CIV. In the city of Valencia, my lord Cid Campeador Did not tarry, but the parley, he prepared himself therefor. There were stout mules a-many and palfreys swift to course, Great store of goodly armour, and many a fleet war-horse, Many fair cloaks and mantles, and many skins withal; In raiment of all colors are clad both great and small. Minaya Alvar Fañez and Per Vermudóz that wight, Martin Muñoz in Montemayór that held the rule of right, And Martin Antolínez that in Burgos had his home, And that most worthy cleric, the Bishop don Jerome, And with Alvar Salvadórez Alvar Alvarez beside, And likewise Muño Gustióz a gallant knight and tried, Also Galínd Garcíaz, that in Aragon abode, These to ride with the good Campeador got ready for the road. And the people in the palace prepared them all and one. Unto Alvar Salvadórez and the man of Aragon, Galínd Garcíaz, his command has given the Campeador That heart and soul Valencia they shall guard it and watch o'er. And, moreover, all the others on their behests shall wait. And my lord Cid has ordered that they bar the castle gate And nowise throw it open either by night or day. His wife and his two daughters within the hold are they, Whom he loves best, and the ladies that do their pleasure still. And he has so disposed it, even as a good lord will, That not a soul among them shall venture from the tower, Till to them he returneth, who was born in happy hour. They issued from Valencia, forward they spurred along. On their right were many horses, that were both swift and strong. The Cid had ta 'en them. No man would have given him a steed. And he rideth to the parley, the which he had decreed With the King. In passage of a day, he came the King before. When anear they saw him coming, the gallant Campeador, With great worship to receive him, forth unto him they ride. When he had looked upon them, who was born in a glad tide, He halted his companions save his knights of dearest worth. With fifteen of his henchmen he leaped down unto the earth, As he who in good hour was born had willed that it should be. Forthwith to earth he bends him on the hand and on the knee. And the grass of the meadow with his very teeth he rent, And wept exceeding sorely so great was his content. How well unto Alfonso to do homage doth he know And there before his sovereign's foot he cast him even so. As for the King Alfonso, at heart it irked him sore: "Rise up! Rise up upon thy feet, O thou Cid Campeador, And kiss my hand, nor prithee in this guise my feet embrace, And if thou wilt not do it, thou shalt not have my grace." But natheless the good Campeador yet knelt on bended knee: "As of my rightful master, I ask a boon of thee, And namely that thy favor on me thou wilt bestow, So that all men about us the thing may hear and know." Said the King: "Now that right gladly and of good heart will I do; And here I give thee pardon, and my favor I renew. And thee unto my kingdom right welcome I will make."