from Act I, Scene 2 of the French opera
Le Cid by Jules Massenet
Libretto: Adolphe d'Ennery
Role: Rodrigue, a knight, son of Don Diègue
Voice Part: tenor Fach: dramatic tenor
Setting: a gallery in the King's palace, Burgos, Spain, 11th century
Synopsis: For his valor, Rodrigue is made a knight and given a sword of knighthood. Afterwards, he sings of the glory and nobility of defending his country with his new sword.