they went to horse: they crossed the mountains which are great and
wild, and they passed Mata de Toranz without fear, and they thought to
come through the valley of Arbuxedo. There was good look out kept in
Medina, and Alvar Fanez sent two knights to know who they were. They
made no tarriance in doing this, for they had it at heart; one tarried
with them, and the other returned, and said it was the host of the
Campeador with Pero Bermudez, and Muno Gustios, and the Bishop
Hieronymo, and the Alcayaz Abencano. This instant, said Minaya, let us
to horse; incontinently this was done, for they would make no delay.
And they rode upon goodiy horses with bells at their poitrals and
trappings of sandall silk, and they had their shields round their
necks, and lances with streamers in their hands. Oh, how Alvar Fanez
went out from Castille with these ladies! They who pricked forward,
couched their spears and then raised them, and great joy was there by
Salon where they met. The others humbled themselves to Minaya: when
Abencano carne up he kissed him on the shoulder, for such was his
custom. In a good day, Minaya, said he, do you bring these ladies, the
wife and daughters of the Cid, whom we all honour. Whatever ill we may
wish him we can do him none; in peace or in war he will have our
wealth, and he must be a fool who does not acknowledge this truth.
Alvar Fanez smiled and told him he should lose nothing by this
service which he had done the Cid: and now, said he, let us go rest,
for the supper is ready. Abencano said he was well pleased to partake
it, and that within three days he would return him the entertainment
two-fold. Then they entered Medina, and Minaya served them; all were
full glad of the service which they had undertaken, and the King's
porter paid for all. The night is gone, morning is come, mass is said,
and they go to horse. They left Medina and past the river Salon, and
pricked up Arbuxuelo, and they crost the plain of Torancio. That good
Christian the Bishop Don Hieronymo, night and day he guarded the