The Cid consented to this new alliance, and after a combat had been appointed between three champions of his selection and the Infantes of Carrion and their uncle, he prepared to return home.
As proof of his loyalty, however, he offered to give to Alfonso his favorite steed Babieca, an offer which the king wisely refused, telling him that the best of warriors alone deserved that peerless war horse.
"''Tis the noble Babieca that is fam'd for speed and force, Among the Christians nor the Moors there is not such another one, My Sovereign, Lord, and Sire, he is fit for you alone; Give orders to your people, and take him for your own.' The King replied, 'It cannot be; Cid, you shall keep your horse; He must not leave his master, nor change him for a worse; Our kingdom has been honor'd by you and by your steed-- The man that would take him from you, evil may he speed.
A courser such as he is fit for such a knight, To beat down Moors in battle, and follow them in flight.'" _Chronicles of the Cid_ (Southey's tr.).
Shortly after, in the presence of the king, the Cid, and the assembled Cortes, the appointed battle took place.

The Infantes of Carrion and their uncle were defeated and banished, and the Cid returned in triumph to Valencia.

Here his daughters' second marriage took place, and here he received an embassy bringing him rich gifts from the Sultan of Persia, who had heard of his fame.
Five years later the Moors returned, under the leadership of Bucar, King of Morocco, to besiege Valencia.

The Cid was about to prepare to do battle against this overwhelming force when he was favored by a vision of St.
Peter.

The saint predicted his death within thirty days, but assured him that, even though he were dead, he would still triumph over the enemy whom he had fought against for so many years.
"'Dear art thou to God, Rodrigo, And this grace he granteth thee: When thy soul hath fled, thy body Still shall cause the Moors to flee; And, by aid of Santiago, Gain a glorious victory.'" _Ancient Spanish Ballads_ (Lockhart's tr.).
The pious and simple-hearted warrior immediately began to prepare for the other world.