Chapter 22

_Chimène._ Is it not a false report? Do you know for certain, Elvira?

_Elvira._ You could never believe how every one admires him, and extols to heaven, with one common voice, the glorious achievements of this young hero. The Moors appeared before him only to their shame; their approach was very rapid, their flight more rapid still. A three hours' battle left to our warriors a complete victory, and two kings as prisoners. The valor of their leader overcame every obstacle [_lit._ found no obstacles].

_Chimène._ And the hand of Rodrigo has wrought all these wonders!

_Elvira._ Of his gallant deeds these two kings are the reward; by his hand they were conquered, and his hand captured them.

_Chimène._ From whom couldst thou ascertain these strange tidings?

_Elvira._ From the people, who everywhere sing his praises, [who] call him the object and the author of their rejoicing, their guardian angel and their deliverer.

_Chimène._ And the King--with what an aspect does he look upon such valor?

_Elvira._ Rodrigo dares not yet appear in his presence, but Don Diego, delighted, presents to him in chains, in the name of this conqueror, these crowned captives, and asks as a favor from this generous prince that he condescend to look upon the hand which has saved the kingdom [_lit._ province].

_Chimène._ But is he not wounded?

_Elvira._ I have learned nothing of it. You change color! Recover your spirits.

_Chimène._ Let me recover then also my enfeebled resentment; caring for him, must I forget my own feelings [_lit._ myself]? They boast of him, they praise him, and my heart consents to it; my honor is mute, my duty impotent. Down [_lit._ silence], O [treacherous] love! let my resentment exert itself [_lit._ act]; although he has conquered two kings, he has slain my father! These mourning robes in which I read my misfortune are the first-fruits which his valor has produced; and although others may tell of a heart so magnanimous, here all objects speak to me of his crime. Ye who give strength to my feelings of resentment, veil, crape, robes, dismal ornaments, funeral garb in which his first victory enshrouds me, do you sustain effectually my honor in opposition to my passion, and when my love shall gain too much power, remind my spirit of my sad duty; attack, without fearing anything, a triumphant hand!

_Elvira._ Calm this excitement; see--here comes the Infanta.