[VICTOR HUGO][I]

[Hernani]

Persons in the Drama

Hernani

A Mountaineer

Charles V. of Spain

A Page

Don Ricardo

Soldiers

Don Ruy Gomez

Conspirators

Doña Sol

Retainers

Date of action, 1519.

Act I

Scene—King Charles and some of his noblemen are creeping into the courtyard of the palace of Don Ruy Gomez de Silva at Saragossa. It is midnight, and the palace is dark, save for a dim light coming from a balcony window.

The King: Here will I wait till Doña Sol comes down.
Guard every entrance. And if Hernani
Attempts to fight you need not kill the man.
Brigand although he is, he shall go free,
If I can win his lady.