Greatly content were they of the Cid's company with the victory no less than with the spoil, and a feast worthy of princes was prepared to celebrate the occasion. In courtesy the Cid invited the defeated Count Raymond to feast with him, but he refused the invitation with hauteur, saying that his capture by outlaws had taken away his appetite. Nettled at this display of rudeness, the Cid told him that he would not see his realms again until he broke bread and drank wine with him. Three whole days did the Count refuse to touch all provender, and on the third day the Cid promised him immediate freedom if he would break his fast. This was too much for the haughty Berenger, whose hunger now outmatched his scruples. "Powers above!" exclaims the poet, "with what gust did he eat! His hands plied so quickly that my Cid [32] might not see their play." The Cid then gave him his liberty, and they parted on good terms. "Ride on, ride on, my noble Count, a free Frank as thou art; For all the spoil thou leavest me I thank thee from my heart. And if to turn the chance of fate against me thou shalt come, Right gladly shall I listen for the echoes of thy drum." "Nay, Roderick, I leave in peace and peace I shall maintain; From me thou sure hast spoil enow to count a twelvemonth's gain." He drove the spur, but backward glanced, he feared for treachery; So black a thought the Cid had harboured not for Christendie. No, not for all the wealthy world, who kept his soul in light. Whose heart as his so free from guile, the very perfect knight? The Cid Makes War Seaward Turning from Huesca and Montalvan, the Cid began to make war toward the salt sea. His eastward march struck terror to the hearts of the Moors of Valencia. They took counsel together, and resolved to send such a host against him as they thought he might not withstand. But he routed them with such a slaughter that they dared face him no more. Three years did the Cid war in that country, and his many conquests there were long to tell. He and his men sat themselves down in the land as kings, reaped its corn, and ate its bread. And a great famine came upon the Moors, so that thousands perished.