Hernani: I will, my love.
The King: Where are my men?
Hernani: In my hands. I have sixty followers
Waiting out there. And now a word with you.
Your father killed my father; you have stolen
My lands and titles from me; and I vowed
To kill you.
The King: Titles? Lands? Who are you, then?
Hernani: But meeting Doña Sol, I lost all thought
Of vengeance. Now I come to rescue her,
And find you in my path again—a wretch
Using his strength against a helpless girl.
Quick! Draw your sword, and prove you are a man!
The King: I am your king. I shall not fight with you.
Strike if you want to murder me.
Hernani: You think
I hold with the divinity of kings?
Now, will you fight?
[Striking him with the flat of his sword.
The King: I will not. Murder me,
You bandit, as you murder every man
That you desire to rob! Cross swords with you?
A common thief? No; get to your trade.
Creep round; assassinate me from behind!
[King Charles fixes his fierce, hawk-like eyes on the young brigand. Hernani recoils, lowers his sword; then, moved beyond himself by the strength of character displayed by The King, he breaks his blade on the pavement.