No More Learning

_ DONA SOL
_remains, her face white with anguish. _ HERNANI
_glares at her_.

HERNANI: So he has bought you, this old wealthy man!
Bought you outright!
Oh, God, how false and vain
All women are!

DONA SOL: When I refused the throne
Offered me by King Charles, was I then false?
Is this an ornament vain women wear
Upon their wedding day?

[_She takes a dagger from her bosom. _

Oh, Hernani,
They told me you were killed! I have been dressed
For marriage, but against the bridal night
I kept this dagger.

HERNANI: Slay me with it, love!
I am unworthy of you! Blind and mad
Was I to doubt the sweetest, bravest soul
That ever walked in beauty on this earth.

DONA SOL (_clasping him in her arms_): My hero and my lover,
and my lord,
Love me, and love me always!

HERNANI: Unto death.
[_As he embraces her,_ DON RUY GOMEZ _enters. _

DON RUY GOMEZ: Judas!

HERNANI: Yes. Draw your sword and take my life.
But spare your bride, for she is innocent.
I came to carry her away, but she
Refused to follow me.

DONA SOL: It is not true.
I love him. Slay us both, or pardon us!

DON RUY GOMEZ: You love him, Dona Sol? Then he must die.

[_There is a sound of trumpets outside. A_ PAGE _enters. _

THE PAGE: His Majesty King Charles is at the gate,
With all his army.

DON RUY GOMEZ: Open to the king!

DONA SOL: Nothing can save him now!