No More Learning

'

Chimene
Rise Rodrigue. Sire, know this for a fact,
I have gone too far to wish to retract.
Rodrigue has virtues that I cannot hate:
And when a King commands, we must obey.
But, regardless of your previous ruling,
Can you endure to see such a wedding?
And if as a duty you wish to view it,
Is royal justice in accord with it?
If Rodrigue is essential to the State,
Must I pay for the workings of fate.
Expose myself to this reproach, eternal,
Of having bathed my hands in blood paternal?

King
Often enough time makes legitimate
What, at first sight, seems illegitimate.
Rodrigue has won you, and you are his.
But though today valour deserves this,
I would prove an enemy to your honour
To grant him now the prize of his valour.
A marriage deferred does not affect the laws
That, regardless of time, make him yours.
Take a year, if you would, to dry your tears.
Rodrigue, arm yourself, among your peers.
After driving the Moors from our coast,
Marring their plans, answering their boast,
Go, wage war on them in their own country,
Command my army, ravage the enemy.
As the Cid you have them trembling;
They called you lord, shall know you as their king.
Though great your deeds stay ever faithful;
Return more worthy of her if possible,
And in all your exploits prove so true,
It will be bliss to her to marry you.

Rodrigue
To possess Chimene, and do you service,
What will my weapons not accomplish?
Whatever absence from her must endure,
Sire, it is yet happiness to hope for more.

King
Take hope then from courage, and my promise;
You now possess the heart of your mistress,
To meet this point of honour, yet arising,
Rely on time, your valour, and your king.