_Elvira._ You could never believe how every one admires him, and extols
to heaven, with one common voice, the glorious achievements of this
young hero. The Moors appeared before him only to their shame; their
approach was very rapid, their flight more rapid still. A three hours'
battle left to our warriors a complete victory, and two kings as
prisoners. The valor of their leader overcame every obstacle [_lit._
found no obstacles].
_Chimene._ And the hand of Rodrigo has wrought all these wonders!
_Elvira._ Of his gallant deeds these two kings are the reward; by his
hand they were conquered, and his hand captured them.
_Chimene._ From whom couldst thou ascertain these strange tidings?
_Elvira._ From the people, who everywhere sing his praises, [who] call
him the object and the author of their rejoicing, their guardian angel
and their deliverer.
_Chimene._ And the King--with what an aspect does he look upon such
valor?
_Elvira._ Rodrigo dares not yet appear in his presence, but Don Diego,
delighted, presents to him in chains, in the name of this conqueror,
these crowned captives, and asks as a favor from this generous prince
that he condescend to look upon the hand which has saved the kingdom
[_lit._ province].
_Chimene._ But is he not wounded?
_Elvira._ I have learned nothing of it. You change color! Recover your
spirits.
_Chimene._ Let me recover then also my enfeebled resentment; caring for
him, must I forget my own feelings [_lit._ myself]? They boast of him,
they praise him, and my heart consents to it; my honor is mute, my duty
impotent. Down [_lit._ silence], O [treacherous] love! let my resentment
exert itself [_lit._ act]; although he has conquered two kings, he has
slain my father! These mourning robes in which I read my misfortune are
the first-fruits which his valor has produced; and although others may
tell of a heart so magnanimous, here all objects speak to me of his
crime. Ye who give strength to my feelings of resentment, veil, crape,
robes, dismal ornaments, funeral garb in which his first victory
enshrouds me, do you sustain effectually my honor in opposition to my
passion, and when my love shall gain too much power, remind my spirit of
my sad duty; attack, without fearing anything, a triumphant hand!
_Elvira._ Calm this excitement; see--here comes the Infanta.
Scene II.--The INFANTA, CHIMENE, LEONORA, and ELVIRA.
_Infanta._ I do not come here [vainly] to console thy sorrows; I come
rather to mingle my sighs with thy tears.
_Chimene._ Far rather take part in the universal rejoicings, and taste
the happiness which heaven sends you, dear lady; no one but myself has a
right to sigh. The danger from which Rodrigo has been able to rescue
you, and the public safety which his arms restore to you, to me alone
to-day still permit tears; he has saved the city, he has served his
King, and his valiant arm is destructive only to myself.
_Infanta._ My Chimene, it is true that he has wrought wonders.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account