No More Learning

Must loss bring loss, grief bring grief, too?
Come, with such capricious obstinacy,
You merit neither love nor destiny;
Heaven's just anger will see you wed
To Don Sanche when Rodrigue is dead.

Chimene
Elvire, this suffering is enough for me,
Don't multiply it with dread augury.
I wish to escape them both if I may;
If not, it's for Rodrigue that I will pray:
Not because foolish passion so decides;
But because I'll be Sanche's if he dies.
This fear gives rise to my inclination. . .

(Don Sanche enters)

Ah, what do I see? Elvire, it is done.


Act V Scene V (Don Sanche, Chimene, Elvire)

Sanche
Being forced to lay this blade before you. . .

Chimene
What! And painted with Rodrigue's blood too?
How do you dare to meet my gaze, traitor,
After slaying one who was your better?
Speak now, Love, you have no more to fear:
Cease to hide, this satisfies my father;
A single blow brings honour now to me,
My soul to despair, my love to liberty.

Sanche
If you were calmer. . .

Chimene
Still you speak, what more,
Vile murderer of that hero I adore!
Go, you were treacherous; the valiant
Could never yield to such an assailant.
Hope for nothing here, you did not serve me!
You stole my life, in seeking to avenge me.

Sanche
This strange mistake, beyond comprehension. . .

Chimene
Is it to your boasting I must listen?
And hear you paint with endless insolence
His woe, my crime, and your brave defence?


Act V Scene VI (King, Diegue, Arias, Sanche, Alonso, Chimene, Elvire)

Chimene
Sire, there's no longer reason to conceal
What all my efforts were forced to reveal.
I loved: you know it; to avenge my father,
I was willing to condemn my lover:
Your Majesty, Sire, yourself could see
How my love was sacrificed to duty.
Rodrigue is dead, and his death changed me
To afflicted lover from implacable enemy.