The Count acknowledges to Don Arias that he lost his temper in his confrontation with Diego and “carried the matter too far” but says that “the deed is without remedy” (12). When Arias says the Count’s actions will upset the King, the Count replies that the King cannot touch him because the King depends on his services: “my head in falling would cause his crown to fall” (13). Don Arias accuses the Count of overconfidence and advises him to act reasonably, but the Count refuses to back down.

Rodrigo confronts the Count and challenges the Count to a duel in the name of his father’s honor, speaking of Diego as “the very virtue, valor, and honor in his time” (13). The Count speaks admiringly of Rodrigo’s “proud manliness” but advises him, for his own safety, not to fight against an experienced warrior like himself as such an “unequal conflict” would do neither of them any credit. Rodrigo refuses to back down.

Chimène laments her drastic reversal of fortune. Although the Infanta assures her that the King will make peace between the Count and Diego, Chimène says that “such deadly insults are not repaired” (15).