"Loving another!" cried Witichis; "how canst speak thus? Knowest thou not, that my tortured heart beats ever and only at the sound of thy name? Hast thou then never felt, never yet, not even at the sight of this urn, that we are eternally one? What am I without thy love? Tear my heart out of my bosom, place another in its place; then perhaps I could forget thee! Yes, truly," he cried, turning to the two men, "you know not what you do; you little know your own interest. You know not that my love for this woman and this woman's love for me is the best that poor Witichis possesses. She is my good genius. You know not that you have to thank her, and her alone, if in anything I please you. I think of her in the tumult of battle, and the thought strengthens my arm. Of her I think when noble decisions must be made in the council; of her clear and serene soul, of her unblemished fidelity! Oh, this wife is the soul of my life! Deprive me of her, and your King is a shadow, without fortune and without strength!" And he passionately folded Rauthgundis in his arms. She was surprised and startled; overcome with a world of bliss. Never yet had the calm and reserved man, who habitually controlled his feelings, spoken so of her or of his love. Never even when he had wooed her, had he spoken with such passion as now, when he was asked to leave her. Overpowered, she sank upon his breast. "Thanks, thanks, O God, for this hour of pain," she whispered. "Yes, now I know that thy heart and soul are mine for ever!" "And will remain thine," said Teja in a low tone, "even if another is called his Queen. She would only share his crown, never his heart!" These words penetrated Rauthgundis's soul. She looked at Teja, moved by his words, with wide eyes. Hildebrand saw it, and now considered how he should strike his final blow. "Who would, who could, tamper with your hearts!" he said. "A shadow without fortune or strength! That thou wilt only become if thou refusest to listen to my words, or break thy sacred, solemn oath. For a _perjurer_ is more hollow than a shadow!" "His oath?" asked Rauthgundis hastily. "What hast thou sworn?" But Witichis sank down upon his seat and buried his face in his hands. "What has he sworn?" repeated Rauthgundis. Then Hildebrand, aiming every word at the hearts of the husband and wife, spoke: