The Lay of the Cid. Folio 1v

And if one give him shelter, let him know in very deed

«He shall lose his whole possession, nay! the eyes within his head
Nor shall his soul and body be found in better stead».

Great sorrow had the Christians, and from his face they hid.
Was none dared aught to utter unto my lord the Cid.

Then the Campeador departed unto his lodging straight.
But when he was come thither, they had locked and barred the gate.
In their fear of King Alfonso had they done even so.
An the Cid forced not his entrance, neither for weal nor woe
Durst they open it unto him. Loudly his men did call.
Nothing thereto in answer said the folk within the hall.
My lord the Cid spurred onward, to the doorway did he go.
He drew his foot from the stirrup, he smote the door one blow.
Yet the door would not open, for they lied barred it fast.
But a maiden of nine summers came unto him at last:
«Campeador in happy hour thou girdedst on the sword.
'This the King's will. Yestereven came tile mandate of our lord.
With utmost care they brought it, and it was sealed with care:
None to ope to you or greet you for any cause shall dare.
And if we do, we forfeit houses and lands instead.
Nay we shall lose, moreover, the eyes within the head
And, Cid, with our misfortune, naught whatever cost thou gain.
But may God with all his power support thee in thy pain».
So spake the child and turned away. Unto her home went she.