The King with hand uplifted signed the cross upon his face. "By San Isidro of León, I swear it by his grace Is no nobleman so mighty our whole country o'er." My lord Cid on the charger came then the King before, And of his lord Alfonso there has he kissed the hand. "To start fleet Baviéca thou gavest me command. Today no Moor nor Christian has a horse so strong and swift. Sire, unto thee I give him. Say thou wilt accept the gift." Then said the King: "No pleasure would I have therein indeed. If I took him, then less glorious were the master of the steed. But a horse like this befitteth too well a man like thee, Swift to chase the Moors ye routed in the battle, when they flee. Who that war-horse taketh from thee, God succor not again, For by thee and by the charger to great honor we attain." Their leave then have they taken. He left the Court forthright. The Campeador most wisely counselled them who were to fight: "Ha, Martin Antolínez! Per Vermudóz thou, too, So likewise Muño Gustióz, my tried man and true. Be resolute in combat like the gentlemen ye be. See that of you good tidings in Valencia come to me." Said Martin Antolínez: "Oh sire, what sayest thou? For we must bear the burden we accepted even now. Thou shalt hear naught of the vanquished, though haply of the slain." He who in happy hour was born, thereof was glad and fain. Of all his leave he taketh that for his friends are known. Went my lord Cid to Valencia, and the King to Carrión. But now the three weeks' respite of the term is past and o'er. Lo! at the time appointed, they who serve the Campeador, The debt their lord laid on them they were very fain to pay. In safe-keeping of Alfonso, King of León, were they. There for the Heirs of Carrión for two days' space they stayed. With horses and caparisons, came the Heirs there well arrayed. And in close compact with them have agreed their kinsmen all, On the Campeador his henchmen, if in secret they might fall, To slay them in the meadows, because their lords were silent. They did not undertake it, though foul was their intent, For of Alfonso of León they stood in mighty dread. Watch o'er their arms they kept that night. And prayers to God they said.