In the Cortes called by the King of Spain to hear the cause
of the Cid, whose daughters had been shamefully treated and
deserted by their husbands, the Infantes of Carrion, Ferran and
Diego Gonzalez, the Cid demanded the restitution of his swords
and of three thousand marks of gold and silver he had given
the Infantes. These being granted, the Cid spoke again: —



THE STORY OF THE POEM OF THE CID. 251

" So please your grace I once more upon your clemency I call ;

A grievance yet remains untold, the greatest grief of all.
And let the court give ear, and weigh the wrong that hath been done.
I hold myself dishonored by the lords of Carrion.
Redress by combat they must yield ; none other will I take.
How now, Infantes I what excuse, what answer do ye make ?

Why have ye laid my heartstrings bare ? In jest or earnest, say,

Have I offended you? and I will make amends to-day.
My daughters in your hands I placed the day that forth ye went,

And rich in wealth and honors from Valencia were you sent.
Why did you carry with you brides ye loved not, treacherous curs ?

Why tear their flesh in Corpes wood with saddle-girths and spurs.
And leave them to the beasts of prey ? Villains throughout were ye I

What answer ye can make to this 'tis for the court to see."

The Count Garcia was the first that rose to make reply.
