rise at the length of the Cid's beard, and seemed awed
by the pomp with which he was surrounded, for at the banquet all the
chief men ate out of dishes of gold and no one was asked to use
anything less precious than silver. Not only did the Cid assure his
future sons-in-law that his daughters should have rich dowries, but,
the banquet ended, escorted them back to Valencia, where he
entertained them royally.

The wedding festivities lasted fifteen days, but even after they were
over the Infantes of Carrion tarried in Valencia, thus giving the Cid
more than one opportunity to regret having bestowed his daughters'
hands upon youths who possessed neither courage nor nobility of
character. While the young men were still lingering in Valencia, it
happened one afternoon--while the Cid lay sleeping in the hall--that a
huge lion, kept in the court-yard for his amusement, escaped from its
keepers. While those present immediately rushed forward to protect the
sleeper, the Cid's sons-in-law, terrified at the sight of the monster,
crept one beneath the hero's couch and the other over a wine-press,
thus soiling his garments so he was not fit to be seen. At the lion's
roar the Cid awoke. Seeing at a glance what had occurred, he sprang
forward, then, laying a powerful hand on the animal's mane, compelled
him to follow him out of the hall, and thrust him ignominiously back
into his cage.

Because the Infantes had so plainly revealed their cowardice, people
made fun of them, until they roused their resentment to such an extent
that, when the Moors again threatened Valencia, they offered to go
forth and defend the Cid. This show of courage simply delighted the
old hero, who sallied forth accompanied by both sons-in-law and by the
bishop, who was a mighty fighter. Although most of the warriors
present did wonders on this occasion, the Infantes of Carrion were
careful not to run any risk, although one of them purchased a horse
which a soldier had won from the Moors, and shamelessly passed it off
as his own trophy. Pleased to think this son-in-law had so
distinguished himself, the Cid complimented him after the battle,
where he himself had slain so many Moors and won so much booty that he
was able to send another princely present to Alfonso. Perceiving they
were still objects of mockery among the followers of the Cid, the
Infantes now begged permission to take their wives home, although
their real intention was to make these helpless girls