Infanta. The object of my attachment has completely changed:  I no longer love Rodrigo as a mere nobleman.  No; it is not thus that my love entitles him.  If I love him, it is [as] the author of so many brilliant deeds; it is [as] the valiant Cid, the master of two kings.  I shall conquer myself, however; not from dread of any censure, but in order that I may not disturb so glorious a love; and even though, to favor me, they should crown him, I will not accept again [lit. take back] a gift which I have given.  Since in such a combat his triumph is certain, let us go once more to give him [or, that gift] to Chimene.  And thou, who seest the love-arrows with which my heart is pierced; come see me finish as I have begun.

Scene IV.—­CHIMENE and ELVIRA.

Chimene. Elvira, how greatly I suffer; and how much I am to be pitied!  I know not what to hope, and I see everything to be dreaded.  No wish escapes me to which I dare consent.  I desire nothing without quickly repenting of it [lit. a quick repentance].  I have caused two rivals to take up arms for me:  the most happy result will cause me tears; and though fate may decree in my favor, my father is without revenge, or my lover is dead.

Elvira. On the one side and the other I see you consoled; either you have Rodrigo, or you are avenged.  And however fate may ordain for you, it maintains your honor and gives you a spouse.

Chimene. What! the object of my hatred or of such resentment!—­the slayer of Rodrigo, or that of my father!  In either case [lit. on all sides] they give me a husband, still [all] stained with the blood that I cherished most; in either case my soul revolts, and I fear more than death the ending of my quarrel.  Away! vengeance, love—­which agitate my feelings.  Ye have no gratifications for me at such a price; and Thou, Powerful Controller of the destiny which afflicts me, terminate this combat without any advantage, without rendering either of the two conquered or conqueror.

Elvira. This would be treating you with too much severity.  This combat is a new punishment for your feelings, if it leaves you [still] compelled to demand justice, to exhibit always this proud resentment, and continually to seek after the death of your lover.  Dear lady, it is far better that his unequalled valor, crowning his brow, should impose silence upon you; that the conditions of the combat should extinguish your sighs; and that the King should compel you to follow your inclinations.

Chimene. If he be conqueror, dost thou believe that I shall surrender?  My strong [sense of] duty is too strong and my loss too great; and this [law of] combat and the will of the King are not strong enough to dictate conditions to them [i.e. to my duty and sorrow for my loss].  He may conquer Don Sancho with very little difficulty, but he shall not with him [conquer] the sense of duty of Chimene; and whatever [reward] a monarch may have promised to his victory, my self-respect will raise against him a thousand other enemies.