Jimena’s Choice
Act I: Santa Maria de Valencia
Scene 1: The Mass
In the Church of Santa Maria de Valencia, Jimena, Maria, Minaya, Constance, and Bishop Jerome attend a mass commemorating the second anniversary of the Cid’s death. The Bishop extols the Cid’s greatness, stirring Jimena’s impatience.
Scene 2: Jimena’s Chambers
Constanza escorts Jimena to her chambers. As Jimena changes, they discuss the weather, the Cid, and Jimena’s melancholic mood. Maria enters and, as usual, chides her mother for discarding her mourning clothes. Jimena reflects on life and love, addressing her daughter. Minaya arrives, apologizes for interrupting, and escorts Maria away as Jimena anxiously prepares herself.
Scene 3: Love and Longing
Maria and Minaya discuss Valencia’s situation, eventually touching upon the subject of love. Maria dismisses love as absurd, time-consuming, and something for servants. Jimena interrupts and sits down. Minaya serves coffee; Maria declines, visibly upset. After Maria leaves, Minaya and Jimena engage in pleasant conversation, which unexpectedly turns to love. Jimena confesses her regret at not expressing her love sooner, revealing that she was aware of Minaya’s feelings and reciprocated them. In a poignant moment, Minaya recalls a night in Cardena when he and Jimena sang a song under a walnut tree. They sing the song together, moved by emotion, and declare their love.
Scene 4: The Moors Attack
Jimena’s voice rings out, rallying the troops against the Moors who threaten to invade Valencia. Constanza prays fervently for the troops’ safety.
Scene 5: King Alfonso’s Arrival
In a room with Jimena, Alfonso VI, Jerome, Constance, Maria, and Minaya, news arrives that the enemy troops have retreated. They welcome King Alfonso VI.
Scene 6: A Family Meeting
Jimena announces a family meeting to discuss Valencia’s future. Alfonso VI intends to annex Valencia to his kingdom, a proposition Maria vehemently opposes. Exasperated by Maria’s constant interruptions, Alfonso criticizes her rudeness. Maria retorts defiantly. Amidst the tension, Jimena declares her intention to marry, surprising everyone. Jerome, Maria, and Alfonso object, but Jimena reveals her chosen husband is Minaya, causing further uproar. The conversation ends with news of the Moors’ return.
Act II: Jimena’s Castle
Scene 1: Constance’s Report
Constanza arrives at Jimena’s castle, exhausted, and recounts the day’s events, including the king’s deliberations.
Scene 2: Jimena’s Lament
Jimena laments her inability to find happiness after remaining faithful to her deceased husband. She expresses her frustration with the opposition to her marriage and her confinement within her kingdom. Maria enters and argues against her mother’s remarriage, claiming a woman belongs to only one man. Jimena retorts that when she desired the unmarried Carrion infants, the Cid should have declared that every woman belongs with her husband. Maria exits, followed by the king and the bishop, alarmed by Jimena’s cries.
Scene 3: A Desperate Plea
Jimena passionately declares her love for Minaya and her intention to marry him. To prevent further scandal, Alfonso covers her mouth. He suggests she become Minaya’s mistress or marry him secretly. Jimena insists on her right to happiness and recalls her sacrifices for the country, including the death of her son in battle. Unable to reach an agreement, the king departs.
Scene 4: A Tender Farewell
That night, Constance informs Jimena that Minaya will visit. After Constance leaves, Jimena prepares herself. Minaya arrives, revealing that Constance has been bribed and everyone awaits their union. He bids farewell, explaining his imminent departure. Jimena wishes to accompany him, but he dissuades her. They share a tender goodbye.
Scene 5: Valencia’s Fall
Minaya exits, and the King and Maria enter. Alfonso announces their forced departure from Valencia due to the impending Moorish attack. Defeated, Jimena accepts and leaves the city with the others.