He shattered the casque, and so left the scalp bare,

But he waited not, there, to receive a reply!

King Fáriz and King Galve, both were defeated.

And, for Christendom’s ranks, fine was that day,

As, on every side, now, the Moors fled the field!

Lines 772-809: El Cid celebrates victory over the Moors

The forces of El Cid attacked them; they ran;

While the king, Fáriz, in Terrer sought refuge,

Though that place it failed to welcome Galve,

Who sought Calatayud, as swift as he could.

The Campeador followed, at once, in pursuit,

And to Calatayud he chased the king thus.

Meanwhile Minaya Álvar Fáñez’ steed ran well,

And he slew a full thirty-four Moorish foes,

Slashing with his blade, gore drenching his arm,

From his elbow the crimson blood running down.

‘I am content,’ cried Minaya Álvar Fáñez,

‘For, now, the dire tidings will reach Castile,

That my Cid, Ruy Díaz, has gained the battle.’

A host of Moors now lay dead; few survived,

As, unafraid, their foes chased them down.

The band returned, the Campeador’s company;

My Cid mounted proudly, upon his fine steed;

His head-gear sharp-creased; full-bearded was he,

His mail-hood thrown back, his sword in his hand,

As he viewed his brave warriors on their return:

‘Thanks be to the Lord, who dwells high above,

For full mighty it was, the battle we’ve gained!’

His men had stripped all the spoils from the foe;

Shields, arms, and the rest, from the enemy camp;

They’d five hundred and ten steeds in their hands.

Great was the joy then, among all the Christians,

For no more than fifteen of their own had been lost.

They brought countless sacks of gold and silver,

Rich in spoils was that band of armed Christians.

The kings had sought safety, there in their castles,

While my Cid commanded the spoils to be shared;

And great was my Cid’s joy midst his vassals,

As he ordered the steeds and the wealth divided.

In his fifth, he received a good hundred horses;

Lord, how well he now repaid all his vassals,

Both the soldiers afoot and the mounted knights!

The famed Campeador shared the spoils, fairly,

Satisfying all those who’d marched with him to war.

Lines 810-836: He sends Minaya to Castile

‘Hark, Minaya, my right arm’, said the Cid,

‘Take as much in your hands, now, as you wish

Of these spoils granted us, by the Creator.

I would have you carry the news to Castile

Of this conflict, and the great battle we’ve won.

To him who has banished me, King Alfonso,

I would send thirty horses, as a peace offering,

All complete with a splendid saddle and bridle,

And a sword hanging down from the saddlebow.’

Minaya Álvar Fáñez said: ‘I’ll gladly do so.’

‘Here’s a boot full of gold, mingled with silver,

Said the Cid, ‘so go, naught is lacking, arrange,

There in Burgos cathedral, a thousand masses;

What remains retain for my wife and daughters;

Ask that they pray for me each night and day.

If I live, they shall be the wealthiest of ladies.’

Minaya Álvar was pleased with his mission,

And those were named to ride in company.

They all dined; full soon came the darkness;

He took counsel, my Cid Ruy Díaz, with his men:

‘Now, Minaya, when you have come to Castile,

Give these good tidings to all who are friends;

Say God aided us, and so we won the battle.

On your return join us here, or ride on,

If we’ve left, and find us wherever we’ve gone.

We’ll defend ourselves with lance and sword,

Or we’ll not survive in this harsh, bitter land.’

Lines 837-851: King Fáriz sells Alcocer to the Moors of the borderland

This agreed, Minaya Álvar left next morning,

As the Cid withdrew his men from the field.

That land was harsh indeed, bitter and bare,

And the Moors of the borderlands, and others,

Both night and day, kept good watch on my Cid.

Fáriz was well; the border folk met with him.

Those of Ateca, and the men from Terrer,

And those of the richest place, Calatayud,

Set down Alcocer’s true value on parchment;

Three thousand silver marks they paid for it.

In Alcocer was ensconced the Campeador.

How well the Cid recompensed his vassals,

For his knights and foot-soldiers he’d made rich!

Among all his men, you’d not find a poor one.

He who serves a good lord ever lives in joy!

Lines 852-870: El Cid campaigns south of the Jalón

When my Cid now sought to leave Alcocer,

The Moors, both men and women, lamented:

‘You will leave us, El Cid? Our prayers go with you!

Sire, we were content with your rulership here.’

When my Cid, he of Vivar, departed the castle,

The Moors, men and women, stood there and wept.

My Cid raised his banner; Ruy Díaz rode forth,

Crossed south of the Jalón, and rode straight ahead.

On his leaving the Jalón, the omens seemed good.

It pleased all Terrer, Calatayud’s folk more,

But dismayed Alcocer, to which he’d done good.

My Cid spurred onwards; he rode straight ahead;

He lodged, on a hill, by Monreal del Campo,

The site being wondrously steep there, and high,

Thus, from either flank, the Cid feared no attack.

First, from Daroca he demanded full tribute,

Then Molina de Aragón, there, to the west,

And later, southwards, the town of Teruel,

Holding Cella del Canal, twixt these, in his hands.

My Cid, Ruy Díaz, may the Lord show him grace!

Lines 871-897: Minaya’s audience with King Alfonso, in Castile

Gone to Castile, was Minaya Álvar Fáñez;

He presented the thirty steeds, there, to the king.

The king viewed them; he smiled with pleasure:

‘By the Lord, who gives them to me, Minaya?’

‘My Cid, Ruy Díaz, in fair hour a sword-bearer,

Has defeated two kings of the Moors in battle.

Abundant, Sire, were the spoils that he gained.

To you, your majesty, he sends these fair gifts.

He kisses your feet, Sire, he kisses your hands,

That he might know your favour, God aid you!’

Said the king: ‘It’s too soon to forgive an exile,

A man out of favour, a mere three weeks later.

But since they are Moorish spoils, I accept them.

I’m pleased with El Cid, he that has gained them.

In addition to that, I forgive you, Minaya;

Your land and possessions to you are restored.

Come and go, as you wish; you have my favour,

But I’ll say naught, as yet, of the Campeador.

In addition to all that, here’s my word, Minaya,

That for all my reign, the good men and valiant,

That wish to march, and to give aid to my Cid,

I free them bodily, granting them their estates.’

Minaya Álvar Fáñez, he kissed the king’s hands:

‘I thank you, my lord by natural right, Sire.

This you do now; more may you do later.’

‘Go through Castile; by my grace, go Minaya;

Ride without fear, to my Cid, and seek riches.’

Lines 898-913: El Cid campaigns north-east and south-west of Monreal

I tell of the one who bore sword in a fair hour;

As long as Christian or Moor holds the place,

The hill on which he camped will be known,

And quite rightfully so, as El Poyo de mío Cid.

While he dwelt there, he captured much land,

Garnering tribute from the Martín valley.

In Zaragoza, the news of all this was received,

To the Moors’ displeasure; heavy it weighed.

For a full fifteen weeks, my Cid camped there.

When he found that Minaya was badly delayed,

Abandoning the site, he departed El Poyo,

And he and his troops marched through the night,

Such that, having ventured beyond Teruel,

In the pine-woods of Tébar, Don Ruy camped.

All of the land, north-east, south-west, he pillaged,

And demanded full tribute from Zaragoza.

Lines 914-933: Minaya returns from Castile

After all this, when three weeks had passed,

Minaya returned from his tasks in Castile.

Two hundred men bearing swords marched with him,

And soldiers on foot, their number past counting.

When El Cid saw Minaya arrive at the gallop,

He sped to embrace his companion, warmly.

He kissed his mouth, and the eyes in his face.

Minaya hid naught, saying what had transpired;

Ruy, the Campeador, smiled with pleasure:

‘Thanks be to the Lord, and his sacred powers;

For as long as I live, all shall go well, Minaya!’

My God, how happy were all the companions,

On the arrival there of Minaya Álvar Fáñez,

Bringing news of their siblings and nephews,

And word from the friends they had left behind!

My God, the delight of their bearded leader,

That Minaya had paid for a thousand Masses,

And brought him news of his wife and daughters.

My God, with what pleasure, he showed his joy:

‘May you live for many a day, Álvar Fáñez!’

Lines 934-952: El Cid campaigns around Alcañiz

The famed Campeador he brooked no delay,

But laid waste to the land about Alcañiz,

Plundering the villages in that whole region,

And then, on the third day, he made his return.

Now the tidings spread throughout the land,

Troubling the north, from Monzón to Huesca!

Since they paid welcome tribute to Zaragoza,

They’d feared no harm from my Cid, Ruy Díaz.

His men returned to his camp with the plunder,

All were content with the spoils they had brought,

Which pleased my Cid, and Minaya, greatly.

Unable to stop himself, Ruy Díaz smiled.

‘Ah, my knights, true is this that I say now:

He who’s rooted to one spot, his wealth may wane.

In the dawn light, tomorrow, prepare to ride,

Let us leave this encampment, and issue forth.’

To the pass of Alacón, the Cid removed;

Montalbán, and Huesca, he raided from there,

Spending ten full days on that same campaign.

Lines 953- 965: The Count of Barcelona, Berenguer Ramon II, hears of his predations

The tidings were spread through every region:

The exile from Castile was dealing them harm.

The tidings were spread through every region,

Till the news reached the Count of Barcelona,

That Ruy Díaz was marauding midst his realm.

It troubled him, since it brought great dishonour.

The count, being vain, said a most foolish thing:

‘El Cid of Vivar, has brought on me much shame;

At my court, he once did me a grave offence,

Striking my nephew, without making amends.

Now he harms the folk under my protection.

I attacked him not, nor have thought him my foe,

But if it’s a reckoning he seeks, he shall find it!’

Lines 966-983: The Count sends his forces against the Cid

Came a host of warriors, Moors and Christians

‘Came a host of warriors, Moors and Christians’

Great were his forces, and swift they arrived.

Came a host of warriors, Moors and Christians,

And rode forth gainst my Cid, the knight of Vivar.

For three whole days and nights they advanced,

And found my Cid in the pine-woods of Tébar,

Their force so mighty they thought to hold him.

My Cid, Don Rodrigo, was bearing much wealth.

He rode down from the mountains into a valley.

A message he’d had from the count, Don Ramon,

And the Cid, on receiving it, gave his reply:

‘Tell the Count not to view my presence, wrongly;

I take naught; he should let me pass by in peace.’

The Count replied: ‘That, in truth, shall not happen!

For this, and for that past deed, he shall pay me.

The exile will find who it is he’s dishonoured!’

Back went the messenger, swift as he could.

My Cid, knight of Vivar, saw how things stood,

That they’d not escape without a fierce battle.

Lines 984-1010: El Cid defeats the Count and his army

El Cid cried: ‘My knights, lay the spoils aside now,

And don your armour, and take up your weapons,

For this Count Don Ramon, he offers us battle,

Of Moors and Christians, he’s gathered a host.

He’ll not let us escape without forcing a battle;

Soon or late, it must come; and so, let it be here.

Cinch the horses’ girths then, and don your armour,

Downhill they will come, likely wearing but hose,

Their steeds’ cinches loosened, on riding-saddles.

Galician saddles are ours, and we all ride booted;

With a mere hundred knights we shall defeat them.

Before they can reach the plain, present lances;

For each that you’ll strike, three saddles go empty.

This Berenguer Ramon will learn whom he chases,

Seeking my spoils, in the pine-woods of Tébar!’

All readied themselves, once the Cid had ceased,

Donning their armour, they mounted their horses,

Viewing the Frankish force riding downhill.

As their foe reached the valley, close to the plain,

My Cid, born in a fair hour, called them to strike.

This his warriors did, most willingly and gladly,

Their lances, pennons a-fluttering, well-handled.

They wounded some, and unseated the others.

The one, in a fair hour born, gained the battle,

And held, as his prisoner, Count Berenguer Ramon.

My Cid won the fight, to his lasting honour,  

And Colada, the sword worth a hundred in silver.

Lines 1011-1031: He holds the Count captive

He captured the Count, and took him to his camp,

And he ordered his faithful servants to guard him.

From his tent he went forth, no more than a step

Before his warriors had gathered about him.

My Cid was most pleased, for the spoils were great;

A fine feast they prepared for my Cid, Don Rodrigo.

Count Berenguer Ramon thought little of this;

Though they brought the dishes, set them before him,

He scorned the feast, and refused to partake:

‘For the wealth that’s in Spain, I’d not eat a morsel,

I would quit my body, and lose my soul, rather;

Tis an ill-shod rabble has seized me in battle.’

You shall hear the reply, from my Cid, Ruy Díaz:

‘Eat of this bread, Count, and drink of my wine;

If you do as I seek, you’ll be captive no more;

Choose not to do so: you’ll forego your freedom.’

Count Ramon gave answer: ‘You eat; and enjoy it;

I shall look to die, since I’ve no wish to dine so.’

For the space of three days, amidst which the spoils,

Which proved immense, were shared between them,

El Cid failed to persuade him to eat of his bread.

Lines 1032-1064: He then grants the Count his freedom

‘Count, come, eat a morsel of bread, now’ he said,

‘Choose not to do so: you forego your freedom.

While if you but receive this small plea of mine,

The bodies I’ll free, of yourself and two nobles,

And grant you your liberty, of my own will.’

On hearing these words, the Count was delighted:

‘If you do this, my Cid, if you do as you’ve said,

I shall spend my whole life admiring the deed.’

‘Then eat, Count, and when you’ve thus dined,

I’ll grant yourself and two noblemen freedom.

But of all you’ve lost, all I’ve gained in the field,

I’ll not deign to return you a single penny.

No, I’ll not give back the spoils I’ve acquired,

Since I need them all for myself and my vassals,

Who’ve suffered hardship with me; all is mine!

As one in exile, who endures the king’s anger,  

By taking from others, like this, I’ll survive;

While it pleases the Holy Father, I’ll live so.’

The Count now sought water, to bathe his hands,

Which was brought swiftly, then gladly he ate.

How well the Count and the two nobles dined,

All at liberty now, to eat, thus, as free men!

The famed Campeador looked on beside them:

‘Unless you dine well, in accord with my wishes,

Here, Count, we’ll remain, and never be parted.’

‘Willingly, gladly, I’ll do so,’ the Count said,

As he ate, hastily, between his companions,

And my Cid, who looked on, was truly content,

As Don Ramon’s hands went this way and that.

‘If it please you,’ said the Count, ‘we are done;

Have our horses brought, and then we shall ride.

Since I became Count, I’ve ne’er dined so well,

And the pleasure of this shall ne’er be forgotten.’

Lines 1065-1085: The Count of Barcelona departs

They were granted three, well-saddled palfreys,

Fine clothes, and furs, and most splendid mantles,

Then Count Don Ramon rode away twixt the two,

Our Castilian leading, till the three left the camp.

Said El Cid, ‘Count, you depart as a free man.

I’m grateful for all that you leave behind you.

If you decide you would seek your revenge

And search for me, yet you’ll fail to find me.

Send forth men, I’ll gain something of yours,

If they should fail to gain something of mine.’

‘Be content, Ruy Díaz, from me you are safe,

I’ve gained satisfaction enough for this year,

Nor would I dream of attempting to seek you.’

The Count now spurred his steed on its way,

Yet kept turning his head, and glancing back,

Fearing the Cid might reverse his intention,

Who’d never have done so for aught on this earth,

Since, an act of ill-faith he’d never committed.

The Count was gone; he of Vivar returned

And joined his men, to view the shares dealt

Of all the vast, wondrous spoils they had won.

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