Madreguera © Mark Wade

And in those days my Cid gathered together a great force, and went to the borders of Aragon, and crost the Douro, and lodged that night in Fresno.

From thence he went to Calamocha, where he kept Whitsuntide.

While he lay there the King of Albarrazin, being in great fear of him, sent to him requesting that they might meet.

And when they saw each other they established great love between them, and the King from that day became tributary to the Cid.

Then the Cid went to Zaragoza, where he was full honourably received.

And when Abencano came to Zaragoza inviting King Almescahen to go and take Valencia, and King Yahia sent also to beg succour at his hands, the King asked the Cid to go with him, and gave him whatever he demanded.

So greatly did this King desire to have Valencia, that he looked not whether his force was great or little, nor whether that of the Cid was greater than his own, but went on as fast as he could.

When the King of Denia heard that he was coming and the Cid with him, he durst not abide them.

And he thought that the King of Zaragoza by the Cid's help would win the city, and that he should remain with the labour he had undergone, and the cost.

Then he placed his love upon King Yahia, and sent him all the food he had, and besought him to help him, saying that he would supply him with whatever he needed.

King Yahia was well pleased with this, though he well understood the reason, and firm writings were made to this effect, and then Abenalfange went to Tortosa.