Andalusian castle © Mark Wade

While yet that messenger of the Soldan of Persia abode in Valencia, tidings came to the Cid that the Infantes of Aragon and Navarre were coming to celebrate their marriage with his daughters, according as it had been appointed at the Cortes of Toledo.

He of Navarre hight Don Ramiro, and he was the son of King Don Sancho, him who was slain at Rueda; and he married with Dona Elvira, the elder: and the Infante of Aragon who married Dona Sol, the younger, hight Don Sancho, and was the son of King Don Pedro.

This King Don Pedro was he whom the Cid Ruydiez conquered and made prisoner, as the history hath related; but calling to mind the great courtesy which the Cid had shown in releasing him from prison, and how he had ordered all his own to be restored unto him, and moreover the great worth and the great goodness of the Cid, and the great feats which he had performed, he held it good that his son should match with his daughter, to the end that the race of so good a man might be preserved in Aragon.

Howbeit it was not his fortune to have a son by Dona Sol, for he died before he came to the throne, and left no issue.

When the Cid knew that the Infantes were coming, he and all his people went out six leagues to meet them, all gallantly attired both for court and for war; and he ordered his tents to be pitched in a fair meadow, and there he awaited till they came up.

And the first day the Infante Don Sancho of Aragon came up, and they waited for the Infante Don Ramiro; and when they were all met they proceeded to Valencia.

And the Bishop Don Hieronymo came out to meet them with a procession, full honourably.

Great were the rejoicings which were made in Valencia because of the coming of the Infantes, for eight days before the marriage began.

And the Cid gave order that they should be lodged in the Garden of Villa Nueva, and supplied with all things in abundance.