two words from thy lips would
arrest his rage.

_Chimene._ If he does not obey me, what a consummation of my sorrow!
And, if he can obey me, what will men say of him? being of such noble
birth, to endure such an insult! Whether he yields to, or resists the
passion which binds him to me, my mind can not be otherwise than either
ashamed of his too great deference, or shocked at a just refusal.

_Infanta._ Chimene has a proud soul, and, though deeply interested, she
cannot endure one base [_lit._ low] thought. But, if up to the day of
reconciliation I make this model lover my prisoner, and I thus prevent
the effect of his courage, will thine enamored soul take no umbrage at
it?

_Chimene._ Ah! dear lady, in that case I have no more anxiety.

Scene IV.--The INFANTA, CHIMENE, LEONORA, and a PAGE.

_Infanta._ Page, seek Rodrigo, and bring him hither.

_Page._ The Count de Gormas and he----

_Chimene._ Good heavens! I tremble!

_Infanta._ Speak.

_Page._ From this palace have gone out together.

_Chimene._ Alone?

_Page._ Alone, and they seemed in low tones to be wrangling with each
other.

_Chimene._ Without doubt they are fighting; there is no further need of
speaking. Madame, forgive my haste [in thus departing]. [_Exeunt Chimene
and Page._]

Scene V.--The INFANTA and LEONORA.

_Infanta._ Alas! what uneasiness I feel in my mind! I weep for her
sorrows, [yet still] her lover enthralls me; my calmness forsakes me,
and my passion revives. That which is going to separate Rodrigo from
Chimene rekindles at once my hope and my pain; and their separation,
which I see with regret, infuses a secret pleasure in mine enamored
soul.

_Leonora._ This noble pride which reigns in your soul, does it so soon
surrender to this unworthy passion?

_Infanta._ Call it not unworthy, since, seated in my heart, proud and
triumphant, it asserts its sway [_lit._ law] over me. Treat it with
respect, since it is so dear to me. My pride struggles against it, but,
in spite of myself--I hope; and my heart, imperfectly shielded against
such a vain expectation, flies after a lover whom Chimene has lost.

_Leonora._ Do you thus let this noble resolution give way [_lit._ fall]?
And does reason in your mind thus lose its influence?

_Infanta._ Ah! with how little effect do we listen to reason when the
heart is assailed by a poison so delicious, and when the sick man loves
his malady! We can hardly endure that any remedy should b