Chimene. It seems, however, that my agitated soul refuses this joy, and finds itself overwhelmed by it.  One moment gives to fate different aspects, and in this great happiness I fear a great reverse.

Elvira. You see this fear happily deceived.

Chimene. Let us go, whatever it may be, to await the issue.

Scene II.—­The INFANTA, LEONORA, and a PAGE.

Infanta (to Page).  Page, go, tell Chimene from me, that to-day she is rather long in coming to see me, and that my friendship complains of her tardiness. [Exit Page.]

Leonora. Dear lady, each day the same desire urges you, and at your interview with her, I see you every day ask her how her love proceeds.

Infanta. It is not without reason.  I have almost compelled her to receive the arrows with which her soul is wounded.  She loves Rodrigo, and she holds him from my hand; and by means of me Don Rodrigo has conquered her disdain.  Thus, having forged the chains of these lovers, I ought to take an interest in seeing their troubles at an end.

Leonora. Dear lady, however, amidst their good fortune you exhibit a grief which proceeds to excess.  Does this love, which fills them both with gladness, produce in this noble heart [of yours] profound sadness?  And does this great interest which you take in them render you unhappy, whilst they are happy?  But I proceed too far, and become indiscreet.

Infanta. My sadness redoubles in keeping the secret.  Listen, listen at length, how I have struggled; listen what assaults my constancy [lit. virtue or valor] yet braves.  Love is a tyrant which spares no one.  This young cavalier, this lover which I give [her]—­I love him.

Leonora. You love him!

Infanta. Place your hand upon my heart, and feel [lit. see] how it throbs at the name of its conqueror! how it recognizes him!

Leonora. Pardon me, dear lady, if I am wanting in respect in blaming this passion; a noble princess to so far forget herself as to admit in her heart a simple [or, humble] cavalier!  And what would the King say?—­what would Castile say?  Do you still remember of whom you are the daughter?

Infanta. I remember it so well, that I would shed my blood rather than degrade my rank.  I might assuredly answer to thee, that, in noble souls, worth alone ought to arouse passions; and, if my love sought to excuse itself, a thousand famous examples might sanction it.  But I will not follow these—­where my honor is concerned, the captivation of my feelings does not abate my courage, and I say to myself always, that, being the daughter of a king, all other than a monarch is unworthy of me.  When I saw that my heart could not protect itself, I myself gave away that which I did not dare to take; and I put, in place of my self, Chimene in its fetters, and I kindled their passions [lit. fires] in order to extinguish