Spanish hacienda near Consuegra © Mark Wade

When the Infantes of Carrion, Diego Gonzalez and Ferrando Gonzalez, saw the noble present which the Cid had sent unto the King, and heard how his riches and power daily increased, and thought what his wealth must needs be when he had given those horses out of the fifth of one battle, and moreover that he was Lord of Valencia: they spake one with the other, and agreed, that if the Cid would give them his daughters to wife, they should be well married, and become rich and honourable.

And they agreed together that they would talk with the King in private upon this matter.

And they went presently to him, and said, Sir, we beseech you of your bounty to help us in a thing which will be to your honour; for we are your vassals, and the richer we are the better able shall we be to serve you.

And the King asked of them what it was they would have, and they then told him their desire.

And the King thought upon it awhile, and then came to them, and said, Infantes, this thing which you ask lies not in me, but in the Cid; for it is in his power to marry his daughters, and peradventure he will not do it as yet.

Nevertheless so that ye may not fail for want of my help, I will send to tell him what ye wish.

Then they kissed his hand for this favour.

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.

Say to him, he said, that I beseech him to come and meet me, for I would speak with him concerning something which is to his good and honour.

Diego and Ferrando, the Infantes of Carrion, have said unto me that they would fain wed with his daughters, if it seemeth good to him; and methinks this would be a good marriage.

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.

When ye have your meeting ye will agree concerning it as is best.

Then they kissed his hand, and took their leave.