went they all toward the town, the King and the Cid talking together by
the way. And the Cid asked the King to eat with him, and the King
answered, Not so, for ye are not prepared; we arrived yesterday, and ye
but now. Eat you and your company therefore with me, for we have made
ready. To-day, Cid Campeador, you are my guest, and to-morrow we will
do as pleases you. Now came the Infantes of Carrion up and humbled
themselves before the Cid, and he received them well, and they promised
to do him service. And the company of the Cid came up, and kissed the
King's hand. So they alighted and went to meat; and the King said unto
the Cid that he should eat with him at his table; howbeit he would not.
And when the King saw that he would not take his seat with him, he
ordered a high table to be placed for the Cid and for Count Don
Gonzalo, the father of the Infantes of Carrion. All the while that they
ate the King could never look enough at the Cid, and he marvelled
greatly at his beard, that it had grown to such length. And when they
had eaten they were merry, and took their pleasure. And on the morrow
the King and all they who went with him to this meeting, ate with the
Cid, and so well did he prepare for them that all were full joyful, and
agreed in one thing, that they had not eaten better for three years.
There was not a man there who did not eat upon silver, and the King and
the chief persons ate upon dishes and trenchers of gold. And when the
Infantes saw this they had the marriage more at heart than before.

XXIX. On the morrow as soon as it was day, the Bishop Don Hieronymo
sung mass before the King, in the oratory of the Cid; and when it was
over, the King said before all who were there assembled, Counts and
Infanzones and knights, hear what I shall say unto the Cid. Cid
Ruydiez, the reason wherefore I sent for you to this meeting was
two-fold: first, that I might see you, which I greatly desired, for I
love you much because of the many and great services which you have