They fettled them for riding, when all his words were o'er; With utmost speed they hastened, their march they would not stay. They have passed by Saint Mary's. At Froncháles rested they. Next day into Molína, their halting-place, they spurred. When those tidings the Morisco Avengalvón had heard, To welcome them with joyance unto them did he descend: "Are you then come the vassals of my heart's dearest friend? Be it known it grieves me little. Therein my joy is great." And Muño Gustióz answered, for no man would he wait: "My lord Cid sends thee greeting, as also his command That with an hundred horsemen thou shalt serve him out of hand. In the city of Medína lie his wife and danghters twain. Thou wilt go for them straightway and bring them here again, Even unto Valencia thou shalt not from them part." Avengalvón gave answer: "I will do it with glad heart." That night he chose them escort, a mighty band were they. In the morning they got ready anew to take the way. They asked for but an hundred; ten score had he forby. They passed across the mountains that we re so steep and high, And through the thicket of Toránz, so strong they had no dread. And along through Arbujuélo adown the vale they sped. Now round about Medína they watched on every side, Minaya Alvar Fañez that armed train descried. He was afraid and sent two knights the meaning to make plain. They delayed not, to discover his desire their hearts were fain. One stayed, to Alvar Fañez the other came once more: "A company to seek us comes from the Campeador. Per Vermudóz, lo, foremost among those ranks is he, And likewise Muño Gustióz that frankly loveth thee, And Martin Antolínez that was born in Burgos town, And don Jerome the Bishop of honorable renown. Avellgalvon the Castellan bringeth his host with these, In eagerness the honor of my lord Cid to increase. They march along together. They will be here anon." Said Minaya: "Forth now let us ride." And swiftly was it done, They would not stay. An hundred most splendidly arrayed Sallied forth on noble horses with trappings of brocade. Bells hung upon the martingales, the knights their bucklers bore At the neck, and carried lances whence flew the flags of war That Alvar Fañez' wisdom to all they might reveal, And in what guise with those ladies he had issued from Castile. All they that reconnoitering before the army ran Now lifted up their weapons, and to make good cheer began. Great mirth was there when all the rest to the Jalón drew nigh. When they came unto Minaya they did him homage high. And when Avengalvón was come, and might Minaya see, Then forward to embrace him with smiling lips came he. On the shoulder he saluted him, for such was still his way: "O Minaya Alvar Fañez! For thee what glorious day! Thou bringest here these ladies, whence we shall have great good, The fighting Cid his consort, and the daughters of his blood. We all shall do thee honor for his fortune groweth great.