With companies most mighty the King leaped on the steed, And him who in good hour was born he went to welcome there. Came the Cid and all his henchmen equipped exceeding fair. Oh! noble troops that follow a captain of such might! When good King don Alfonso of my lord the Cid got sight, My lord the Cid, the Campeador, cast himself on the sward. Himself he thus could humble and do honor to his lord. When the King saw he tarried not. "Saint Isidore to speed! This day so shalt thou never. Mount, Cid, upon the steed! If not, so ends my pleasure. Let us greet on either part With heart and soul. What grieveth thee hath hurt me to the heart. God ordereth that by thee the court this day shall honored be." My lord Cid, the true Campeador, to this "Amen" said he. He kissed his hand and fairly gave him greeting then: "To God now thanks be given, that I see thee, lord, again. To thee I bow, so also to Count don Remónd I bow, To Count Henry and to all men that are in presence now. God save our friends and foremost, sire, may he cherish thee. My wife the Dame Xiména--a worthy dame is she-- Kisses thy hands. My daughters, the twain do so as well, That so thou mayst have pity for the ill thing that befel." "Verily, so God help me," answered the King thereto. CXXXVI. Then homeward to Toledo, the King returned anew. Unfain to cross the Tagus was my lord Cid that night: "A boon, King. The Creator, may he shield thee in His might! Oh sire, do thou get ready to enter in the town. In San Serván my henchman and I will lay us down, For hither in the night-tide shall come those bands of mine; And I will keep my vigil here by the holy shrine. I will come to town tomorrow at the breaking of the day, And, ere I eat my dinner, to court will take my way." To him the King gave answer: "Surely, I am content." Then the King don Alfonso into Toledo went. My lord the Cid Roy Diaz lieth in San Serván. To make candles and to set them on the shrine, his order ran. To watch that sanctuary was gladness to his heart, As he prayed to the Creator and spake to him apart. Minaya, and as many as were gathered of good fame Were in accord together when at length the morning came. CXXXVII. Matins and prime they sang there till the dawn had begun, Before the sun had risen the mass was o'er and done. With rich and timely offering that chapel they endow. "Minaya Alvar Fañez--my strongest arm art thou-- Thyself shall hear me company and the Bishop, don Jerome So too this Muño Gustióz and Per Vermudóz shall come, And Martin Antolínez from Burgos true and tried And with Alvar Salvadórez, Alvar Alvarez beside, And Martin Múñoz who was born in a season of good grace, So likewise Felez Múñoz a nephew of my race. Mal Anda wise exceeding, along with me shall go And the good Galínd Garcíaz of Aragon also. With these knights a round hundred of the good men here ordain. Let all men wear their tunics the harness to sustain, Let them assume the hauberks that white as sunlight glare,