El Cid

'This is Spain, 1080 years after the coming of Christ.

'It is a war-torn, unhappy land -

'half Christian, half Moor.

'This is the time and the story of Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar,

'known to history and to legend as El Cid, "The Lord".

'He was a simple man who became Spain's greatest hero.

'He rose above religious hatreds and called upon all Spaniards, whether Christian or Moor,

'to face a common enemy who threatened to destroy Spain.

'This enemy was gathering his savage forces across the Mediterranean Sea on the north shores of Africa.

'He was the African Emir, Ben Yusuf.'

The Prophet has commanded us to rule the world.

Where in all your land of Spain is the glory of Allah?

When men speak of you, they speak of poets,

doctors, scientists. Where are your warriors?

You call yourselves sons of the Prophet? You are women!

Burn your books, make warriors of your poets.

Let your doctors invent new poisons for our arrows,

let your scientists invent new war machines and, then, kill! Burn!

Infidels live on your frontiers.

Encourage them to kill each other.

And when they are weak and torn, I will sweep up from Africa.

And thus the empire of the one God, the true God, Allah, will spread.

First across Spain.

Then across Europe.

Then the whole world!

Heavenly Father, we are lost and in darkness.

Once again they destroy our towns,

hold our people in bondage.

Please help us, Father.

Send us someone who will take us to the light.

Father...

Here, come.

The cross.

The cross.

We couldn't save your village, but we captured their leaders.

Who are you?

Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar.

Bivar?

You're a long way from home.

Sir, you are not dressed for battle.

This was to have been my wedding day, Father.

How is it you came here, my son?

I thought this would be the shortest road to my bride.

-We are ready, my lord. Do we hang them now?

-No, not yet.

They come to Bivar with us.

CHEERING

No! Stop!

Fernando, put down those stones!

Welcome home, my son.

-Here are some Moorish prisoners.

-We didn't expect such wedding guests.

-Are you holding them for tribute?

-They're your prisoners, sir.

They're yours. You captured them. You must decide what to do with them.

Hang them! Now!

There will be a great ransom for you if you let us live.

You were ready enough to kill. It would seem you are less ready to die.

-I am ready, my Lord Rodrigo. I have no desire to live to see what is coming to all of us.

-What IS coming?

Wars, death and destruction.

Blood and fire, more terrible than has ever been seen by living man.

Don Diego, I'll take your prisoners back to the King at Burgos.

They are not my prisoners. They are my son's.

Forgive me, Don Rodrigo. It will be YOUR prisoners we hang in the palace square.

We will hang their bodies high! CROWD SHOUT IN AGREEMENT

Lord Ordonez, these prisoners will not go to Burgos.

-The King will be just as pleased if you hang them now.

-We've killed them for years. Has it brought us peace?

Hang me and my sons will not rest while a Christian is alive in Bivar.

What other way is there to treat the Moors?

Do you want these people to live in fear for the rest of their lives?

Antonio, do you want to see your church burned, too?

Your village destroyed?

-Then kill them!

-Don Diego!

Tell your son it is treason to refuse to give prisoners to an officer of the King.

Rodrigo knows what he must do.

Do you solemnly pledge never again to attack King Ferdinand's country?

I do.

We have a word for a warrior with the vision to be just and the courage to be merciful.

We call such a man "El Cid".

I, Mutamin, Emir of Zaragoza, pledge my friendship to the Cid of Bivar,

and allegiance to his sovereign lord, King Ferdinand of Castile.

May Allah strike the eyes from my head and the flesh from my bones if I break this pledge.

In the name of Allah!

In the name of Allah.

In the name of Ferdinand, King of Castile, Leon and Asturias, I charge you with treason.

Within seven days you will appear before the King at Burgos to answer these charges.

You did take the shortest road, my son.

Not to your bride, but to your destiny.

God sent you to us, my son.

God sent you.

Rodrigo!

But I did hear a sound.

He should have been here by now. Why is he so late?

He's not late, my lady. He was to be here at sundown. It's barely noon.

Yes.

You don't really understand how love keeps time.

Later means sooner, sundown means noon.

Still, a man on a horse can move only so fast.

-No matter how much the man is in love.

-Yes, my lady.

All night long I kept thinking.

Oh, the Moors have ambushed him!

Oh, yes. He's been attacked by a madman.

He's fallen ill.

They say all women in love are tormented that way.

Because they don't dare believe that such happiness can really be theirs.

-VOICES OUTSIDE

-Oh!

Help me, please.

The gown is...

very beautiful.

Your Highness is...

very gracious.

It is not often we are so...honoured.

No, it is not an ordinary day.

Then you have not heard?

There has been news.

Oh, yes!

News of...of Rodrigo, Your Highness?

Of Rodrigo.

The gown is so beautiful.

Your Highness... Your Highness. Can you tell me what has happened to Rodrigo?

Yes, I can tell you.

-You knew that Rodrigo was on his way here?

-Yes.

That there was a battle? You knew there was a battle with the Moors?

Chimene.

My father, tell me.

Rodrigo's been hurt?

No, Rodrigo's alive and well.

You love him so much.

Two names.

My father... And Rodrigo.

Chimene... you are my only child.

I have no wife.

You alone can carry my blood.

I should have had a son.

-But...Rodrigo will be your son.

-No!

You are young.

You can learn to love again.

Could I learn to love another father?

It is not the same. There are others.

Chimene!

Chimene!

Don Garcia Ordonez. Tell me what has happened.

You have always been a good friend.

I would be more to you, Chimene, if you'd let me.

-You know that can never be.

-It can now.

Why now?

Could you love a traitor, Chimene?

Since I love Rodrigo, the question can never have meaning.

It does now. Rodrigo is a traitor.

-I do not believe you.

-There were others there.

-I do not believe them!

I brought the charges against him. He is to be tried for treason against the King.

-You would do anything to hurt Rodrigo.

-No, I would do anything to win you.

What if these charges are true?

-They're not true!

-But many saw it.

-They are lying!

You will see for yourself.

< His Majesty,

Don Ferdinand, the King, our Lord,

King of Castile, Leon and Asturias!

TRUMPET FANFARE

And the infantes - Prince Sancho...

Prince Alfonso...

and the Princess - Dona Urraca!

You are here at this court to give your solemn advice on a matter of great import.

Garcia Ordonez has invoked a charge of treason against Rodrigo of Bivar.

LOUD MUTTERING

COMMOTION CONTINUES

His treason is certain.

You shouldn't have come.

Then I'll go.

No...another moment.

Oh, for ever!

Besides, there is no danger.

-No danger?

-No.

-< ARGUING CONTINUES

-Listen to them.

It doesn't matter.

Because I know you're not guilty.

-You don't even know what I've done.

-No.

But I know it was not treason.

What did you do?

I let a man live.

Five men.

But how can they call that treason?

< ANGRY SHOUTS

Who are these five men?

Emirs.

Moors...? You let Moors live? Why?

I'm not sure it was right.

I don't know. I think it was...

It happened strangely.

I was on my way to you.

I can't even remember where I was.

There must have been roads, trees and people.

All I remember is your face.

There was a battle I fought, too.

My heart wasn't in my sword. I saw your face.

Suddenly I felt,

"Why are we killing each other?

"True, they're Moors, we're Christians..."

Chimene...

Do you understand what I'm trying to say?

Yes, but...

There always have been wars between us.

I know.

Always.

You don't think that... we could live in peace?

< COMMOTION GETS LOUDER

This is not a charge I would bring lightly against any man, especially a man who was to be my son.

But a man who frees the enemies of the King, son or no son,

I must call such a man "traitor".

Sire, he slurs the honour of our family.

This cannot be.

I, too, was once the King's champion.

That was many years ago. It's better to leave the matter in our hands.

No, sire, there were things said here which cannot be forgotten,

even in this royal assembly.

Count Gomez of Oviedo,

when you call my son a traitor, I say you lie.

I am the King's champion.

I would not want to shame my sword with an old man's blood.

Yet no man can call me a liar.

LIAR!

I don't really understand, Rodrigo.

I only know if it grew out of our love...

it must be right.

-What do you want?

-You shamed my father.

I want his name back.

But not the way you left it. I want it clean so he can once more wear it proudly.

I cannot apologise.

It is not that I do not want to.

I do not know how to.

People will esteem you the more for it.

-Everyone will understand.

-I have told you no. Go home, Rodrigo.

I ask you nothing for myself.

I humble myself before you.

-Have pity on a proud old man.

-I have no pity for those who have outlived their usefulness.

Count...

I beg you.

See? Two words are all I ask.

Can you not say, "Forgive me"?

I cannot.

I will not.

Now go.

Don't make me stain my life and Chimene's with your blood.

Go home, Rodrigo. No-one will think the less of you for not standing up against the King's own champion.

Don Tomas!

I will ask you... only this last time.

Courage and honour are not dead in Castile.

And now I remember why I thought you were worthy of my Chimene. Go home.

What glory is there for the King's champion in killing you?

Can a man live...without honour?

No.

Now, Count...

Now I am satisfied.

Chimene...

Chimene!

Chimene...

Father!

-Chimene...

-Father!

-Father!

-Avenge me.

As my son would.

Don't let me die...

unavenged.

Unavenged.

Oh, Father!

I didn't seek your father's life, Chimene.

No, but you knew he could only answer the way he did.

And you were prepared to kill him.

You bought your honour with my sorrow.

There was no other way for me.

The man you chose to love

-could do only what I did.

-Did you think the woman YOU chose to love could do less than you?

I tried not to come.

I tried.

I told my love it had no right to live.

But my love won't die.

-Kill it!

-You kill it! Tell me you don't love me.

I cannot.

Not yet.

But I will make myself worthy of you, Rodrigo.

I will learn to hate you.

TRUMPET FANFARE

Dona Chimene, daughter of the late Count Gomez of Oviedo,

the King's lamented champion.

Dona Chimene, never was there a moment when we needed your father more.

His death is a great loss to us.

And never did I regret more deeply that I am his daughter and not his son.

I will not stand on ceremony, Ferdinand.

I have written to you about the city of Calahorra and received no answer.

< Calahorra belongs to Aragon. I come to claim it.

Calahorra is a part of Castile.

King Ferdinand of Castile, Leon and Asturias denies these claims.

Ramiro, King of Aragon, by the grace of God,

challenges Ferdinand, King of Castile, Leon and Asturias to meet him in battle

on the plains of Calahorra with all his forces.

To the victor and his heirs the city of Calahorra shall belong for ever!

No...

All Spain is threatened by the Moors.

What could give greater comfort to the enemy than to see two Christian armies tear each other to bits?

Let the fate of Calahorra be decided by a single combat between your champion and mine.

We know why you have chosen this moment. Our champion is dead.

The gauntlet lies there. Let one man come forward or give up Calahorra.

Lord King, let me take up this gauntlet, sire.

Why should we entrust the fate of a city to your inexperienced hands?

It was I who killed your champion, sire.

What man has a better claim to his place?

Don Martin has killed 27 men in single combat. You know that.

Yes...

-Yes, I know that.

-Why, then, would you risk your life in this way?

I stand accused of treason, sire. And of other things.

I've not been permitted to answer these charges. You've not judged me.

Let me now offer myself before the highest judge.

If I am guilty, God will direct Don Martin's lance to my heart.

If I am innocent, let him be my shield.

-He's never fought before.

-He is strong, Father.

-A city is at stake.

-He defeated our champion.

-It might have been from behind in the dark.

That is not Rodrigo's way.

Let him fight, Father.

He has much to fight for.

Rodrigo Bivar, take up the gauntlet.

And may God give you strength.

May God give me strength.

Why have you come to this place?

BOTH: We have come to do battle for Calahorra.

Will you fight to the death?

-We will.

-We will.

-Then fight for Calahorra!

Don Martin! Don Martin!

You were my father's enemy. Will you avenge him and wear my colours?

My lady, I would be proud to wear your colours.

I promise that he who has offended you shall die.

Until your triumph, my colour is black.

Rodrigo, the champion of Castile cannot go into combat without a lady's colours.

My lady.

Almighty God, now the hour of my ordeal has come.

Judge me and let all men know my guilt or innocence.

Do you think Don Martin will kill Rodrigo?

I hope he does, Your Highness.

I'm sure you will understand why I do not join you in that hope.

After all...we would lose a city.

FANFARE

CROWD CHEER

He's held the first charge. Rodrigo's held!

LOUD CHEERING

To whom does Calahorra belong?

Calahorra belongs...to Ferdinand

and to Castile.

God gave me strength, sire.

Never have I seen a man fight with greater courage. Our Lord was surely with you.

Who can deny that the charges brought against you were false?

You will be my champion.

Your colours are no longer black.

Until my father is avenged, my colours will be deepest black.

Someone will avenge me.

Someone will yet come forward.

No. Not one knight in all Castile will risk his life against Rodrigo.

-He is too dangerous.

-Then why come to me?

This is not just a momentary anger?

-You want Rodrigo's death?

-You would fight Rodrigo?

-Not fight, kill him.

I could fight him.

It's not a question of courage.

Before I first saw you, I was ready to throw my life away, but...

Not now, Chimene.

To kill him...

How?

I want your love, Chimene.

More than I want honour, glory, wealth.

You understand love like that.

Yes... Yes, I do.

Then I will kill him.

Oh, Father!

Why did you leave me such a burden?

Rodrigo of Bivar, you are hereby our own champion and first knight of the realm.

With this sword may you vanquish all our enemies.

For the first time in generations, our Moorish vassals have refused to pay us tribute.

They've been stirred to unrest by the African Moors.

An expedition must be sent to collect that tribute. This will be your first task.

May I prove worthy, sire.

Sancho will go with you. May I prove worthy.

Sire, this will be the first expedition of our Prince. Could I too accompany him?

You have our permission, Count Ordonez.

Spare our son Sancho no hardship or danger,

but teach him also that peace not war is the real task of a king.

CHURCH BELLS RING

TRUMPET FANFARE

Lord King, by ancient custom, when a lord deprives a lady of her support, he is himself required

to give her shelter.

I killed that lady's father. Therefore, if by God's will

I return alive from this mission, will you give me Dona Chimene as my lawful wife,

-to provide for and protect as her father would've done?

-Yes, Rodrigo.

Let there be an end to this hatred.

The marriage will take place on your return. Dona Chimene will be ready.

In nomine patris e filius et Spiritu Sancti. Amen.

This is the man you hoped Don Martin would kill.

-This is the man whose death you sought.

-Yes, Your Highness.

Would you then still accept this marriage?

If it is the King's order, I must obey.

My Cid, beware!

Help him!

-My Lord Mutamin.

-My Lord Cid.

-You came in good time this day.

-Praise be to Allah.

You were betrayed by one of your own.

Betrayed by a Christian? Saved by a Moor.

-You've earned the enmity of your people.

-It's what my Cid did for me.

-If ever you have need of me.

-If ever you have need of ME.

GROANS >

Ordonez...

My Cid, before I die I want you to know that the woman you love

offered herself to me if I would kill you.

Kill him. Kill him. He betrayed us!

No. Let him go.

-They'll say I was too soft.

-You must learn to think like a king.

Any man can kill. Only a king can give life.

I want no more blood on my marriage.

RECITES IN LATIN >

Volo.

SPEAKS IN LATIN

ASKS HER TO TAKE HER VOWS >

Volo.

SPEAKS IN LATIN

Will my lady take a little wine?

It's a good wine, especially brought from Bivar.

I thank you, Fanez, no.

All night you've told my lady how good everything is because it comes from Bivar.

Well, it is good.

You will see for yourself, my lady, when you come to Bivar,

it is such... such a happy place.

-Is it, Fanez?

-Oh, yes, my lady.

It's impossible to be there without...feeling it.

I...I think my lord and lady must be tired.

Yes. Goodnight, my lord, my lady.

Goodnight. And may this night be the most...

I mean, may you have...

Goodnight, my lord and lady, goodnight.

Since I've taken the vows of wife,

and since there must be nothing hidden between man and wife, there is something I wish to tell you.

Sometimes it's best to leave something hidden, even between man and wife.

They say each unspoken thought becomes a small ghost.

We have room for a few small ghosts.

I knew Ordonez would betray you.

We planned your death.

Together.

Chimene, I knew you planned to kill me.

Ordonez told me.

I never hoped...

our marriage would bring your love back quickly.

I did hope it would end your hate and that...

that somehow...

Chimene!

Do you know why I married you, Rodrigo?

It was the only way left for me to avenge my father.

It is true that if you want me, it is your right as my husband to take me.

But you will never get a woman's love from me.

Perhaps we have wounded each other too deeply.

Chimene! Is it our Chimene?

Yes, Reverend Mother, it's Chimene.

Why have you come back to us?

I've come to find peace, Mother.

After all that has happened, you'll not find peace within these walls.

You were made for the world. One day you'll want to go back to it.

But you may remain with us until you feel you must leave.

PRAYER IN LATIN

PRAYER CONTINUES

Why do they not hail me King?

Because you are not the King. The kingdom has been divided.

-Liar!

-Father said that Castile is yours, Asturias and Leon go to me.

-And to Urraca the city of Calahorra.

-No! I'm the eldest.

It is my birthright. The kingdom will not be divided!

You can't stop it now. I am King of Asturias and Leon. I won't let you stand in my way.

I am the eldest son. I will have the triple crown or none at all.

Then let it be none at all!

You and Urraca...against me!

Father was old.

-She worked on him.

-You're no better than us because you're the eldest.

You and our sister. It was always you and our sister.

You held her too close.

-You coloured her.

-You lie!

Sancho, no!

He thought he could be King.

Asurez!

Accompany His Highness to his new kingdom - the dungeon of Zamora.

Will you give me your prisoner?

-Or must I take him?

-There are thirteen of us and you are alone.

What you do is against God's law.

Were you 13 times 13, I would not be alone.

What kind of a man are you?

Come.

We'll go to your sister at Calahorra.

Open the gates of Valencia in the name of Allah!

'Ben Yusuf rode to Valencia to secure the aid of the frightened Moorish king, Al Qadir.

'He had to make sure he could land his armada on the shores of Spain.'

SCREAMING

Clear out, all of you!

My lord, Ben Yusuf, what an honour. What an honour.

Allah be praised. Our moment has come.

Ferdinand has died. The two young kings have quarrelled.

Allah has willed it so. And one Christian brother will kill another Christian brother.

How will this happen?

HE will do the killing.

The word will spread that brother has killed brother.

The kingdom will be torn apart, then I will bring my legions from Africa.

A master strategy.

When I land, they may attack you at Valencia. If they do, you will hold Valencia. Do you understand me?

Yes, my lord, I understand.

I will leave my guards with you to make certain you understand.

Don't let him take me, Urraca.

Go! Go!

Urraca! >

Urraca!

Urraca!

Urraca! You have given refuge to my brother. I demand you release him at once!

This is my city. You do not demand.

Release him or my army will attack.

Alfonso stays here with me!

I give you until dawn to decide.

My lady! >

What would it be worth to you if Sancho were kept from your gates?

Who is there that could do such a thing?

I could.

Only... Only, I would ask a great deal.

Thank heaven you answered our call.

Why did you send it, sir?

Unless I surrender to Sancho, he will lay siege to us by morning.

Help us, Rodrigo.

When brother fights against brother, what can any man do?

If you joined us, many knights would come.

I swore allegiance to Sancho.

And to Alfonso. And to me!

I can only help one brother by breaking faith with the other. I can help no-one.

But Sancho will kill Alfonso.

Whatever happens must happen without me.

Sancho, el rey!

Sancho, el rey!

Sancho, el rey!

What do you want here, Adolphus? >

I have words for your ears only, my King.

Well?

There is a way Calahorra could be taken without a blow. I'll help you.

Why should you do this for me? I will not see our land torn by civil war.

Tell me.

I know where there is an unguarded gate. I will take you there.

With a few men, you...

Even though my father trusted you, Adolphus...

one false move...

But I am unarmed, sire.

CRACK OF THUNDER

Show me this gate.

From here it will be better to go on foot.

I see no gate.

There! Around the corner.

Open the gate! Open the gate!

Confess me.

Confess me. Confess me!

Sancho!

-Rodrigo...

-My poor Sancho.

I was almost a king.

Wasn't I?

You are a king, my lord.

I have not come here as a queen.

Forgive me, Your Highness.

You still love Rodrigo.

And I know Rodrigo still loves you.

-You have made a long journey to come here.

-Rodrigo must be stopped!

We will not permit this, Alfonso and I!

Rodrigo will listen to you.

What is it I must tell Rodrigo, Your Highness?

He has threatened to force Alfonso to swear publicly that he is innocent of Sancho's death.

Is he not innocent?

You must tell him not to do this. He must not. We will not permit it!

You had better speak to him.

Do you understand me, Chimene?

I understand, Your Highness.

No-one can ask the King to swear.

No-one.

CHURCH BELLS RING

FANFARE

Before God and this assembly,

I do freely forgive those who have warred against me.

I promise to defend them and to show them favour,

as I show favour to those that were loyal to me.

This, my written oath,

I entrust to this holy church.

Castilians, God has called upon me to become your king.

I now call upon you to kneel in sign of fealty.

Rodrigo of Bivar,

called The Cid,

why do you alone refuse me fealty?

Sire, all those you see here, though none dare say so,

harbour the suspicion that you may have caused your brother's death.

Unless you can prove your innocence, you will have no loyal subjects, your kingdom will be torn by doubt.

Thus I cannot give you fealty, nor own you as my liege.

-What will satisfy you of my innocence?

-Your oath upon the holy books.

You would ask me to swear?

Sire, I do ask it.

Very well.

Do you swear that you did not order King Sancho's death?

-I so swear.

-Do you swear that you had no part by way of counsel in King Sancho's death?

-I so swear.

-Do you swear that you had no part by way of design in King Sancho's death?

I swear it!

If you are forsworn, may you die such a death as your brother did,

struck from behind by the hand of a traitor! Say amen.

Don't press me too far, Rodrigo.

Say amen.

Amen.

"By edict of our most illustrious sovereign, Alfonso, King of Castile, Leon and Asturias,

"be it known that Rodrigo of Bivar has outraged the royal personage and is hereby exiled for life.

"He has been accorded nine days from this day in which to depart from the realm alone and without men-at-arms.

"All his property, his goods, his lands and his privileges

"are hereby forfeit to the crown.

"All vassals of the King are forbidden to provide him with food, lodging or sustenance,

"or to speak with him.

"Let no man give him aid..."

I thirst!

I thirst!

I thirst. Lord knight, I thirst!

There is no spring nearby from which a leper is allowed to drink.

I'm thirsty.

Here... This is for you.

For you.

-Thank you, my Cid.

-How do you know my name?

Only one man in Spain could humble a king and would give a leper to drink from his own pouch.

Who are you?

I am called Lazarus.

May helping hands be extended to you,

everywhere you go, my Cid.

Can you forgive me, Rodrigo?

Chimene...

Would you take me with you?

But now I...have nowhere to take you.

If we are together,

it will not be nowhere.

I love you, Rodrigo.

I love you.

You know what you risk if you come with me, my love?

Since my love is not a man like other men,

my life will not be like other lives.

It's only now...

only now that I know...

how hard the road would have been without you.

-Are you the one they call The Cid?

-Yes.

You must be the beautiful Chimene.

Do you not hate him any more?

No, I do not.

My father says they'll cut our hands off if we help you.

My father says they have eyes everywhere.

But my father said if you walk very slowly, it will soon be dark,

and no-one will see you if you go into our barn.

I suppose we must leave soon before it gets too light.

No, one more moment...

to remember all of this.

Have you ever slept in a more beautiful bed chamber?

Never.

-Have you ever eaten better food?

-No.

Nor drunk better wine, nor...

I love you.

Dona Chimene, my wife.

I'm so glad, Rodrigo.

So glad.

Must we go?

Of what are you glad?

That you are no longer the King's champion.

That you no longer have your knights and your armies. That you have only me.

We will find some hidden place where you are not known.

Yes, a place like this.

And we will make our lives there.

If all men knew that banishment could be like this, we'd have a world of exiles.

DISTANT VOICES

Come. We'll look for your hidden place.

Before the others find it.

We'll have a new life now.

Lord God,

protect this woman I love...

and who is now finally my wife.

ALL SHOUT: Cid! Cid! Cid! Cid!

Cid! Cid! Cid!

Cid! Cid! Cid!

Cid! Cid! Cid!

CHEERING CONTINUES

-I am in exile!

-But we are all in exile!

I can't take you with me. You'd lose your homes,

-your families.

-Every man here has already made the choice. We want you to lead us!

You have no right to ask him. He has done enough!

The Cid!

SHOUTS OF "CID!"

But why him? Why?

For Spain!

Spain!

Urraca!

I haven't slept all night.

Every time I close my eyes to sleep, I dream the same dream. Over and over.

I'm fighting an enemy whose face I can never see.

I cut him down with my broadsword, he falls...

When I look down, it isn't my enemy lying at my feet.

It's...

It's my own right arm.

It was only a dream.

It was nothing.

Our dream was short.

I know. There is no hidden place for a man like you.

There must be thousands who would gladly part.

Why you?

-Why me?

-Please...

Let me carry away an image of you smiling.

It would be a lie.

I will besiege God with my prayers.

I will tell him he must bring you back to me.

I must tell God how much I need you.

Then we WILL see each other again.

Don Rodrigo...

We have not forgotten or forgiven the wrong you did our royal person.

But a king must put the welfare of his subjects above all else.

That is why we summoned you here.

Sire, I have all these years lived in the hope Your Majesty would call me. Especially now

since Ben Yusuf has landed on our shores.

Ben Yusuf has challenged us to meet him on the plains of Sagrajas.

-Sire, you must not fight at Sagrajas. Valencia must first...

-We have accepted the challenge.

My liege, you must first take Valencia.

While the Moors hold Valencia, Ben Yusuf can strike out from there, overrun all Spain.

Your Majesty must not let this happen.

I've brought friends to help you in this fight.

How dare they not kneel to us!

-Sire...these are kings. They come here as allies.

-We need no such allies.

-We are a Christian kingdom. We treat only with Christians.

-They're ready to fight at your side.

-They are your friends.

-They are not!

Sire...

You risk having no Spain at all!

Don Rodrigo, you will join us at Sagrajas. We shall annul your banishment and return your lands.

But if you are not at Sagrajas, we shall consider you and yours our enemies!

Don Rodrigo, I know why you have come.

CHILDREN LAUGHING

Your twin daughters are playing in the garden here.

This is your father.

You're Elvira?

Then you must be Sol.

And you're Elvira.

You're exactly alike.

.

Our dream was short.

I know. There is no hidden place for a man like you.

There must be thousands who would gladly part.

Why you?

-Why me?

-Please...

Let me carry away an image of you smiling.

It would be a lie.

I will besiege God with my prayers.

I will tell him he must bring you back to me.

I must tell God how much I need you.

Then we WILL see each other again.

Don Rodrigo...

We have not forgotten or forgiven the wrong you did our royal person.

But a king must put the welfare of his subjects above all else.

That is why we summoned you here.

Sire, I have all these years lived in the hope Your Majesty would call me. Especially now

since Ben Yusuf has landed on our shores.

Ben Yusuf has challenged us to meet him on the plains of Sagrajas.

-Sire, you must not fight at Sagrajas. Valencia must first...

-We have accepted the challenge.

My liege, you must first take Valencia.

While the Moors hold Valencia, Ben Yusuf can strike out from there, overrun all Spain.

Your Majesty must not let this happen.

I've brought friends to help you in this fight.

How dare they not kneel to us!

-Sire...these are kings. They come here as allies.

-We need no such allies.

-We are a Christian kingdom. We treat only with Christians.

-They're ready to fight at your side.

-They are your friends.

-They are not!

Sire...

You risk having no Spain at all!

Don Rodrigo, you will join us at Sagrajas. We shall annul your banishment and return your lands.

But if you are not at Sagrajas, we shall consider you and yours our enemies!

Don Rodrigo, I know why you have come.

CHILDREN LAUGHING

Your twin daughters are playing in the garden here.

This is your father.

You're Elvira?

Then you must be Sol.

And you're Elvira.

You're exactly alike.

I am tired.

Tired of exile.

Now I could take you home to Bivar.

With honours.

I might be wrong to defy the King.

He commanded me to meet him at Sagrajas. I could be wrong.

If you did not have us, would you even wonder?

I used to see so many of your hidden places,

where I could have lived with you, and no-one would have known.

Have you also found a place where we could hide from ourselves?

I can't leave you

or leave them here unprotected.

But if you do what must be done for all Spain,

that will be our best protection.

ALL CHEER

Our Moorish silks suit well your Christian armour.

You'll make a Muslim of me yet, my lord.

How can anyone say this is wrong?

They will say so.

On both sides.

We have so much to give to each other and to Spain.

If we are not destroyed first.

Once we take Valencia, then let Ben Yusuf try.

Valencia is surrounded. No-one here can leave the city or enter it.

Then our weapon is starvation.

May Allah make the siege a short one.

May God help our King Alfonso

at Sagrajas.

We could have beaten Ben Yusuf.

With a few more men, we could have won.

A handful of knights and victory would have been ours.

Dona Chimene, did you think we would permit your husband to go unpunished?

Would you punish the man who is now Spain's only hope?

What if we were to place Dona Chimene and her children in our deepest dungeons?

The Cid might then deliver himself into our hands.

Sire, this is a sanctuary.

-There are no sanctuaries for our enemies!

-If you crush him,

-who will stand against the invaders of Spain?

-If he had come, we would have won.

Sire...

It was not through lack of courage that we lost.

You shall see.

You saw.

I made no sound.

It was not through lack of courage that we lost!

It takes more than courage to make a king.

-Tell me his exact words!

-The King said he would not release Chimene and the children.

Does the King expect that I would let my wife and children die in the dungeons?

No, he hopes you will march on Burgos to rescue her.

Burgos?!

Well, then, shall we disappoint our King?

What do we wait here for? To Burgos!

My Lord Cid, wait!

The city is ready to fall. More people are coming over to our side.

After all these months, we cannot leave.

Don't speak to me of Valencia, Mutamin. Not now.

Am I not a man, too? Like you?

May I not sometimes think of my wife, my children?

Well, then.

What must I do?

What must I do?

Everything was taken from you.

How did you bribe the jailer

to bring me your message?

With two words. The Cid.

Even all these months in the dungeon have not marred your beauty.

There are terrible rumours.

They are not rumours. The Cid has sent an ultimatum to the King.

Unless you and the children are released at once, your husband will march against us here.

Abandon Valencia?

Leave all Spain unprotected?

Yes, Chimene.

For you. Why not?

Help me and the children to escape. Come with us.

Join Rodrigo.

If I thought it would stop him from coming here,

I would kill myself.

And the children.

Then your love is as desperate as mine.

Halt!

Rodrigo...

let me fight at your side.

We have need of such men.

DRUMS BEATING

Lord Ordonez, we must attack tonight.

Soldiers!

Citizens of Valencia!

We have starved you!

Now you are weak!

But we do not wish to attack you!

We are not your enemies!

Ben Yusuf is your enemy!

He will bring you death and destruction!

People of Valencia!

Rid yourselves of your leaders!

Join with us!

We bring you peace!

Soldiers and citizens, we bring you freedom!

We bring you life! We bring you bread!

SHOUTS OF "WE BRING YOU BREAD!"

My lord! The Cid is throwing them food! Your soldiers have deserted the walls and joined the people!

Call out the Black Guard!

Run them down! Kill them!

Aaagghh!

CID! CID! CID!

CID! CID! CID!

CID! CID! CID!

CHEERING CONTINUES

CID! CID! CID!

CID! CID! CID!

The city is yours. Take the crown. Proclaim yourself King.

All our battles we fought for you. We want you to rule us.

My Lord Cid...

We have given up everything for you. We implore you to take the crown.

CHEERING DIES DOWN

I take Valencia

in the name of my sovereign Lord, Alfonso,

King of Castile, Leon and Asturias,

of Segunto and El Minera,

of Castrejon and Alcantara,

King of Christians and Moors!

Valencia for Alfonso! By the grace of God,

King of Spain!

CID! CID! CID!

What a noble subject.

If he had only a noble king.

CID! CID! CID! CID! CID!

The crown of Valencia!

The crown of Valencia?

The Cid sends this to ME?

What are his conditions?

There are no conditions.

But, Chimene... He knew about the dungeon and his children.

He knew.

And yet he sends me the crown!

What kind of man is this?

He wants something.

What is it he wants?

The Cid has asked for nothing.

But I ask. The Cid needs your help to defend Valencia against Ben Yusuf.

No!

Tell your lord, the Cid, that we seek neither his favour nor his help.

Nor can he expect anything from us.

Now go.

Who has done more for you and Spain?

Go!

Look, now you are also King of Valencia.

I am King of nothing.

No King at all! I will make myself a King!

-Alfonso!

-I will!

Alfonso!

All men must die.

Why not for a good cause?

What cause of yours could be worth such torture?

The Cid!

The Cid? He is a man like other men. He will die. I will kill him.

He will never die. Never!

You dare think of him as we think of our Prophet?

We do.

Then this will be more than a battle.

It will be our God against yours!

-Where's Ordonez? I sent him to see if Ben Yusuf was on the march. Hasn't he returned?

-Not yet, my Cid.

DRUMS BEAT

DRUMBEAT GETS LOUDER

Ben Yusuf's armada. We should attack at dawn before they can all land.

We'll drive a wedge along the shore and keep his forces split.

Come.

I know, I know.

This is always the hardest time when the enemy has no face.

You have been through this a hundred times. I need to know.

Where do you find your courage?

I wish I knew.

Each warrior, each time, is fighting for himself.

Come. This is the battle we've waited for so long.

The last battle. When we've won it, we'll have peace.

Open the gates!

For God, Alfonso and for Spain!

FOR GOD, ALFONSO AND SPAIN!

The Cid is wounded. He goes back to Valencia.

The Cid is wounded!

The Cid is wounded!

-We attack again tomorrow!

-You will need time to recover your strength.

It must be tomorrow. The enemy will only grow stronger while we grow weaker.

-But, my lord!

-Go, Fanez.

Make the preparations. Go, cover the retreat, go!

Close the gates!

Close the gates!

There will be a great loss of blood, but the arrow must be withdrawn immediately.

-Will he live?

-If the arrow is drawn, he has a chance.

If not, he will be dead within a few days.

Chimene...

I must lead the attack tomorrow.

If the arrow is not withdrawn, it is certain you will die.

Not before tomorrow.

-That's all I need.

-It's not all

-I

-need!

-What will there be for you if this battle is lost?

-Someone else will lead them.

They have made me their heart.

But their heart is wounded.

It needs to rest.

We could take you to Bivar. We could cure you.

My love would not let you die.

We've not spent much time together.

Yet it seems to me...

I will not let you. You will live.

Yet it seems to me that those who have spent a lifetime together

have not had more than we.

I want more! I want for ever!

Oh, the children!

The children!

Chimene...

You can't save my life.

You must help me give it up.

Now.

Lord Mutamin!

It is the wish of my husband that the arrow shall not be removed.

Allah be praised! The Cid is dead! The Cid is dead!

LOUD CHEERING

The Cid is dead!

The Cid is dead!

The Cid is dead! The Cid is dead! The Cid is dead! The Cid is dead!

The Cid is dead!

CHEERING CONTINUES, DRUMS BEAT

They dare not fight. Let it be known everywhere. The Cid is dead!

MORE SHOUTS OF "THE CID IS DEAD!"

The Cid is dead! The Cid is dead!

I tell you the Cid is alive!

He is well!

I have seen him!

He will fight tomorrow!

He will be with us leading the attack!

You must...you must believe me!

The Cid is alive!

-Fanez!

-Yes, my lord?

What are they saying?

All is well, my lord. Very well.

The people are hopeful. The army is eager to fight.

You always were a bad liar, Fanez.

Now tell me the truth.

I could not convince them that you are alive.

ALL SHOUT: Cid! Cid! Cid! Cid!

Cid, Cid, Cid, Cid!

Cid, Cid, Cid!

Soldiers!

People of Valencia!

You must not be frightened by the sound of a few drums.

In a few hours they will be silenced for ever.

I promise you.

Tomorrow morning...

I will ride with you!

Cid, Cid, Cid, Cid, Cid!

CHEERING CONTINUES

Cid, Cid, Cid, Cid!

-Chimene...

-I'm here, Rodrigo. I'm here.

Listen to me.

-Even if my strength fails me, I must lead the attack tomorrow.

-Yes.

I must!

Do you understand?

I must.

Alive or dead, I must be on my horse at the head of my soldiers.

You promise you will do whatever needs to be done?

Yes.

Promise me.

I promise, Rodrigo.

I promise.

-I promise.

-Yes.

I promise.

I promise.

Open the gates! It's the King!

My lord, the King!

Forgive me, my Cid.

-Forgive me.

-No...

My King kneels to no man.

To no man.

It is not easy...for a man to conquer himself.

You have done that.

-If only I could live to see Spain at peace.

-You will, you will!

No-one can stand against us. We'll drive Ben Yusuf back into the sea.

I've not failed.

Spain has a king.

Tomorrow...we will fight side by side,

my King and I.

We will...ride out...together.

-Together.

-No!

I will be at your side.

Chimene!

Chimene...

Chimene...

I promise... I've not forgotten.

I want you and my children...

to remember me...

riding with my King.

Tomorrow.

For God, the Cid and Spain!

FOR GOD, THE CID AND SPAIN!

FOR GOD, THE CID AND SPAIN!

'And thus the Cid rode out of the gates of history into legend.'

Back, back! Go back!

Go back...! Aaagh!

Heavenly Father,

open your arms to receive the soul

of one who lived and died the purest knight of all.

Subtitles by Calum Short BBC Scotland 1995