_Hans Lorbass_ And if they yield he will allow his heart to melt with pity; he will butter on both sides the bread of all the people who will shout for him. That is his way; all innocence, like the rest of us. _King_. And if? _Hans Lorbass_. If not? He swore,--and here his spleen burst out--that let a single sword be raised against him, a single spear be laid in rest, and he would hang and quarter every living, breathing thing, without mercy. This he calls choking rebellion in the seed. _King_. And what was the decision of the people? _Hans Lorbass_. The people will fight. _King_. Will fight? Will fight? This flock of nestlings, lacking in every sort of strength, inspired by no courage-breeding fire, wanting in power, in discipline,-- _Hans Lorbass_. Like their King himself. _King_. Like their King himself. Quite true. The shadow of a King, set on the throne by woman's love, is not the man to lead a forlorn hope. _Hans Lorbass_. Though his people offer themselves to the sword for him. _King_. Take care; I have outgrown thy scorn. [_Knocking on the door to the right._] _Coelestin_ [_outside_]. Open the door for the King's son. _Hans Lorbass_. Shall I? _King_. Thou must. This house is his; and if he chose to, he could drive me hence. [Coelestin _enters, leading in the young_ Prince _by the hand. It is gradually growing light._] _The Young Prince_ [_running to_ Anna Goldhair]. Anna! Ah, Anna, art thou here? The mother told me thou wast dead. Say. Anna, art thou vexed with me? I eat my supper all alone, I say my prayers and go to bed all alone. I sing alone, I play alone,--and oh, the mother weeps so much! They said my father had been cruel to her,--how sorry he would be to see her weep! Anna, dear Anna, come and help us, for we are so sad! [Anna Goldhair _kneels down before him and sobs on his neck._] _King_. What now? _Coelestin_. My Prince, my little Prince! _King_. Well? _Coelestin_. Nay, with her thou canst have no concern. Thou knowest to whom thy mother sent thee, and what she graved so deep upon thy heart. _The Young Prince_ [_timidly approaching the_ King]. My mother called me very early, and bid me come to thee before my breakfast with Uncle Coelestin, and kneel down here before thee, and ask thee--something,--I forget.