Gormaz © Mark Wade

Ever after was that knoll called the Knoll of the Cid.

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.

And from thence he infested the Moors of Zaragoza, insomuch that they held it best to give him gold and silver and pay him tribute.

And when this covenant had been made, Almudafar, the King of Zaragoza, became greatly his friend, and received him full honourably into the town.

In three weeks time after this came Alvar Fanez from Castille.

Two hundred men of lineage came with him, every one of whom wore sword girt to his side, and the foot-soldiers in their company were out of number.

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.

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