El Cid
(An Excerpt)

(The title El Cid) (the Lord) refers to Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (1040 – 99 ) a Spanish warrior also known as El Campeador (the Champion). Rodrigo de Vivar was immortalize in the epic poem Cantor del Mio Cid. A vassal of Alfonso VI of Castile, he was exiled by the king in 1079, whereupon he began a long career as a soldier of fortune fighting for Spain. Always loyal to his king, he was returned to favour and became protestor, then ruler of Valencia.
This narrative begins just after the exile of El Cid from Castile as a result of gossip spread by jealous peers.)
When he finished speaking, they broke camp, and the Cid and his company rode off at once. The Cid turned his horse’s head toward the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and making the sign of the cross with his right hand, said, “ O, God, who ruleth heaven and earth, I thank thee. Aid me, O holy Mother, of God, with thy might! Now the displeasure of the King drives me from Castile and, I do not know if I shall even live to see my land again. Protect me by thy grace, O Mother of glory, as I depart. Strengthen me and be with me by night and by day. If thou art my prayer, and if good fortune follows me, I shall offer fine and costly gifts at thine altar, and I promise thee a thousand masses will be sung before it.”
Thus the Cid made his solemn farewell. Then they all gave their horses free rein and rode away. Said that loyal knight of Burgos, Martin Antolinez, “ I must have time to go see my wife and arrange for the management of the household in my absence. Let the King take everything I possess if he like; I do not care. I shall be back to join you before sunrise.”
Don Martin returned to Burgos, while the Cid made his way as fast as he could ride toward the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña, and with him those knights who duly served him. Soon the cocks began to crow, and the first signs of day were appearing when the noble Campeador reached San Pedro. As dawn broke, that holy servant of God, Abbot Don Sancho, was saying his morning prayers. Doña Jimena, attended by five worthy ladies in waiting, was praying to Saint Peter and the Creator, “O thou who guides the lives of all, watch over my Cid Campeador!”
The Cid’s party knocked at the door, and the call was heard within. O Lord, what pleasure Abbot Don Sancho showed! Carrying torches and candles, the monks all poured out into the courtyard to give a jubilant reception to the hero born in a blessed hour.
“Thanks be to God,” cried Abbot Don Sancho, “for your arrival! The hospitality of this house is yours.”
Replied the Cid, born in a blessed hour, “My thanks, worthy Abbot; I am pleased by your kindness, I shall get food for myself and for my vassals.
“I am leaving this country and I want to give you fifty marks; if I live, you will someday see this sum doubled. Since I do not wish to put your monastery to any expense, I am giving you a hundred marks more to shelter Doña Jimena and her daughters and their ladies during the year. In your trust, Abbot Don Sancho, I leave my two little daughters; attend them and my wife with all heed. If this money should be too meagre to supply their needs, spare no expense, I charge you, and I promise to repay fourfold to the monastery every mark you spend.”
The Abbot declared that he would gladly comply with the Cid’s request.
Now Doña Jimena appeared before the Cid, followed by ladies in waiting who were carrying her two daughters in their arms. Doña Jimena knelt before the Campeador; tears came to her eyes as she kissed his hands.
“O Campeador, born in a blessed hour! Evil plotters have driven you from your land.
“Hear me, O Cid of the noble beard! Here before you I am with your daughters, little ones of tender age, and with my ladies who must serve me. You are to depart, and we must be separated from you. Tell us, for the love of Saint Mary, what are we to do?”
He of the noble beard reached out his arms and took into them his little heart with deep affection. Tears came to his eyes and he sighed. “O Doña Jimena, my wonderful wife, I love you more than my very soul. The hours of parting has come; I must go away and leave you here. May God and Saint Mary yet grant me to see the day when I may give these daughters of mine in marriage; may I live to see such fortune and to serve you again, my honoured wife.”
A mighty repast was spread for the noble Campeador, and loudly the bells of Sann Pedro pealed out.
Throughout Castile ran the report of the Cid Campeador’s banishment. To follow him, men gave up their homes and estates. That very day, a hundred and fifteen knights gathered at the bridge on the Arlanzon inquiring the whereabouts of the Cid Campeador. Joined by Martin Antolinez, they went to meet the Cid at the monastery of San Pedro.
When the Cid Rodrigo de Vivar got word of this addition to his forces, whereby his prestige was also increased, he rode out at once to meet the newcomers. As he came within sight of them, he smiled. Then, each one approached and kissed his hand in token of vassalage. With great feeling the Cid addressed them, “ I pray to our God and Spiritual Father that before I die I may be able to repay you, who have abandoned me your homes and estates in order to join me. What you have lost you shall regain twofold.”
The Cid rejoiced greatly to see his forces increased, and all his men rejoiced with him.