Chapter 9

_Don Rodrigo._ Here, count, a word or two.

_Count._ Speak.

_Don Rodrigo._ Relieve me from a doubt. Dost thou know Don Diego well?

_Count._ Yes.

_Don Rodrigo._ Let us speak [in] low [tones]; listen. Dost thou know that this old man was the very [essence of] virtue, valor, and honor in his time? Dost thou know it?

_Count._ Perhaps so.

_Don Rodrigo._ This fire which I carry in mine eyes, knowest thou that this is his blood? Dost thou know it?

_Count._ What matters it to me?

_Don Rodrigo._ Four paces hence I shall cause thee to know it.

_Count._ Presumptuous youth!

_Don Rodrigo._ Speak without exciting thyself. I am young, it is true; but in souls nobly born valor does not depend upon age [_lit._ wait for the number of years].

_Count._ To measure thyself with me! Who [_or_, what] has rendered thee so presumptuous--thou, whom men have never seen with a sword [_lit._ arms] in thine hand?

_Don Rodrigo._ Men like me do not cause themselves to be known at a second trial, and they wish [to perform] masterly strokes for their first attempt.

_Count._ Dost thou know well who I am?

_Don Rodrigo._ Yes! Any other man except myself, at the mere mention of thy name, might tremble with terror. The laurels with which I see thine head so covered seem to bear written [upon them] the prediction of my fall. I attack, like a rash man, an arm always victorious; but by courage I shall overcome you [_lit._ I shall have too much strength in possessing sufficient courage]. To him who avenges his father nothing is impossible. Thine arm is unconquered, but not invincible.

_Count._ This noble courage which appears in the language you hold has shown itself each day by your eyes; and, believing that I saw in you the honor of Castile, my soul with pleasure was destining for you my daughter. I know thy passion, and I am delighted to see that all its impulses yield to thy duty; that they have not weakened this magnanimous ardor; that thy proud manliness merits my esteem; and that, desiring as a son-in-law an accomplished cavalier, I was not deceived in the choice which I had made. But I feel that for thee my compassion is touched. I admire thy courage, and I pity thy youth. Seek not to make thy first attempt [_or_, maiden-stroke] fatal. Release my valor from an unequal conflict; too little honor for me would attend this victory. In conquering without danger we triumph without glory. Men would always believe that thou wert overpowered without an effort, and I should have only regret for thy death.

_Don Rodrigo._ Thy presumption is followed by a despicable [_lit._ unworthy] pity! The man who dares to deprive me of honor, fears to deprive me of life!

_Count._ Withdraw from this place.

_Don Rodrigo._ Let us proceed without further parley.

_Count._ Art thou so tired of life?

_Don Rodrigo._ Hast thou such a dread of death?

_Count._ Come, thou art doing thy duty, and the son becomes degenerate who survives for one instant the honor of his father.