No More Learning

But now she is my bride
She shall know how a man can love.

[_A_ PAGE _enters. _

PAGE: My lord,
There is a pilgrim at the gate, who craves
For shelter.

DON RUY GOMEZ: Let him in. On this glad day
Give friend or stranger welcome. Is there news
Of Hernani?

PAGE: King Charles has routed him
And killed him, so they say.

DON RUY GOMEZ: Thank Heaven for that!
My cup of happiness is full. Run, boy!
Bid Dona Sol put on her wedding-gown,
And as you go admit my pilgrim guest.

[_The_ PAGE _retires. _

Would I could let the whole world see my joy!

[HERNANI _enters, disguised as a pilgrim. _

HERNANI: To you, my lord, all peace and happiness!
DON RUY GOMEZ: And peace and happiness to you, my guest!
Where are you bound for?

HERNANI: For Our Lady's shrine.

[DONA SOL _enters, arrayed in a wedding-dress. _

DON RUY GOMEZ: Here is the lady at whose shrine I pray.
My dearest bride! Where is your coronet?
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!