lasted three leagues, and would have been continued farther if the
conquerors had not had tired horses. So they turned back and collected
the spoils, which were more than they could carry away. Thus was Count
Ramon Berenguer made prisoner, and my Cid won from him that day the
good sword Colada, which was worth more than a thousand marks of
silver. That night did my Cid and his men make merry, rejoicing over
their gains. And the Count was taken to my Cid's tent, and a good
supper was set before him; nevertheless he would not eat, though my Cid
besought him so to do. And on the morrow my Cid ordered a feast to be
made, that he might do pleasure to the Count, but the Count said that
for all Spain he would not eat one mouthful, but would rather die,
since he had been beaten in battle by such a set of ragged fellows. And
Ruydiez said to him, Eat and drink, Count, of this bread and of this
wine, for this is the chance of war: if you do as I say you shall be
free; and if not you will never return again into your own lands. And
Don Ramond answered, Eat you, Don Rodrigo, for your fortune is fair and
you deserve it; take you your pleasure, but leave me to die. And in
this mood he continued for three days, refusing all food. But then my
Cid said to him, Take food, Count, and be sure that I will set you
free, you and any two of your knights, and give you wherewith to return
into your own country. And when Don Ramond heard this, he took comfort
and said, If you will indeed do this thing I shall marvel at you as
long as I live. Eat then, said Ruydiez, and I will do it: but mark you,
of the spoil which we have taken from you I will give you nothing; for
to that you have no claim neither by right nor custom, and besides we
want it for ourselves, being banished men, who must live by taking from
you and from others as long as it shall please God. Then was the Count
full joyful, being well pleased that what should be given him was not
of the spoils which he had lost; and he called for water and washed his
hands, and chose two of his kinsmen to be set free with him; the one