Guadalajara

Then Abenalfarax, a Moor of Valencia, he who wrote this history in Arabic, took account of the food which was in the city, to see how long it could hold out.

And he says that the cafiz of wheat was valued at eleven maravedis, and the cafiz of barley at seven maravedis, and that of pulse or other grain at six; and the arroba of honey at fifteen dineros; and the arroba of carobs the third of a maravedi, and the arroba of onions two thirds of a maravedi, and the arroba of cheese two maravedis and a half, and the measure of oil which the Moors call maron, a maravedi, and the quintal of figs five maravedis, and the pound of mutton six dineros of silver, and the pound of beef four.

These maravedis were silver ones, for no other money was current among them.

The Moors who dwelt in the suburbs carried all the best of their goods into the city, and the rest they buried.

And when the Cid was certain that the Almoravides were not coming, he returned again to lodge in the garden, and gave order to spoil the suburbs, save that of Alcudia, because the inhabitants of that had received him without resistance: and the Moors fled into the city with their wives and children.

And when the Christians began to plunder the suburbs they of the town came out and plundered also those houses which were nearest unto the walls, so that every thing was carried away and nothing but the timbers left: and then the Christians took that to build them lodgments in the camp; and when the Moors saw this they came out, and carried away what timber they could into the city.

And the Christians pulled down all the houses, save only such as could be defended with arrows, and these which they dared not pull down they set fire to by night.

And when all the houses had been levelled they began to dig in the foundations, and they found great wealth there, and store of garments, and hoards of wheat; and when the Cid saw this he ordered them to dig everywhere so that nothing might be lost.

And when all had been dug up the Cid drew nearer to the city, and girt it round about, and there was fighting every day at the barriers, for the Moors came out and fought hand to hand, and many a sword-stroke was given and many a push with the spear.

While the Moors were thus beleagered came letters from the Captain of the Almoravides, saying that he had not turned back to Algezira de Xucar for fear, nor for cowardice, neither as one who fled, but for lack of food, and also by reason of the waters; and that it was his set purpose at all events to succour them and deliver them from the oppression which they endured, and he was preparing to do this with all diligence.

And he bade them take courage, and maintain the city.

And when the Moors of Valencia heard these letters they took heart, and joined with the sons of Aboegib, and their resolve was that they would be firm and maintain the city.

And they said that Abeniaf had made the Almoravides retreat, because he had told them that there was discord in the town.

And Abeniaf kept great watch, having a great guard to secure him, lest the people should attempt aught against him.

And the price of all things in Valencia was doubled.