No More Learning

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.
Vengeance was owing to my father,
And now I owe tears to my lover.
Don Sanche caused me ill, in my defence,
And that ill-dealing arm I must recompense!
Sire, if compassion can sway a king,
I beg you to revoke your harsh ruling;
For what lost me my love, his victory,
I leave him my fortune; if he'll forgo me;
That I may weep in some sacred cloister,
To my last breath, for father and for lover.

Diegue
She still loves, Sire, and thinks it no crime
To confess a love so true, to you, at this time.