Don Fernando. Be ready to-morrow.
Don Diego. No, sire, there is no need to defer the contest; a man is always ready when he possesses courage.
Don Fernando. [What!] To come forth from one battle and to (instantly) enter the lists [lit. to fight]?
Don Diego. Rodrigo has regained breath in relating to you this [i.e. the history of that battle].
Don Fernando. I desire that he should rest at least an hour or two; but, for fear that such a combat may be considered as a precedent, to testify to all that I permit, with regret, a sanguinary ordeal which has never pleased me, it shall not have the presence either of myself or of my court. [To Don Arias.] You alone shall judge of the valor of the combatants. Take care that both act like men of honor [lit. courage], and, the combat ended, bring the victor to me. Whoever he may be, the same reward is gained by his exertions; I desire with my own hand to present him to Chimène, and that, as a recompense, he may receive her plighted faith.
Chimène. What, sire! [would you] impose on me so stern a law?
Don Fernando. Thou complainest of it; but thy love, far from acknowledging thy complaint, if Rodrigo be the conqueror, without restraint accepts [the conditions]. Cease to murmur against such a gentle decree; whichever of the two be the victor, I shall make him thy spouse.