Classic Poem

First Part (excerpt)

The Campeador went straight to his quarters;
when he came to the gate he found it well locked.
Out of fear of King Alfonso they had done this;
unless he break it down they would not open for any reason.

The men of my Cid called out in loud voices;
the men inside were loath to reply.
My Cid spurred forward, he came up to the gate,
he drew his foot from the stirrup, a blow he gave the gate;
the gate did not open, for it was well locked.

A nine-year-old girl appeared before him.
" O Campeador, in a happy hour you girded on your sword!
The King has forbidden it, his order came last night,
borne with great precaution, and firmly sealed.
We would not dare open to you or shelter you at all,
or we would lose our possessions and our houses,
and what is more, the eyes in our faces.
Cid, from our misfortune you will gain nothing;
may the Creator preserve you with all His blessed powers. "

Thus spoke the girl and returned to her house.
Now the Cid sees that he will get no favor from the King.
He left the gate, spurred on to Burgos,
arrived at Santa Maria, then dismounted;
he dropped to his knees and prayed from his heart.