Chapter 17

_Don Sancho._ Yes, lady, you require a victim [or revenge] steeped in blood [_lit._ for you there is need of bleeding victims]; your wrath is just and your tears legitimate, and I do not attempt, by dint of speaking, either to soothe you or to console you. But, if I may be capable of serving you, employ my sword to punish the guilty [one], employ my love to revenge this death; under your commands my arm will be [only] too strong.

_Chimène._ Unhappy that I am!

_Don Sancho._ I implore you, accept my services.

_Chimène._ I should offend the King, who has promised me justice.

_Don Sancho._ You know that justice [_lit._ it] proceeds with such slowness, that very often crime escapes in consequence of its delay, its slow and doubtful course causes us to lose too many tears. Permit that a cavalier may avenge you by [force of] arms; that method is more certain and more prompt in punishing.

_Chimène._ It is the last remedy; and if it is necessary to have recourse to it, and your pity for my misfortunes still continues, you shall then be free to avenge my injury.

_Don Sancho._ It is the sole happiness to which my soul aspires; and, being able to hope for it, I depart too well contented.