The Lay of the Cid. Folio 3r

IX

Raquel and Vidas sate to count their goods and profits through,
When up came Antolinez the prudent man and true.
«How now Raquel and Vidas, am I dear unto your heart,
I would speak close». They tarried not. All three they went apart.
«Give me, Raquel and Vidas, your hands for promise sure
That you will not betray me to Christian or to Moor.
I shall make you rich forever. You shall ne'er be needy more.
When to gather in the taxes went forth the Campeador,
Many rich goods he garnered, but he only kept the best.
Therefore this accusation against him was addressed.
And now two mighty coffers full of pure gold hath he.
Why he lost the King's favor a man may lightly see.
He has left his halls and houses, his meadow and his field,
And the chests he cannot bring you lest he should stand revealed.
The Campeador those coffers will deliver to your trust.

»And do you lend unto him whatsoever may be just.
Do you take the chests and keep them, but swear a great oath here
That you will not look within them for the space of all this year».

The two took counsel: «Something to our profit must inure