Rodrigue (Le Cid) is feted as a great warrior who is loved by two women. One is the daughter of the king, the other is Chimène whose father is Le Comte de Gormas. Rodrigue kills Gormas in a duel to revenge an insult to his father.  Chimène is torn between vengeance for her father and love for his murderer. Rodrigue is sent to battle against the Moors and deserting soldiers suggest that he has been killed. Distraught, Chimène confesses that she still loves him. A fanfare announces Rodrigue’s victorious return and, to the delight of the populace, Chimène pardons him and declares her love.