_Queen_. Then never shalt thou hear that bitter word, that word so full of weakness, come from my trembling lips. The blessing of this hour that passes now shall never rise to distract thee on thy path in the gray distance. Yet there shall be a charm, rising unspoken in the soul itself, which when thou pausest wearied on thy journey, shall whisper to thee where a home still blooms for thee.... Where a balsam is prepared to heal thy wounded feet, bleeding from the sharpness of thy path ... where a thousand arms reach out to greet their loved one ... whence those voices rise that call to thee out of the darkness ... and where there waits a smile, smothered with joy, to say to thee: "I charmed thee not."--I will be silent, lest thou shouldst be weary of my speech; since all my words speak only this desire: it rings within thine ears,--longing must find a resting-place. _Prince_. O, that mine lay not so far from here! There, where the clouds disperse in light, and the eternal sun kisses my brow, there ... Enough. Since thou hast asked no more than chance has in a measure forced me to, whether for good or evil I know not, I must needs grant thy wish. Hans, arm me. _Duke_ [_whispers_], Skoell, do not forget ... where are the others? _Skoell_. Who knows? _Duke_. But was there not a great feast to-night? _Skoell_. Yes. But they flung us out just now. _Duke_. Listen! And heed me well. As soon as that rascal has had enough and grovels in the dust, shout out with all thy might "Hail to King Widwolf!" Dost thou understand? _Skoell_. Eh? Yes, indeed. _Anna Goldhair_. Oh! dearest Lady, if I might speak I would beg thee to go. The sight of all the horrors that gather round us will shake thee sorely. _Queen_. Who stays for me if I will not for him? And is it not fitting for an unhappy mother to protect the head of her child even with her own shattered arm? [_To the young_ Prince.] Listen, my darling. Thou must go. [_To_ Anna Goldhair.] Take him to my waiting-women. Without this sight his heart will all too soon burn with a thirst for blood. _The Young Prince_. Ah, mother! _Queen_. Nay, thou must. But nestle once again upon my breast, my dear one, so! _The Young Prince_ [_running up to_ Prince Witte]. Please, thou strange man, be so good as to conquer for us! _Prince_ [_smiling_]. If thou art good, my Prince!... How clear their glances sparkle! From those eyes a world of sunshine bursts; alas, I am not worthy of it! [_The young_ Prince _and_ Anna Goldhair _go out._] [_The_ Chancellor _and a train of nobles come up the steps. After them guards and two trumpeters. The_ Chancellor _makes obeisance and asks the_ Queen _a question. The_ Queen _assents silently and mounts, holding by the balustrade, to the platform on which the throne stands, pushed to one side. The_ Chancellor _makes a sign to the trumpeters, and they blow a signal, which echoes below, then he raises the sword, which a page brings upon a cushion._]