Rodrigue et Chimène
Rodrigue is engaged to Chimène, but a quarrel between their fathers leaves Don Diègue too old to fight. He orders his son to avenge the insult. Rodrigue reluctantly kills Don Gomez, who dies in Chimène’s arms naming his killer. At court, Chimène demands justice while Don Diègue pleads for his son’s life. Rodrigue offers himself to Chimène, who cannot kill or forgive him. His father urges him to live and fight the Moors, and Rodrigue agrees, hoping to die in battle.