lves] any more against so great a conqueror.

_Don Fernando._ They will never, without a certain amount of jealousy,
behold my sceptre, in spite of them, ruling over Andalusia; and this
country, so beautiful, which they too long enjoyed, is always regarded
by them with an envious eye. This is the sole reason which has caused
us, for the last ten years, to place the Castilian throne in Seville, in
order to watch them more closely, and, by more prompt action,
immediately to overthrow whatever [design] they might undertake.

_Don Arias._ They know, at the cost of their noblest leaders [_lit._
most worthy heads], how much your presence secures your conquests; you
have nothing to fear.

_Don Fernando._ And nothing to neglect--too much confidence brings on
danger; and you are not ignorant that, with very little difficulty, the
rising tide brings them hither. However, I should be wrong to cause a
panic in the hearts [of the citizens], the news being uncertain. The
dismay which this useless alarm might produce in the night, which is
approaching, might agitate the town too much. Cause the guards to be
doubled on the walls and at the fort; for this evening that is
sufficient.

Scene VII.--DON FERNANDO, DON ALONZO, DON SANCHO, and DON ARIAS.

_Don Alonzo._ Sire, the Count is dead. Don Diego, by his son, has
avenged his wrong.

_Don Fernando._ As soon as I knew of the insult I foresaw the vengeance,
and from that moment I wished to avert this misfortune.

_Don Alonzo._ Chimene approaches to lay her grief at your feet [_lit._
brings to your knees her grief]; she comes all in tears to sue for
justice from you.

_Don Fernando._ Much though my soul compassionates her sorrows, what the
Count has done seems to have deserved this just punishment of his
rashness. Yet, however just his penalty may be, I cannot lose such a
warrior without regret. After long service rendered to my state, after
his blood has been shed for me a thousand times, to whatever thoughts
his [stubborn] pride compels me, his loss enfeebles me, and his death
afflicts me.

Scene VIII.--DON FERNANDO, DON DIEGO, CHIMENE, DON SANCHO, DON ARIAS,
and DON ALONZO.

_Chimene._ Sire, sire, justice!

_Don Diego._ Ah, sire, hear us!

_Chimene._ I cast myself at your feet!

_Don Diego._ I embrace your knees!

_Chimene._ I demand justice.

_Don Diego._ Hear my defence.

_Chimene._ Punish the presumption of an audacious youth: he has struck
down the suppo