He soon encountered the Moors, who were invading Castile, defeated them in battle, took five of their kings prisoners, and released them only after they had promised to pay tribute and to refrain from further warfare.
They were so grateful for their liberty that they pledged themselves to do his will, and departed, calling him "Cid," the name by which he was thenceforth known.
As Rodrigo had delivered the land from a great danger, King Ferdinand now restored him to favor and gave him an honorable place among his courtiers, who, however, were all somewhat inclined to be jealous of the fame the young man had won.

Shortly after his triumphant return, Dona Ximena, daughter of Don Gomez, also appeared in Burgos, and, falling at the king's feet, demanded justice.

Then, seeing the Cid among the courtiers, she vehemently denounced him for having slain her father, and bade him take her life also, as she had no wish to survive a parent whom she adored.
"'Thou hast slain the best and bravest That e'er set a lance in rest; Of our holy faith the bulwark,-- Terror of each Paynim breast.
"'Traitorous murderer, slay me also! Though a woman, slaughter me! Spare not--I'm Ximena Gomez, Thine eternal enemy! "'Here's my throat--smite, I beseech thee! Smite, and fatal be thy blow! Death is all I ask, thou caitiff,-- Grant this boon unto thy foe.'" _Ancient Spanish Ballads_ (Lockhart's tr.).
As this denunciation and appeal remained without effect (for the king had been too well served by the Cid to listen to any accusation against him), the distressed damsel departed, only to return to court three times upon the same fruitless errand.

During this time the valor and services of the Cid had been so frequently discussed in her presence that on her fifth visit to Ferdinand she consented to forego all further thoughts of vengeance, if the king would but order the young hero to marry her instead.
"'I am daughter of Don Gomez, Count of Gormaz was he hight, Him Rodrigo by his valor Did o'erthrow in mortal fight.
"'King, I come to crave a favor-- This the boon for which I pray, That thou give me this Rodrigo For my wedded lord this day.'" _Ancient Spanish Ballads_ (Lockhart's tr.).
[Sidenote: Marriage of the Cid.] The king, who had suspected for some time past that the Cid had fallen in love with his fair foe, immediately sent for him.

Rodrigo entered the city with his suite of three hundred men, proposed marriage to Ximena, and was accepted on the spot.