The Lay of the Cid. Folio 47r

As for Ferrand Gonzalvez the Heir of Carrion,
He saw no place to hide in; chamber or tower was none.
Beneath the seat he crouched him so mighty was his dread.
And Didago Gonzalvez out through the doorway fled,
Crying aloud: "Wo! Carrion no more shall I behold."
Beneath a wine-press timber he hid in fear untold.
Thence he brought cloak and tunic all filthy and forlorn.
With that he woke from slumber, who in happy hour was born,
And saw his good men round his couch in a close ring that stood.
"Now what is this my henchmen — What is it that ye would?"
"Ha, worthy lord! The lion gave us a fearful fright."
The Cid leaned on his elbow, on his feet he leaped upright.
He flung his cloak on shoulder. Straight for the beast he made.
The lion when he saw him, so sorely was afraid
That before the Cid, low cowering, to earth his head he bent.
Hy lord Cid don Rodrigo him by the neck has hent.
He drew him and he dragged him and within his cage shut fast.
As many as heheld it thought it a marvel vast.
And then through the palace they returned unto the hall,
Of his sons the Cid made question, but found them not at all.
Though they shouted for them loudly, none answered to the hail.
And when at last they found them, oh, but their checks were pale !
Such mirth as in the palace was ye never saw before;
But to plague them was forbidden by the lord Cid Campeador.
Many thought that but for cowards themselves the twain had shown.
Sore grieved at what befell them were the heirs of Carrion.

CXIII

While thus the affair standeth wherein they had such shame,