As portrayed by Massimo Serato in El Cid
| Alvar Fanez As portrayed by Massimo Serato in El Cid |
Cousin (or nephew) of the Cid, his right hand man and most trusted knight. Minaya or Mianaya is actually a title, consisting of the Spanish mi and the Basque anai (my brother).
Historical sources document a knight of this name, but indicate that he was actually not with the Cid in exile, but rather stayed at Alfonso’s court during this period.
The historical Alvar Fanez had great importance as one of the most important implementers for Alfonso. He first emerges after the fall of Toledo, tasked by Alfonso in February 1086 with the transfer of Yahia from his imprisonment in Cuenca to Valencia, where he would be Alfonso's puppet king. This task was completed the following month. He then departed, but Yahia found himself in trouble quickly. Xativa refused to submit, and he had laid siege to it. After four months, the town appealed to Mundir, King of Lerida and Tortosa. Mundir hired Catalan mercenaries, raised the siege of Xativa, and then laid siege to Valencia itself. Alvar Fanez returned with his own mercenary troops, routed Mundir, and laid waste to his territories around Burriana.
But now all of Christian Spain was in danger with the advance of the Almoravid fundamentalist army from North Africa. Alfonso was determined to meet the danger head on and Alvar Fanez and his men marched with the rest of the king's army from Toledo to the fateful battlefield of Zalaca. Here the armies met on 23 October 1086 in a route for the Christian forces.
Nothing is heard for five years, until Alvar Fanez again is mentioned in the summer of 1091, again leading a scratch force on Alfonso's orders, in an attempt to relieve the Almoravid siege of Seville. This failed, and Seville, with a domino effect on the other Muslim kingdoms to the south, fell in September 1091.
Over the next seven years Alvar Fanez appears as a regular but not constant figure in Alfonso's court, his signature appearing in confirmation of six extant royal charters. He was made Lord of Alcarias (Zorita) in the reconquered realms of Toledo, and appears as such in a listing of Alfonso's army during a military campaign to Leon in May 1097. However this campaign had to be called off when Yucef returned to Spain to spur the Almoravides into a final Islamic conquest of the Iberian peninsula. Alfonso arranged his army in a defensive line running from Consuegra to Cuenca. Alfonso lost his battle with the Islamists at Consuegra on 15 August 1097 (the Cid's son dying in the process). Yucef's son, now Governor of Murcia, met Alvar Fanez' forces at Cuenca a few days later, and defeated them as well. However the Almoravides did not press their victories and pulled back to their own territories. The Christians regrouped, and by 13 February 1099, Alvar Fanez name appears as alcalde of Toledo. Alfonso had evidently put him in the position in anticipation of further Islamist attacks. These came in the summer, with Consuegra falling permanently to the Muslim forces in June. Presumably Alvar Fanez was busy arranging the defenses of Toledo against the awaited assault. This never came. The Cid died in Valencia a month later, and Yucef turned his attention to obtaining this greater prize. They finally won Valencia back in 1102.
Alvar Fanez again faded from the historical record, only to emerge with a vengeance in the account of the battle of Ucles in 29 May 1108. This was a final battle by Alfonso against a renewed Almoravid offensive. The battle turned into a massacre of the Christian forces. Over 3000 Christians were beheaded, including seven of the eight counts present leading their contingents. The one survivor was Alvar Fanez, who led the survivors to the north to set up a makeshift defense of the middle Tagus. With this, the knight fades from historical record.
Now the day came which had been appointed for the combat concerning Calahorra, between Rodrigo and Don Martin Gonzalez, and Rodrigo was not arrived; therefore his cousin Alvar Fanez Minaya undertook the battle in his stead, and ordered his horse to be harnessed right well.
While he was arming himself Rodrigo came up and took the horse of Alvar Fanez, and entered the lists; Don Martin Gonzalez did the same, and the judges placed them fairly, each in his place, so that neither should have the sun in his eyes.
Count Don Rodrigo, and Alvar Fanez Minaya, and certain learned men, were sent with this bidding.
And he sent Alvar Fanez, the cousin of the Cid, to King Don Garcia, to bid him yield up his kingdom, and if he refused to do this to defy him on his part.
Alvar Fanez, albeit unwillingly, was bound to obey the bidding of his Lord, and he went to King Don Garcia and delivered his bidding.
And he said to Alvar Fanez, Say to my brother that I beseech him not to break the oath which he made to our father; but if he will persist to do this thing I must defend myself as I can.
And with this answer Alvar Fanez returned.
Now when the two hosts were ready to join battle, Alvar Fanez came to King Don Sancho and said to him, Sir, I have played away my horse and arms; I beseech you give me others for this battle, and I will be a right good one for you this day; if I do not for you the service of six knights, hold me for a traitor.
While they were parleying Alvar Fanez Minaya came up, he to whom the King had given horse and arms before the battle; and he seeing the King held prisoner, cried out with a loud voice, Let loose my Lord the King: and he spurred his horse and made at them; and before his lance was broken he overthrew two of them, and so bestirred himself that he put the others to flight; and he took the horses of the two whom he had smote down, and gave one to the King, and mounted upon the other himself, for his own was hurt in the rescue; and they went together to a little rising ground where there was yet a small body of the knights of their party, and Alvar Fanez cried out to them aloud, Ye see here the King our Lord, who is free; now then remember the good name of the Castillians, and let us not lose it this day.
Then Alvar Fanez, who was his cousin-german, came forward and said, Cid, we will all go with you, through desert and through peopled country, and never fail you.
And they all confirmed what Alvar Fanez had said; and the Cid thanked them for their love, and said that there might come a time in which he should guerdon them.
Then he called for Alvar Fanez and said unto him, Cousin, the poor have no part in the wrong which the King hath done us; see now that no wrong be done unto them along our road: and he called for his horse.
Then Alvar Fanez came up to him and said, Where is your courage, my Cid? In a good hour were you born of woman.
And as he took leave of the Cid, Alvar Fanez said to him, Abbot, if you see any who come to follow us, tell them what route we take, and bid them make speed, for they may reach us either in the waste or in the peopled country.
And Alvar Fanez said unto the Cid, that he would take with him two hundred horsemen, and scour the country as far as Fita and Guadalajara and Alcala, and lay hands on whatever he could find, without fear either of King Alfonso or of the Moors.
Away went Alvar Fanez, and Alvar Alvarez with him, and Alvar Salvadores, and Galin Garcia, and the two hundred horsemen; and the Cid remained in ambush with the rest of his company.
Alvar Fanez meantime scoured the country along the Henares as far as Alcala, and he returned driving flocks and herds before him, with great stores of wearing apparel, and of other plunder.
He came with the banner of Minaya, and there were none who dared fall upon his rear.
And he gave order that all the spoils should be heaped together, both what Alvar Fanez had brought, and what had been taken in the castle; and he said to him, Brother, of all this which God hath given us, take you the fifth, for you well deserve it; but Minaya would not, saying, You have need of it for our support.
And he gave order that all the spoils should be heaped together, both what Alvar Fanez had brought, and what had been taken in the castle; and he said to him, Brother, of all this which God hath given us, take you the fifth, for you well deserve it; but Minaya would not, saying, You have need of it for our support.
God! what a good joy was theirs that morning! My Cid's vassals laid on without mercy;-in one hour, and in a little space, three hundred Moors were slain, and the Cid and Alvar Fanez had good horses, and got between them and the Castle, and stood in the gateway sword in hand, and there was a great mortality among the Moors; and my Cid won the place, and Pero Bermudez planted his banner upon the highest point of the Castle.
And he said to Alvar Fanez and all his knights, Hear me, we shall get nothing by killing these Moors;-Let us take them and they shall show us their treasures which they have hidden in their houses, and we will dwell here and they shall serve us.
In this guise were my Cid and his people besieged for three weeks, and when the fourth week began, he called for Alvar Fanez, and for his company, and said unto them, Ye see that the Moors have cut off our water, and we have but little bread; they gather numbers day by day, and we become weak, and they are in their own country.
Then Minaya answered and said, We have left the gentle land of Castille, and are come hither as banished men, and if we do not beat the Moors they will not give us food.
And they all held that what Alvar Fanez had said was good.
And my Cid answered, Minaya, you have spoken as you should do.
There was my Cid, the good man in battle, who fought well upon his gilt saddle; and Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Martin Antolinez the Burgalese of prowess, and Muno Gustios, and Martin Munoz who held Montemayor, and Alvar Alvarez, and Alvar Salvadores, and Galin Garcia the good one of Aragon, and Felez Munoz the nephew of the Campeador.
And while the battle still continued, the Moors killed the horse of Alvar Fanez, and his lance was broken, and he fought bravely with his sword afoot.
And my Cid, seeing him, came up to an Alguazil who rode upon a good horse, and smote him with his sword under the right arm, so that he cut him through and through, and he gave the horse to Alvar Fanez, saying, Mount, Minaya, for you are my right hand.
And my Cid, seeing him, came up to an Alguazil who rode upon a good horse, and smote him with his sword under the right arm, so that he cut him through and through, and he gave the horse to Alvar Fanez, saying, Mount, Minaya, for you are my right hand.
When Alvar Fanez was thus remounted, they fell upon the Moors again, and by this time the Moors were greatly disheartened, having suffered so great loss, and they began to give way.
And Alvar Fanez had a good horse; four and thirty did he slay in that pursuit with the edge of his keen sword, and his arm was all red, and the blood dropt from his elbow.
Then the Cid called unto Alvar Fanez and said, Cousin, you are my right hand, and I hold it good that you should take of my fifth as much as you will, for all would be well bestowed upon you; but Minaya thanked him, and said, that he would take nothing more than his share.
Then the Cid called unto Alvar Fanez and said, Cousin, you are my right hand, and I hold it good that you should take of my fifth as much as you will, for all would be well bestowed upon you; but Minaya thanked him, and said, that he would take nothing more than his share.
Alvar Fanez went his way to Castille, and he found the King in Valladolid, and he presented to him the thirty horses, with all their trappings, and swords mounted with silver hanging from the saddle-bows.
And when the King saw them, before Alvar Fanez could deliver his bidding, he said unto him, Minaya, who sends me this goodly present; and Minaya answered, My Cid Ruydiez, the Campeador, sends it, and kisses by me your hands.
And when the King saw them, before Alvar Fanez could deliver his bidding, he said unto him, Minaya, who sends me this goodly present; and Minaya answered, My Cid Ruydiez, the Campeador, sends it, and kisses by me your hands.
And I pardon you, Minaya, and give again unto you all the lands which you have ever held of me, and you have my favour to go when you will, and come when you will.
And Minaya said, God grant you many and happy years for his service.
Then Minaya kissed the King's hand and said, Sir, you have done this now, and you will do the rest hereafter.
And when the perfect one had waited a long time for Minaya and saw that he did not come, he removed by night, and passed by Teruel and pitched his camp in the pine-forest of Tebar.
In three weeks time after this came Alvar Fanez from Castille.
When my Cid saw Minaya he rode up to him, and embraced him without speaking, and kissed his mouth and the eyes in his head.
And Minaya told him all that he had done.
And the face of the Campeador brightened, and he gave thanks to God and said, It will go well with me, Minaya, as long as you live! God, how joyful was that whole host because Alvar Fanez was returned! for he brought them greetings from their kinswomen and their brethren, and the fair comrades whom they had left behind.
And the face of the Campeador brightened, and he gave thanks to God and said, It will go well with me, Minaya, as long as you live! God, how joyful was that whole host because Alvar Fanez was returned! for he brought them greetings from their kinswomen and their brethren, and the fair comrades whom they had left behind.
God, how joyful was my Cid with the fleecy beard, that Minaya had purchased the thousand masses, and had brought him the biddings of his wife and daughters! God, what a joyful man was he! XIV
And Abenalfange gathered together the greatest power of the Moors that he could, and entered the land of the Christians, and past the mountains, and came even to Medina del Campo, and there Alvar Fanez Minaya met him.
Minaya had but five and twenty hundred horse with him, and of the Moors there were fifteen thousand; nevertheless by God's blessing he prevailed against them.
And by the virtue of God Alvar Fanez gave King Abenalfange a cruel wound in the face, so that he fled away.
Great honour did Minaya win for this victory.
Now, Yahia, when he saw that he could by no means hold Toledo, because on the one hand the Moors would give it to the King of Badajoz, and on the other King Don Alfonso warred against it, he made a covenant with King Don Alfonso to yield the city to him, if he with the help of Alvar Fanez would put him in possession of Valencia, which had belonged unto Hicem and Alimaymon, his fathers, but which the Guazil Abdalla Azis held now as his own, calling himself King thereof.
Then Yahia gathered together all his people, knights, and cross-bow men, and foot-soldiers, and they of his board, and the officers of his household which are the eunuchs; and he set forward on the way towards Valencia, and Alvar Fanez and his body of Christians with him.
The chief men of the town took counsel together what they should do, and at length they agreed to receive him for their Lord; and this they did more in fear of King Don Alfonso and of Alvar Fanez than for any love towards him.
The most honourable of his knights took up their lodging in the town, and the cross-bow men and others of low degree lodged round about the Alcazar, and in certain dwellings which were between it and the Mosque, and Alvar Fanez and the Christians who were with him, in the village which was called Ruzaf.
This they did to set his heart at rest, that he might confide in them, and send away Alvar Fanez into his own country, and not keep him and his people at so great a charge, for it cost them daily six hundred maravedis, and the King had no treasure in Valencia, neither was he so rich that he could support his own company and supply this payment; and for this reason the Moors complained of the great cost.
But on the other hand, Yahia feared that if he should send away Alvar Fanez, the Moors would rise against him; and to maintain him he laid a great tax upon the city and its district, saying that it was for barley.
Then the King took counsel with Aboeza the Guazil, and the Guazil advised him to do unto Abenmazot even as he had requested, and let him keep Xativa; and to send away Alvar Fanez because of the great charge it was to maintain him, and to live in peace, and put his kingdom in order; in all which he advised him like a good counsellor and a true.
And they of Valencia could not supply what was to be paid to Alvar Fanez and his company, much less what the King wanted.
Then the King understood that he had been ill advised, and for this reason he condemned one of the sons of Abdalla Azis to pay Alvar Fanez for thirty days; and he seized a Jew who was one of his Almoxarifes in Valencia, that is to say, one who collected the taxes, and took from him all that he had, because he had advised him ill, and while this lasted the people of Valencia had some respite.
When Abenalfange heard this it pleased him well, and he sent one of his Alcaydes, who was called the Left-handed, to enter the Alcazar, and help to defend it till he could collect a company of Christians who might deal with Alvar Fanez.
And when it was seen that King Yahia was thus dishonoured, and that Alvar Fanez had not helped him as had been looked for, they who held the Castles lost all fear of him, so that their hearts were changed towards him, as well they of Valencia as of the other Castles, and they said that they would rather belong to Abenalfange than to him, because the town could not bear the charge of the Christians, nor the oppressions which they suffered because of them.
The King of Valencia with his knights was near the wall watching him, and Alvar Fanez and his company were in readiness lest the French should defy them.
And Yahia was perplexed with Alvar Fanez, and sought for means to pay him; and he threw the two sons of Abdalla Azis into prison, and many other good men of the town also, and took from them great riches.
Then he made a covenant with Alvar Fanez, that he should remain with him, and gave him great possessions.
And when the Moors saw that Alvar Fanez was in such power, all the ruffians and lewd livers in the town flocked unto him, so that Valencia was in the hands of him and his followers; and the Moors being desperate of remedy deserted the town, and went whither they could, setting at nought their inheritances, for no man was safe, neither in his goods nor person.
Then Alvar Fanez made an inroad into the lands of Abenalfange, and overran the lands of Buriana, and other parts; and there went with him a great company of those Moorish desperadoes who had joined him, and of other Moorish Almogavares, and they stormed towns and castles, and slew many Moors, and brought away flocks and herds both of cattle and of brood mares, and much gold and silver, and store of wearing apparel, all which they sold in Valencia.
Now when one of the sons of Abdalla Azis was loosed from prison, he placed his love upon Alvar Fanez and gave him goodly gifts, and upon Aboeza the King's Guazil, and upon a Jew who was a messenger from King Don Alfonso.
Suffice it to say, that King Don Alfonso being in great danger, sent for Alvar Fanez and all his company; and that he had so much to do for himself that he took no thought for Valencia.
At this time Ali Abenaxa, the Adelantado of the Almoravides, besieged Murcia, and there was a dearth in the city, and Alvar Fanez who should have relieved them did not, and they were so closely beset that they were compelled to yield up the town.
And Don Alvar Fanez, and Pero Bermudez, and other precious knights, ate in another part, at high tables, full honourably, and none other knights whatsoever dared take their seats with them, unless they were such as deserved to be there; and the others who were not so approved in arms ate upon estrados, at tables with cushions.
This was the order in the house of the Cid, and every one knew the place where he was to sit at meat, and every one strove all he could to gain the honour of sitting to eat at the table of Don Alvar Fanez and his companions, by strenuously behaving himself in all feats of arms; and thus the honour of the Cid was advanced.
And when it was the hour of eating the Cid waited for Martin Pelaez, and when he came, and they had washed, the Cid took him by the hand and said, My friend, you are not such a one as deserves to sit with me from henceforth, but sit you here with Don Alvar Fanez, and with these other good knights, for the good feats which you have done this day have made you a companion for them; and from that day forward he was placed in the company of the good.
That night the Cid spake with Alvar Fanez and with Pero Bermudez, and all them who were of his council, and they resolved in what manner they would live among the Moors.
That night the Cid took counsel with Alvar Fanez, who departed not from his side, and with the other honourable men who were of his council, concerning what should be done: for now that his people were all rich, he feared lest they should return into their own country, for my Cid saw that if they might go they would.
And Minaya advised him that he should cause proclamation to be made through the city, that no man should depart without permission of the Cid, and if any one went who had not dispeeded himself and kist his hand, if he were overtaken he should lose all that he had, and moreover be fixed upon a stake.
And that they might be more certain, he said unto Minaya that he would take account of all the people who were with him, both horsemen and foot, and Pero Bermudez and Martin Antolinez made the roll; and there were found a thousand knights of lineage, and five hundred and fifty other horsemen, and of foot soldiers four thousand, besides boys and others; thus many were the people of my Cid, he of Bivar.
And his heart rejoiced, and he smiled and said, Thanks be to God, Minaya, and to Holy Mary Mother!...we had a smaller company when we left the house of Bivar! XII
Now the Cid bethought him of Dona Ximena his wife, and of his daughters Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, whom he had left in the Monastery of St. Pedro de Cardena; and he called for Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez of Burgos, and spake with them, and besought them that they would go to Castille, to King Don Alfonso his Lord, and take him a present from the riches which God-had given them; and the present should be a hundred horses, saddled and bridled; and that they would kiss the King's hand for him, and beseech him to send him his wife Dona Ximena, and his daughters, and that they would tell the King all the mercy which God had shown him, and how he was at his service with Valencia and with all that he had.
And he bade them each take with him his whole company, that they might be better advised and accompanied, and that Dona Ximena might come with the greater honour: and the company was this: two hundred knights who were of Don Alvar Fanez, and fifty of Martin Antolinez: and he ordered money to be given them for their disbursement, and for all things needful, in abundance.
Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez went their way, and they found the King in the city of Palencia.
And Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez alighted, and came to the King, and kissed his hand; and he received them right well, and said, What tidings bring ye me of the Cid, my true vassal, the most honourable knight that ever was knighted in Castille? Well was Minaya pleased when he heard this, and he said, A boon, Sir King Don Alfonso, for the love of your Maker! My Cid sendeth to kiss your hands and your feet, as his natural Lord, at whose service he is, and from whom he expecteth much bounty and good.
And Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez alighted, and came to the King, and kissed his hand; and he received them right well, and said, What tidings bring ye me of the Cid, my true vassal, the most honourable knight that ever was knighted in Castille? Well was Minaya pleased when he heard this, and he said, A boon, Sir King Don Alfonso, for the love of your Maker! My Cid sendeth to kiss your hands and your feet, as his natural Lord, at whose service he is, and from whom he expecteth much bounty and good.
Then Alvar Fanez kissed the King's hand again, and said, Sir, the Cid beseecheth you of your bounty that he may have his wife Dona Ximena and his two daughters, that they may go to Valencia unto him, from the Monastery where he left them, for it is many days since he saw them, and if it please you this would rejoice him.
Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez kissed his hand for this in the Cid's name.
Then Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez dispeeded themselves of the King, and took their way towards Burgos.
And Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez, when they saw them coming, leapt off their horses, and went to them, and Minaya embraced Dona Ximena and both his cousins, Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, and so great was the rejoicing which they made together that no man can tell it you.
And Alvar Fanez and Martin Antolinez, when they saw them coming, leapt off their horses, and went to them, and Minaya embraced Dona Ximena and both his cousins, Dona Elvira and Dona Sol, and so great was the rejoicing which they made together that no man can tell it you.
And Alvar Fanez said he had left him safe and sound in Valencia; and he bade her and her daughters thank God for the great favour that he had shown him, for he had won sundry castles from the Moors, and the noble city of Valencia, whither he was now come to carry her and her daughters, for the Cid had sent for them, and when he should see them his heart's desire would be accomplished.
While they were preparing for the journey, Alvar Fanez sent three knights to the Cid to tell him how they had sped with the King, and of the great favour which they had found at his hands, and how he only tarried now to equip Dona Ximena, that she might come full honourably.
That good one Minaya then began to deck them out for the journey with the best trappings which could be found in Burgos: right noble garments did he provide for them, and a great company, of damsels, and good palfreys, and great mules, which were not bad ones.
Don Alvar Fanez was well pleased to see them, and he promised them that he would obtain the Cid's grace for them, and would befriend them all he could.
Great dole did the Abbot make when they departed; and he said, As God shall help you, Minaya, kiss the hand of the Campeador for me.
Minaya promised to do this, and dispeeded himself, and they went their way.
Now the three knights whom Alvar Fanez had sent, came to the Cid and delivered their message.
There, said he, ye will find Alvar Fanez and my wife and daughters; bring them to me with great honour: I will remain here in Valencia which has cost me so much; great folly would it be if I were to leave it: I will remain in it, for I hold it for my heritage.
There was good look out kept in Medina, and Alvar Fanez sent two knights to know who they were.
This instant, said Minaya, let us to horse; incontinently this was done, for they would make no delay.
Oh, how Alvar Fanez went out from Castille with these ladies! They who pricked forward, couched their spears and then raised them, and great joy was there by Salon where they met.
The others humbled themselves to Minaya: when Abencano came up he kissed him on the shoulder, for such was his custom.
In a good day, Minaya, said he, do you bring these ladies, the wife and daughters of the Cid, whom we all honour.
Alvar Fanez smiled and told him he should lose nothing by this service which he had done the Cid; and now, said he, let us go rest, for the supper is ready.
Then they entered Medina, and Minaya served them; all were full glad of the service which they had undertaken, and the King's porter paid for all.
That good Christian the Bishop Don Hieronymo, night and day he guarded the ladies; on a goodly horse he rode, and they went between him and Alvar Fanez.
Nothing did they want which they could wish to have; he even had all their beasts new shod, and for Minaya and the ladies, Lord! how he honoured them! On the morrow they left Molina, and the Moor went with them.
He left his horse and went to the Church, and collected all the clergy; they put on their surplices, and with crosses of silver went out to meet the ladies, and that good one Minaya.
When Alvar Fanez Minaya heard this, he answered and said, Praised be God and your good fortune, you have achieved greater things than this, and I trust in God's mercy that you will achieve this also.
Alvar Fanez and his company were already gone forth, and had laid their ambush.
And the Cid began to encourage them with a loud voice, shouting God and Santiago! And Alvar Fanez at this time issued out from ambush, and fell upon them, on the side which was nearest the sea; and the Moors thought that a great power had arrived to the Cid's succour, and they were dismayed, and began to fly.
Greatly did the Cid rejoice when he saw him alive and sound, and he ordered his chains to be taken off; and then he left Alvar Fanez to look to the spoil, and went into Valencia with a hundred knights.
Alvar Fanez this while was in the field writing and taking account of the spoil: but the tents and arms and precious garments were so many that they cannot be told, and the horses were beyond all reckoning; they ran about the field, and there was no body to take them, and the Moors of the land got something by that great overthrow.
Then the Cid sent Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez with a present to King Alfonso his Lord.
Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez went their way towards Castille, over sierras and mountains and waters; and they asked where the King was, and it was told them that he was at Valladolid, and thither they went.
And Minaya and Pero Bermudez pricked on when they saw him, and came before him, and alighted, and knelt down, and kissed the ground and kissed both his feet: and he bade them rise and mount their horses, and would not hear them till they had mounted, and taken their places one at his right hand, and the other at his left.
Then Alvar Fanez gave order that the horses should be led forward.
And Alvar Fanez said moreover, Sir, he hath sent you a tent, the noblest that ever man saw, which he won in this battle: and the King gave order that the tent should be spread, and he alighted and went into it, he and all his people, and he was greatly pleased; and they all said that they had never seen so noble a tent as this: and the King said he had won many from the Moors, but never such as this.
And King Don Alfonso said, Thanks be to God and to Sir Saint Isidro of Leon, these horses may do me good service; and he gave three of them to Minaya, and Pero Bermudez, and bade them chuse, and he ordered food and clothing to be given them while they remained, and said that he would give them compleat armour when they returned, such as was fit for them to appear in before my Cid.
And the King sent for Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez, and went apart with them, and praised the Cid, and thanked him for the good will which he had to do him service, and said that he had great desire to see him.
When Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez heard this, they answered the King, and said, Certain we are, Sir, that neither in this, nor in anything else will the Cid do aught but what you, Sir, shall command or advise.
Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Pero Bermudez, and Martin Munoz, and Martin Antolinez that worthy Burgalese, and the Bishop Don Hieronymo that good one with the shaven crown, and Alvar Alvarez, and Alvar Salvadores, and Muno Gustios that knight of prowess, and Galind Garcia of Aragon; all these and all the others made ready to go with the Cid.
And the King called for Alvar Fanez Minaya, and said, You are sib to the damsels: I command you, when you come to Valencia, to take them with your own hands, and give them to the Infantes, as I should do if that I were there present: and be you the brides' father.
Then the Cid rose and called for Alvar Fanez and said, Thou knowest what my Lord the King commanded; fulfil now his bidding,...take thy cousins, and deliver them to the Infantes, for it is the King who gives them in marriage, and not I.
And Alvar Fanez arose and took the damsels one in each hand, and delivered them to the Infantes, saying, Diego Gonzalez, and Ferrando Gonzalez, I deliver unto you these damsels, the daughters of the Cid Campeador, by command of King Don Alfonso my Lord, even as he commanded.
The van he gave to Alvar Fanez Minaya, and to Pero Bermudez who bore his banner; and he gave them five hundred horsemen, and a thousand and five hundred men a-foot.
Presently Alvar Fanez came up: the shield which hung from his neck was all battered: more than twenty Moors had he slain, and the blood was running from his wrist to his elbow.
When the Cid had made this reply, he rose from his seat and went to Dona Ximena his wife, and spake with her and with Alvar Fanez, and told them what had passed with his sons-in-law, and what answer he had given.
Greatly was Dona Ximena troubled at this, and Alvar Fanez also, that he had consented to what they asked; and she said, I do not think it is wisely done to let them take our daughters from us, and carry them into another country; for these our sons-in-law are traitorous and false at heart, and if I areed them right they will do some dishonour to our daughters, when there will be none there to call them to account.
And Alvar Fanez was of the same mind; but the Cid was displeased at this, and marvelled greatly at what they said; and he bade them speak no more thereof, for God would not let it be so,...neither were the Infantes of such a race as that they should do this; neither, quoth he, would it come into their minds to do it, if only because our Lord King Don Alfonso was he who made the marriage; but if the Devil should tempt them, and they should commit this wickedness, dearly would it cost them! XII
And Felez Munoz went his way towards Valencia; and when he came to Santesteban he spake with Diego Tellez, who had been of the company of Alvar Fanez, and told him of what had befallen.
In the meantime Felez Munoz proceeded on his journey, and it came to pass that he met Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Pero Bermudez on the way, going to the King with a present which the Cid had sent him; and the present was this,...two hundred horses, from those which he had won in the battle of Quarto from King Bucar, and a hundred Moorish prisoners, and many good swords, and many rich saddles.
And as Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez rode on in talk, they thought that it was he, and marvelled greatly; and he when he drew nigh began to tear his hair, and make great lamentation, so that they were greatly amazed.
Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez held on their way, and came to the King, whom they found in Valladolid.
And King Don Alfonso made answer and said, that he took the present of the Cid with a right good will, as of the truest and most honourable vassal that ever Lord had: and he gave order to his people to receive it, and bade Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez seat themselves at his feet.
After a while Alvar Fanez rose and said, Sir, when we departed from the Cid we left him in great honour and prosperity; but on our way we met a squire who is his nephew, by name Felez Munoz, and he hath told us the evil and the dishonour which both we and the Cid endure in the villainy which the Infantes of Carrion have committed upon his daughters.
Glad were Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez of this reply, and they kissed his hand, and dispeeded themselves.
Then Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez went their way, and Pero Sanchez and his company departed with them.
When it was known at Santesteban that Minaya was coming for his kinswomen, the men of that town welcomed him and his company, and they brought him in payment the efurcion, that is to say, the supper-money, and it was full great.
But Minaya would not accept it at their hands, and he thanked them, and said, Thanks, men of Santesteban, for what ye have done, and my Cid the Campeador will thank ye, as I do, and God will give ye your guerdon.
And Minaya said unto them, By God, cousins, he knoweth the truth, and your father and mother know it also,...I misdoubted this when you went away with those false ones; and it grieved me when your father said that he had given his consent that ye should go, and your mother gainsaid it also; but we could not prevail, for he said he had consented.
Then Pero Bermudez went on to Valencia, and Alvar Fanez and the rest of his company abode with the dames in Molina.
And he took Pero Bermudez by the hand and led him to Dona Ximena, who wept greatly at seeing him, and said, Ah, Pero Bermudez, what tidings bringest thou of my daughters? And he comforted her and said, Weep not, Lady, for I left them alive and well at Molina, and Alvar Fanez with them; by God's blessing you shall have good vengeance for them! Then the Cid seated himself near his wife, and Pero Bermudez took his seat before them, and told them all that he had done, and how the King had summoned them to the Cortes at Toledo.
Pero Bermudez returned the next day to Molina, where Abengalvon had done great honour to the dames, and to Alvar Fanez, and all that were with him.
And the Cid departed from Valencia, and with him went Alvar Fanez Minaya with two hundred knights, and Pero Bermudez with one hundred, and Martin Antolinez with fifty, and Martin Ferrandez with other fifty, and Felez Ferruz and Benito Sanchez with fifty each;...these were five hundred knights.
When my Cid drew nigh unto Toledo, he sent Alvar Fanez forward to kiss the King's hand, and let him wit that he should be there that night.
And the Cid went into the Church of St. Servans, and ordered candles to be placed upon the altar, for he would keep a vigil there; and there he remained with Minaya and the other good ones, praying to the Lord, and talking in private.
Now the Cid had performed his vigil in the Church of St. Servans, matins and primes were said, and mass performed; and then he made ready to go to the Cortes, and with him went Alvar Fanez Minaya, whom he called his right arm, and Pero Bermudez, and Muno Gustios, and Martin Antolinez that doughty Burgalese, and Alvar Alvarez, and Alvar Salvadorez, and Martin Munoz, and Felez Munoz the Cid's nephew, and Malanda who was a learned man, and Galin Garciez the good one of Aragon: these and others made ready to go with him, being a hundred of the best of his company.
And he bade Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez assemble their companions, and when he saw them he said, If the Infantes of Carrion should seek a quarrel, where I have a hundred such as these I may be well without fear! And he said, Let us mount now and go to the Cortes.
Then Alvar Fanez rose and kissed the hand of the Cid, and said, I beseech you give Colada into my keeping while this Cortes shall last, that I may defend you therewith: and the Cid gave it him and said, Take it, it hath changed its master for the better.
And you asked of me my daughters in marriage for the Infantes, and I did not refuse, in that I would not disobey your command; and you bade me deliver them to my kinsman here Don Alvar Fanez, and he gave them to the Infantes to be their wives, and the blessing was given them in the church of St. Mary, according to the law of Rome.
Then Don Alvar Fanez Minaya arose and said, Hold thy peace, Count Suero Gonzalez! you have been to breakfast before you said your prayers, and your words are more like a drunkard's than one who is in his senses.
And on the morrow the Bishop Don Hieronymo baptized him, and they gave him the name of Gil Diaz: and his godfathers were Don Alvar Fanez, and Pero Bermudez, and Martin Antolinez of Burgos; and Dona Ximena, with other honourable dames, were his godmothers.
How this is be done, and what ye all have to do, I will leave in the hands of the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Alvar Fanez, and Pero Bermudez.
On the twenty-ninth day, being the day before he departed, he called for Dona Ximena, and for the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Don Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Pero Bermudez, and his trusty Gil Diaz; and when they were all five before him, he began to direct them what they should do after his death; and he said to them, Ye know that King Bucar will presently be here to besiege this city, with seven and thirty Kings whom he bringeth with him, and with a mighty power of Moors.
You, Pero Bermudez, shall bear my banner, as you were wont to bear it; and you, Alvar Fanez, my cousin, gather your company together, and put the host in order as you are wont to do.
Early on the morrow the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Alvar Fanez, and Pero Bermudez, and Martin Antolinez, came to the Cid.
And he left it in charge to the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Dona Ximena his wife, and Don Alvar Fanez, and Pero Bermudez, and Felez Munoz, his nephews, that they should see all this fulfilled.
And he commanded Alvar Fanez and Pero Bermudez, when they had conquered King Bucar, to proceed forthwith into Castille and fulfil all that he had enjoined.
Now Alvar Fanez Minaya had set the host in order, and while the Bishop Don Hieronymo and Gil Diaz led away the body of the Cid, and Dona Ximena, and the baggage, he fell upon the Moors.
Then Alvar Fanez and his people, when they had discomfited the Moors, spoiled the field, and the spoil thereof was so great that they could not carry it away.
And when they reached Salvacanete, the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Dona Ximena, and Alvar Fanez, and the other honourable men, sent their letters to all the kinsmen and friends of the Cid Ruydiez, bidding them come and do honour to his funeral; and they sent letters also to his sons-in-law, the Infantes of Aragon and Navarre, and to King Don Alfonso.
And they moved on from Salvacanete and came to Osma, and then Alvar Fanez asked of Dona Ximena if they should not put the body of the Cid into a Coffin covered with purple and with nails of gold; but she would not, for she said that while his countenance remained so fresh and comely, and his eyes so fair, his body should never be placed in a coffin, and that her children should see the face of their father; and they thought that she said well, so the body was left as it was.
Then Alvar Fanez and the other good men kissed his hand in the name of the Cid.
And the Bishop Don Hieronymo, and Alvar Fanez Minaya, and Pero Bermudez, remained there also till they had fulfilled all that the Cid Ruydiez had commanded in his testament to be done.