Don Fernando. Since you wish it, I grant that he shall do so; but a thousand others would take the place of a vanquished warrior, and the reward which Chimene has promised to the conqueror would render all my cavaliers his enemies; to oppose him alone to all would be too great an injustice; it is enough, he shall enter the lists once only.  Choose who [what champion] you will, Chimene, and choose well; but after this combat ask nothing more.

Don Diego. Release not by that those whom his valor [lit. arm] terrifies; leave an open field which none will [dare to] enter.  After what Rodrigo has shown us to-day, what courage sufficiently presumptuous would dare to contend with him?  Who would risk his life against such an opponent?  Who will be this valiant, or rather this rash individual?

Don Sancho. Open the lists, you see this assailant; I am this rash or rather this valiant [champion].  Grant this favor to the zeal which urges me on; dear lady, you know what your promise is.

Don Fernando. Chimene, do you confide your quarrel to his hand?

Chimene. Sire, I have promised it.

Don Fernando. Be ready to-morrow.

Don Diego. No, sire, there is no need to defer the contest; a man is always ready when he possesses courage.

Don Fernando. [What!] To come forth from one battle and to (instantly) enter the lists [lit. to fight]?

Don Diego. Rodrigo has regained breath in relating to you this [i.e. the history of that battle].

Don Fernando. I desire that he should rest at least an hour or two; but, for fear that such a combat may be considered as a precedent, to testify to all that I permit, with regret, a sanguinary ordeal which has never pleased me, it shall not have the presence either of myself or of my court. [To Don Arias.] You alone shall judge of the valor of the combatants.  Take care that both act like men of honor [lit. courage], and, the combat ended, bring the victor to me.  Whoever he may be, the same reward is gained by his exertions; I desire with my own hand to present him to Chimene, and that, as a recompense, he may receive her plighted faith.

Chimene. What, sire! [would you] impose on me so stern a law?

Don Fernando. Thou complainest of it; but thy love, far from acknowledging thy complaint, if Rodrigo be the conqueror, without restraint accepts [the conditions].  Cease to murmur against such a gentle decree; whichever of the two be the victor, I shall make him thy spouse.

ACT THE FIFTH.

Scene I.—­DON RODRIGO and CHIMENE.

Chimene. What!  Rodrigo!  In broad daylight!  Whence comes this audacity?  Go, thou art ruining my honor; retire, I beseech thee.

Don Rodrigo. I go to die, dear lady, and I come to bid you in this place, before the mortal blow, a last adieu.  This unchangeable love, which binds me beneath your laws, dares not to accept my death without paying to you homage for it.