The Lay of the Cid. Folio 20r

"God and his righteousness divine be greatly praised therefor.
While thou shalt live, Minaya, well goeth this my game."

L

God! How happy was the army that thus Minaya came,
For of them they left behind them he brought the tidings in,
From comrade and from brethren and the foremost of their kin.

LI

But God! What a glad aspect the Cid fair-bearded wore
That duly had Minaya paid for masses fifty score,
And of his wife and daughters all of the state displayed!
God! How content was he thereat! What noble cheer he made!
"Ha! Alvar Fanez, many now may thy life-days be.
What fair despatch thou madest! Thou art worth more than we."

LII

And he who in good hour was born tarried in no way then,
But he took knights two hundred, and all were chosen men;
And forth when fell the evening a-raiding did they haste.
At Alcaniz the meadows the Campeador laid waste,
And gave all places round about to ravage and to sack.
On the third day to whence he came the Cid again turned back.

LIII

Thro' all the country roundabout have the tidings of them flown.
It grieved the men of Huesca and the people of Monzon.
Glad were they in Zaragoza since the tribute they had paid,
For outrage at Roy Diaz's hand no whit were they afraid.

LIV

Then back to their encampment they hastened with their prey.
All men were very merry for a mighty spoil had they.
The Cid was glad exceeding; Alvar Fanez liked it well.
But the great Cid smiled, for there at ease he could not bear to dwell.
"Ha! All my knights, unto you the truth will I confess:
Who still in one place tarries, his fortune will grow less.