University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

The King, Roderigo, Infanta.
[K.]
All Spain from thy brave hand has felt that peace
And quiet, which thy Prince cannot obtain,
This work is wanting to fill up thy glory,
Therefore to make thy victory more perfect,
For my sake undertake this enemy,
That would cut from thy valor half thy conquest.

RO.
How sir? dares any, who may be so blest
As to live under your just laws, shake off
Their due obedience? what vain insolence
Dares lift it self against so sweet a power:
Name him sir, to me, that I may destroy him.

K.
There's none can do't Roderigo.

RO.
None sir, Why?

K.
Tis love that little tyrant which rules all,
The enemy which makes this warre upon me,
Regards not majesty, but as a victor
Triumphs already in my captiv'd heart,
Which has consented to its own defeat
So much that I am on the brink of ruine,
If Roderigo's hand sustain me not.

RO.
If your ease sir, depend upon my service,
You may be sure of my readinesse,
Only sir, let me know what you desire?

K.
Oh, Roderigo!

RO.
Why do you sigh, sir?
Ist that you doubt of my obedience?
Or that my power is lesse then your desires.

K.
By no means Roderigo, but I feare
Lest some ill fortune, stead of putting me
Into the haven, cast me further from't,
And lest the difficulty should change thy courage,
And leave me to my self in this fierce storm.

RO.
My courage is exempted from such feare.

K.
I'me well assur'd of thy faith and valour,
And yet in this I feare, because thou must
Combat thy self, subdue thy own desires,
Conquer thy own deare passions to make
Thy self a sacrifice to my affections.

RO.
Your Majesty may dispose then of my life.

K.
Tis not my purpose, nor for all Castile
Shall it be said that I wish'd any good
Which must be purchast at so deare a rate.

RO.
What can I do then for you.

K.
Thou mayst put
An end to all my pain in quiting of
Cimena: do not start, they are her charms
By which I'me caught and suffer, nor can I
Believe though now she slight my offerd love
Any thing else withholds her, but the thought
Of being thine.

RO.
Oh sir, assure your selfe,
If that be all, and that your Majestie
Vouchsafe to cast your eyes upon this beautie,
I shall not be so rash to hope that good,
Which has the honour to please you my Prince.
In this sir, you may free me from suspect,
My love is (much indeed) more my respect,
And howsoere my heart be link'd to hers,
J owe more to my Master then my Mistris.

K.
Oh royall soule, and truly generous,
Great Cid, this instant thou hast made me happie:
Now I am King indeed, for what thou giv'st me,
I prize above the value of a Crown,
In liew of which J mean to give thee one,
Behold th'Infanta, whom J freely offer:
Tis fit, the state, which owes all to thy valour,
Should make thee a great sharer in her fortune.

IN.
Every thing smiles upon me, blest effects
Aside.
O're take my wishes, what could I hope more?
Love is made for me to my hand, Cimena
Ingag'd, to which Roderigo gives consent.

K.
Thou dost not answer me.

RO.
Excuse me sir,
I am your subject, and you are my King,
Tis not a Kingdome, which I wish or hope for
To serve you is the honour I aspire to,
Obaying you, I learn how to command,
And since—But see Cimena.