Tiedra

Now when the Cid had taken leave of the King, and of the other honourable men and Counts, and Ricos-omes who were with him, Pero Bermudez and Martin Antolinez and Muno Gustioz went on yet awhile with him: and he counselled them all how to demean themselves so as to clear him of the shame which had been done him, and to be held for good knights themselves, and to take vengeance for King Don Alfonso, and for him, and for themselves, that he might receive good tidings from them in Valencia.

And they took his counsel well, as they afterwards manifested when there was occasion.

But Martin Antolinez made answer, Why do you say this, Sir? we have undertaken the business and we shall go through it; and they said unto him, God have you in his guidance, Sir, and be you sure and certain, that by the mercy and help of God we shall so demean ourselves as to come to you without shame.

But if for our sins it should betide otherwise, never more shall we appear before you dead or living,...for slain we may be, but never vanquished.

Then he bade them return to the King, praying to God to have them in his keeping, and assist them in fulfilling their demand, as he knew that their cause was right.