No More Learning

You have forgotten it, and all the gems
I gave you as a wedding gift.

HERNANI (_in a wild, loud voice_): What man
Wishes to gain ten thousand golden crowns?
This is the price set upon Hernani.

[_Everyone is amazed. Tearing off his pilgrim robe, he
shows himself in the dress of a mountaineer. _

I am Hernani.

DONA SOL: Ah! he is not dead!

HERNANI: Ten thousand crowns for me!

DON RUY GOMEZ: The sum is great.
I am not sure of all my men.

HERNANI: Which one
Will sell me to King Charles? Will you? Will you?

[_The retainers move away from him.
_ DONA SOL _makes
an imploring gesture; she is speechless with fear. _

DON RUY GOMEZ: My friend, you are my guest, and I will slay
The man that dare lay hands on you. I come
Of noble race. And were you Hernani
Or Satan, I would keep the sacred law
Of hospitality. My honour is
A thing I prize above all else on earth,
And King Charles shall not stain it while I live!
Come, men, and arm, and close the castle gate.

[_He goes out, followed by all his retainers. _ 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!