But there are too many scruples, and my reason is alarmed at the contempt of a choice so worthy; although to monarchs only my [proud] birth may assign me, Rodrigo, with honor I shall live under thy laws.  After having conquered two kings, couldst thou fail in obtaining a crown?  And this great name of Cid, which thou hast just now won—­does it not show too clearly over whom thou art destined to reign?

He is worthy of me, but he belongs to Chimene; the present which I made of him [to her], injures me.  Between them, the death of a father has interposed so little hatred, that the duty of blood with regret pursues him.  Thus let us hope for no advantage, either from his transgression or from my grief, since, to punish me, destiny has allowed that love should continue even between two enemies.

Scene III.—­THE INFANTA and LEONORA.

Infanta. Whence [i.e. for what purpose] comest thou, Leonora?

Leonora. To congratulate you, dear lady, on the tranquillity which at last your soul has recovered.

Infanta. From what quarter can tranquillity come [lit. whence should this tranquillity come], in an accumulation of sorrow?

Leonora. If love lives on hope, and if it dies with it, Rodrigo can no more charm your heart; you know of the combat in which Chimene involves him; since he must die in it, or become her husband, your hope is dead and your spirit is healed.

Infanta. Ah! how far from it!

Leonora. What more can you expect?

Infanta. Nay, rather, what hope canst thou forbid me [to entertain]?  If Rodrigo fights under these conditions, to counteract the effect of it [that conflict], I have too many resources.  Love, this sweet author of my cruel punishments, puts into [lit. teaches] the minds of lovers too many stratagems.

Leonora. Can you [accomplish] anything, since a dead father has not been able to kindle discord in their minds?  For Chimene clearly shows by her behavior that hatred to-day does not cause her pursuit.  She obtains the [privilege of a] combat, and for her champion, she accepts on the moment the first that offers.  She has not recourse to those renowned knights [lit. noble hands] whom so many famous exploits render so glorious; Don Sancho suffices her, and merits her choice, because he is going to arm himself for the first time; she loves in this duel his want of experience; as he is without renown, [so] is she without apprehension; and her readiness [to accept him], ought to make you clearly see that she seeks for a combat which her duty demands, but which yields her Rodrigo an easy victory, and authorizes her at length to seem appeased.

Infanta. I observe it clearly; and nevertheless my heart, in rivalry with Chimene, adores this conqueror.  On what shall I resolve, hopeless lover that I am?

Leonora. To remember better from whom you are sprung.  Heaven owes you a king; you love a subject!