The Lay of the Cid | Page 5

they done even so.?An the Cid forced not his entrance, neither for weal nor woe Durst they open it unto him. Loudly his men did call.?Nothing thereto in answer said the folk within the hall.?My lord the Cid spurred onward, to the doorway did he go.?He drew his foot from the stirrup, he smote the door one blow. Yet the door would not open, for they had barred it fast.?But a maiden of nine summers came unto him at last:
"Campeador, in happy hour thou girdedst on the sword.?'This the King's will. Yestereven came the mandate of our lord. With utmost care they brought it, and it was sealed with care: None to ope to you or greet you for any cause shall dare.?And if we do, we forfeit houses and lands instead.?Nay we shall lose, moreover, the eyes within the head?And, Cid, with our misfortune, naught whatever dost thou gain. But may God with all his power support thee in thy pain."
So spake the child and turned away. Unto her home went she. That he lacked the King's favor now well the Cid might see. He left the door; forth onward he spurred through Burgos town. When he had reached Saint Mary's, then he got swiftly down?He fell upon his knee and prayed with a true heart indeed:?and when the prayer was over, he mounted on the steed.?North from the gate and over the Arlanzon he went.?Here in the sand by Burgos, the Cid let pitch his tent.?Roy Diaz, who in happy hour had girded on the brand,?Since none at home would greet him, encamped there on the sand. With a good squadron, camping as if within the wood.?They will not let him in Burgos buy any kind of food.?Provender for a single day they dared not to him sell.
V.?Good Martin Antolínez in Burgos that did dwell?To the Cid and to his henchmen much wine and bread gave o'er, That he bought not, but brought with him--of everything good store.
Content was the great Campeador, and his men were of good cheer. Spake Martin Antolínez. His counsel you shall hear.?"In happy hour, Cid Campeador, most surely wast thou born.?Tonight here let us tarry, but let us flee at morn,?For someone will denounce me, that thy service I have done. In the danger of Alfonso I certainly shall run.?Late or soon, if I 'scape with thee the King must seek me forth For friendship's sake; if not, my wealth, a fig it is not worth.
VI.?Then said the Cid, who in good hour had girded on the steel: "Oh Martin Antolínez, thou art a good lance and leal.?And if I live, hereafter I shall pay thee double rent,?But gone is all my silver, and all my gold is spent.?And well enough thou seest that I bring naught with me?And many things are needful for my good company.?Since by favor I win nothing by might then must I gain.?I desire by thy counsel to get ready coffers twain.?With the sand let us fill them, to lift a burden sore,?And cover them with stamped leather with nails well studded o'er.
VII.?Ruddy shall be the leather, well gilded every nail.?In my behalf do thou hasten to Vidas and Raquél.?Since in Burgos they forbade me aught to purchase, and the King Withdraws his favor, unto them my goods I cannot bring.?They are heavy, and I must pawn them for whatso'er is right. That Christians may not see it, let them come for them by night. May the Creator judge it and of all the Saints the choir.?I can no more, and I do it against my own desire."
VIII.?Martin stayed not. Through Burgos he hastened forth, and came To the Castle. Vidas and Raquél, he demanded them by name.
IX.?Raquél and Vidas sate to count their goods and profits through, When up came Antolínez, the prudent man and true.
"How now Raquél and Vidas, am I dear unto your heart,?I would speak close." They tarried not. All three they went apart. "Give me, Raquél 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