But, madam, see how far you carry his exploits (lit. arm) in consequence of a combat which, perhaps, has no reality!

Infanta. Rodrigo has been insulted; the Count has committed the outrage; they have gone out together. Is there need of more?

Leonora. Ah, well! they will fight, since you will have it so; but will Rodrigo go so far as you are going?

Infanta. Bear with me (lit. what do you mean)? I am mad, and my mind wanders; thou seest by that what evils this love prepares for me. Come into my private apartment to console my anxieties, and do not desert me in the trouble I am in (at present).

Scene VI.—DON FERNANDO (the King), DON ARIAS, DON SANCHO, and DON ALONZO.

Don Fernando. The Count is, then, so presumptuous and so little accessible to reason? Does he still dare to believe his offence pardonable?

Don Arias. Sire, in your name I have long conversed with him. I have done my utmost, and I have obtained nothing.

Don Fernando. Just heavens! Thus, then, a rash subject has so little respect and anxiety to please me! He insults Don Diego, and despises his King! He gives laws to me in the midst of my court! Brave warrior though he be, great general though he be, I am well able (lit. I shall know well how) to tame such a haughty spirit! Were he incarnate valor (lit. valor itself), and the god of combats, he shall see what it is not to obey! Whatever punishment such insolence may have deserved, I wished at first to treat it (or, him) without violence; but, since he abuses my leniency, go instantly (lit. this very day), and, whether he resists or not, secure his person. (Exit Don Alonzo.)

Don Sancho. Perhaps a little time will render him less rebellious; they came upon him still boiling with rage, on account of his quarrel. Sire, in the heat of a first impulse, so noble a heart yields with difficulty. He sees that he has done wrong, but a soul so lofty is not so soon induced to acknowledge its fault.

Don Fernando. Don Sancho, be silent; and be warned that he who takes his part renders himself criminal.

Don Sancho. I obey, and am silent; but in pity, sire, (permit) two words in his defence.

Don Fernando. And what can you say?

Don Sancho. That a soul accustomed to noble actions cannot lower itself to apologies. It does not imagine any which can be expressed without shame; and it is that word alone that the Count resists. He finds in his duty a little too much severity, and he would obey you if he had less heart. Command that his arm, trained in war's dangers, repair this injury at the point of the sword: he will give satisfaction, sire; and, come what may, until he has been made aware of your decision, here am I to answer for him.

Don Fernando. You fail (lit. you are losing) in respect; but I pardon youth, and I excuse enthusiasm in a young, courageous heart. A king, whose prudence has better objects in view (than such quarrels), is more sparing of the blood of his subjects. I watch over mine; my (watchful) care protects them, as the head takes care of the limbs which serve it. Thus your reasoning is not reasoning for me.