Ernest. Yes.
D. Julian. Your blood!
Ernest. All.
D. Julian. [Forcing him to his knees.] Stay still.
Teodora. Julian!
D. Julian. Ah, you defend him, you defend him.
Teodora. Not for his sake.
D. Severo. In God's name
D. Julian. [To Severo.] Silence. [Still holds Ernest down.] Bad friend, bad son!
Ernest. My father.
D. Julian. Disloyal! Traitor!
Ernest. No, father.
D. Julian. Here is my shameful seal upon your cheek—To-day with my hand—soon with steel—so! [With a supreme effort strikes Ernest. Ernest jumps up with a terrible cry, and turns away, covering his face.]
Ernest. Oh!
D. Severo. [Stretches out his hand to Ernest.] Justice.
Teodora. My God! [Hides her face in both hands, and drops on a chair.]
Mercedes. [Turning to Ernest to exculpate Don Julian.] It was only delirium.
[These four exclamations very hurried. A moment of stupor. Don Julian stands still staring at Ernest, and Doña Mercedes and Don Severo endeavour to calm him.]
D. Julian. It was not delirium, it was chastisement, Heaven be praised. What did you think, ungrateful boy?
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