The Lay of the Cid. Folio 21r

From the ridge unto the valley he had finished the descent.
And in that place they bore him Count don Remond his word.
My lord Cid sent unto him when the message he had heard:

"Say to the Count that it were well his anger now should cease.
No goods of his I carry. Let him leave me in peace."

Thereto the Count gave answer: "Not so the matter ends.
For what was and is of evil he shall make me full amends.
The Exile shall know swiftly whom he has sought to slight.'
Back hastened the ambassador as swiftly as he might.
And then my lord Cid of Bivar knew how the matter lay,
And that without a battle they could not get away.

LVII

"Ha! lay aside your booty now every cavalier,
And take in hand your weapons, and get n your battle-gear.
Count don Remond against us will deliver battle strong;
Great bands of Moors and Christians he brings with him along.
He will not for any reason without fighting let us go.
Here let us have the battle since they pursue us so.
So get you on your armour and girth the horses tight.
Down the hill they come in hosen and their saddles are but light,
And loose their girths. Each man of us has a Galician selle,
And moreover with the jackboots are our hosen covered well.
We should beat them though we numbered but fivescore cavaliers.
Before they reach the level, let us front them with the spears.
For each you strike three saddles thereby shall empty go.
Who was the man he hunted, Remond Berenguer shall know
This day in Tevar's pine grove, who would take from me my prey."