The Lay of the Cid. Folio 26v

Gladly would I know, Minaya, what may the number be
Of my henchmen, as at present, that have gained aught by me.
I shall set it down in writing. Let them well the number scan,
Lest one depart in secret and I should miss the man.
To me and my companions his goods shall be restored,
All they who guard Valencia and keep the outer ward.
"The measure is well counselled," said Minaya therewithal.

LXXVII

He bade them meet together at the palace, in the hall.
When he found them met together he had them numbered o'er.
Bivar's great Cid had with him thousands three, and thirty score.
His heart was glad within him, and a smile was on his face.
"Thanks be to God, Minaya, and to Mary Mother's grace.
Out from Bivar the city we led a lesser power.
Wealth have we, and shall have greater as at some later hour.
Minaya, if it please thee, if it seemeth good to thee,
To Castile I fain would send thee, where our possessions be,
Unto the King Alphonso that is my lord by right.
Out of the mighty plunder we won here in the fight
I would give him five score horses, the which to him now take;
kiss thou his hand and earnestly plead with him for the sake
Of my wife Ximena and the twain, maids of my blood that be,
If yet it be his pleasure that they be brought to me.
I will send for them. But be it known how this my message runs:
The lady of my lord the Cid and her maids, my little ones,
Men shall seek for in such fashion that
They shall come to the strange country we have conquered by our might."
To him Minaya answered: "Yea and with right good heart."