The Cid by Pierre Corneille
page 48 of 77 (62%)
page 48 of 77 (62%)
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Come, kiss this cheek, and recognize the place on which was branded the
insult which thy courage effaces! _Don Rodrigo._ The honor of it belongs to you. I could not do less, being sprung from you, and trained under your careful instruction [_lit._ cares]. I consider myself too happy [at the result], and my soul is delighted that my first combat [_or_, maiden-stroke] pleases him to whom I owe existence. But, amidst your gladness, be not jealous if, in my turn, I dare to satisfy myself after you. Permit that in freedom my despair may burst forth; enough and for too long your discourse has soothed it. I do not repent having served you; but give me back the blessing which that [death] blow has deprived me of. My arms, in order to serve you, battling against my passion, by this [otherwise] glorious deed have deprived me of my love. Say no more to me: for you I have lost all; what I owed you I have well repaid. _Don Diego._ Carry, carry still higher the effect [_lit._ fruit] of thy victory. I have given thee life, and thou restorest to me my honor; and as much as honor is dearer to me than life, so much now I owe thee in return. But spurn this weakness from a noble heart; we have but one honor--there are many mistresses. Love is but a pleasure; honor is a duty. _Don Rodrigo._ Ah! what do you say to me? _Don Diego._ That which you ought to know. _Don Rodrigo._ My outraged honor takes vengeance on myself, and you dare to urge me to the shame of inconstancy! Disgrace is the same, and follows equally the soldier without courage and the faithless lover. Do |
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