g
is never beholden to his subject. You flatter yourself much, and you
ought to know that he who serves his King well only does his duty. You
will ruin yourself, sir, by this confidence.

_Count._ I shall not believe you until I have experience of it [_lit._
until after experience of it].

_Don Arias._ You ought to dread the power of a King.

_Count._ One day alone does not destroy a man such as I. Let all his
greatness arm itself for my punishment; all the state shall perish, if I
must perish.

_Don Arias._ What! do you fear so little sovereign power----?

_Count._ [The sovereign power] of a sceptre which, without me, would
fall from his hand. He himself has too much interest in my person, and
my head in falling would cause his crown to fall.

_Don Arias._ Permit reason to bring back your senses. Take good advice.

_Count_. The advice [_or,_ counsel] with regard to it is [already]
taken.

_Don Arias._ What shall I say, after all? I am obliged to give him an
account [of this interview].

_Count._ [Say] that I can never consent to my own dishonor.

_Don Arias._ But think that kings will be absolute.

_Count._ The die is cast, sir. Let us speak of the matter no more.

_Don Arias._ Adieu, then, sir, since in vain I try to persuade you.
Notwithstanding [_lit._ with] all your laurels, still dread the
thunderbolt.

_Count._ I shall await it without fear.

_Don Arias._ But not without effect.

_Count._ We shall see by that Don Diego satisfied. [_Exit Don Arias.]
[Alone]_ He who fears not death fears not threats. I have a heart
superior to the greatest misfortunes [_lit._ above the proudest
misfortunes]; and men may reduce me to live without happiness, but they
cannot compel me to live without honor.

Scene II.--The COUNT and DON RODRIGO.

_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 soul