Chapter 6

_Don Diego._ Rodrigo, hast thou courage [_lit._ a heart]?

_Don Rodrigo._ Any other than my father would have found that out instantly.

_Don Diego._ Welcome wrath! worthy resentment, most pleasing to my grief! I recognize my blood in this noble rage; my youth revives in this ardor so prompt. Come, my son, come, my blood, come to retrieve my shame--come to avenge me!

_Don Rodrigo._ Of what?

_Don Diego._ Of an insult so cruel that it deals a deadly stroke against the honor of us both--of a blow! The insolent [man] would have lost his life for it, but my age deceived my noble ambition; and this sword, which my arm can no longer wield, I give up to thine, to avenge and punish. Go against this presumptuous man, and prove thy valor: it is only in blood that one can wash away such an insult; die or slay. Moreover, not to deceive thee, I give thee to fight a formidable antagonist [_lit._ a man to be feared], I have seen him entirely covered with blood and dust, carrying everywhere dismay through an entire army. I have seen by his valor a hundred squadrons broken; and, to tell thee still something more--more than brave soldier, more than great leader, he is----

_Don Rodrigo._ Pray, finish.

_Don Diego._ The father of Chimène.

_Don Rodrigo._ The----

_Don Diego._ Do not reply; I know thy love. But he who lives dishonored is unworthy of life; the dearer the offender the greater the offence. In short, thou knowest the insult, and thou holdest [in thy grasp the means of] vengeance. I say no more to thee. Avenge me, avenge thyself! Show thyself a son worthy of a father such as I [am]. Overwhelmed by misfortunes to which destiny reduces me, I go to deplore them. Go, run, fly, and avenge us!