No More Learning

DON RUY GOMEZ: And when your rival dies?

HERNANI (_taking a horn from his belt_): Then claim your debt!
My life belongs to you. At any time
You wish to take it, sound upon this horn,
And I will kill myself.

DON RUY GOMEZ: Your hand on it!


ACT III

SCENE--CHARLES OF SPAIN, _who has just been elected Emperor of the
Holy Roman Empire, is kneeling by the tomb of Charlemagne in the
underground vault at Aix-la-Chapelle. _

CHARLES: O mighty architect of Christendom,
Inspire me now to carry on thy work!
Ah, let me with the lightning of thy sword
Smite the rebellious people down, and make
Their kings my footstool! Warrior of God!
Give me the power to subjugate and weld
The warring races in a hierarchy
Of Christian government throughout the world!

[_The tramp of many feet is heard. _

Here my assassins come! Oh, let me creep,
Thou mighty spirit, into thy great tomb!
Counsel me from thy ashes; speak to me;
Instruct me how to rule with a strong hand,
And punish these wild men as they deserve!

[_He hides in the tomb: the_ CONSPIRATORS _enter.
_

THEIR LEADER: Since Charles of Spain aims at a tyranny,
We, whom he threatens with his power, must use
The only weapon of defence still left--
Assassination! Here, before the tomb
Of Charlemagne, let us decide by lot
On whom the noble task shall fall to strike
The tyrant down.

[_The_ CONSPIRATORS _write their names on pieces of
parchment, and throw them into an urn. They kneel
down in silent prayer. Then their leader draws one
of the names. _

THE CONSPIRATORS: Who is it?

THEIR LEADER: Hernani.

HERNANI: I have won! I hold thee now at last!

DON RUY GOMEZ: No, I must strike the blow! Take back your life,
Take Dona Sol, but let me strike the blow!

[_He offers_ HERNANI _the horn. _

HERNANI: No! I have more than you have to avenge.

THEIR LEADER: Don Ruy Gomez de Silva, you shall strike
The second blow if the first fail. And now
Let us all swear to strike and die in turn,
Until Charles falls.