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 Doña 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.

THE CONSPIRATORS: We swear!

CHARLES (_coming out of the tomb_): You are dead men.

[_The great vault is lighted up by torches, and a band of soldiers who have been hiding behind the pillars surround the_ CONSPIRATORS.

CHARLES (_to a soldier_): Bring in the lady. (_To_ HERNANI) What is your true name?

HERNANI: I will reveal it now that I must die. Don Juan of Aragon, Duke of Segorbe, Duke of Cardona, Marquis of Monroy, Count Albatera, and Viscount of Gor, And lord of scores of towns and villages Whose names I have forgotten. You, no doubt, Remember all of them, Charles of Castile, For they belong to you now.

[_The soldier returns with_ DOÑA SOL. _She throws herself at the emperor's feet_.

DOÑA SOL: Pardon him!

CHARLES: Rise, Duchess of Segorbe and Cardona. Marquise of Monroy--and your other names, Don Juan?

HERNANI: Who is speaking thus--the king?

CHARLES: No. It is the emperor. He is a man Different from the king (_turning to the astonished_ CONSPIRATORS); and he will win Your loyalty, my friends, and your good aid, If God in His great mercy will but guide His erring feet along the pathway trod By Charlemagne. Don Juan of Aragon, Forgive me, and receive now from my hands A wife full worthy of you, Doña Sol.

[_The two lovers kneel at his feet. Taking from his neck the Golden Fleece, he puts it on_ HERNANI.

THE SPECTATORS: Long live the emperor.

DON RUY GOMEZ: I have the horn.