“Ah, no—sire.”

“Nay, lady, a king is never told he lies.”

“I pray you, leave me.”

“I will leave with thee, lady.”

“With me!”

“Ah, if I were Ernani thou wouldst not start thus. Come, thou canst not know the wealth of love I have for thee.”

“And my honor, sire?”

“Thou shalt be honored by all the court.”

“And by myself, think you!”

“Thou wouldst sooner be honored by Ernani’s out-laws—thou lovest the robber.”