Doña Sol: Ah! he is not dead!
Hernani: Ten thousand crowns for me!
Don Ruy Gomez: The sum is great.
I am not sure of all my men.
Hernani: Which one
Will sell me to King Charles? Will you? Will you?
[The retainers move away from him. Doña Sol makes an imploring gesture; she is speechless with fear.
Don Ruy Gomez: My friend, you are my guest, and I will slay
The man that dare lay hands on you. I come
Of noble race. And were you Hernani
Or Satan, I would keep the sacred law
Of hospitality. My honour is
A thing I prize above all else on earth,
And King Charles shall not stain it while I live!
Come, men, and arm, and close the castle gate.
[He goes out, followed by all his retainers. Doña Sol remains, her face white with anguish. Hernani glares at her.
Hernani: So he has bought you, this old wealthy man!
Bought you outright!
Oh, God, how false and vain
All women are!
Doña Sol: When I refused the throne
Offered me by King Charles, was I then false?
Is this an ornament vain women wear
Upon their wedding day?
[She takes a dagger from her bosom.