Don Arias. Although one perform glorious and important deeds, a King 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].