Bishop, I have been a good servant of thy church. To dedicate her temples, as once Totilas did, have I not been able; but what there was to kill, I have killed for her welfare. Shall I perform a posture for the blessed Arius? Bishop. My son, I understand thee not. Teja. For that I am sorry, my father. Bishop. And hast thou taken leave? Teja. Leave--of whom? Rather have I a mind to cry "welcome"; but yet nothing is there! Bishop (_indignantly_). I speak of thy wife, Sire. Teja. At this hour, I know only men, Bishop. Of wives I know nothing. Farewell! (_Enter_ Theodemir _and_ Ildibad.) Bishop. Farewell--and God be gracious to thy soul! Teja. I thank thee, Bishop.... Ah, there art thou, Theodemir. (_Exit_ Bishop Agila.) _NINTH SCENE_. Teja. Theodemir. Ildibad (_in the background, occupied with the King's weapons, going noiselessly in and out_). Teja. What are the warriors doing? Theodemir. They who have their wives here, are gone to the Wagenburg.... There they will surely eat and drink and play with their children. Teja. And is thy wife here also? Theodemir. Yea, Sire! Teja. And thy children? Theodemir. Two boys, Sire! Teja. And thou didst not go? Theodemir. I waited on thy call, Sire. Teja. What hour is it? Theodemir. The ninth, Sire. Teja. And what do they who are free--the unmarried, and they whose wives are not here? Theodemir. They lie by the fires and are silent. (_Exit_ Ildibad.) Teja. See to it that something is brought to them also. I already ordered it. Will they sleep? Theodemir. No one will sleep. Teja. At midnight, come and fetch me. Theodemir. Yea, Sire. (_Makes as if to go_.) Teja (_with a shade of anxiety_). Theodemir, stay!... Thou hast always been my adversary. Theodemir. I was, Sire. For a long time I have ceased to be. Teja (_stretches out his arms_).