_The Young Prince_. I am not afraid. [_Goes to him._] Just think, the people say the father hates me. I believe it not. Whatever he should do, I know right well he loves me,--even as much as thou, my Hans. [_Throws his arms around him._] _Hans Lorbass_. How dost thou know? _The Young Prince_. What, Hans? _Hans Lorbass_. About the father. _The Young Prince_. Listen! One night, quite lately, when I had been a little while in my bed, and was all alone, only think!--he came very softly within my chamber. I was afraid, because I had not seen him in so long, and all the people said: "The King is wicked." But he stood there before my bed and looked at me,--Hans, what is all that noise? _Hans Lorbass_. Hasten,--thou knowest not what it means to thee! _The Young Prince_. And looked at me so stern and wild that I was frightened and pretended that I slept. Then he leaned over me, so low that I had nearly died of fright, and then,--only think, my Hansel,--he kissed me. Here on my forehead, on my hair and both my cheeks, and then very softly went away. _Hans Lorbass_. Thy good angel put the words into thy mouth! Could he do so, my little man, then 'twas a fever in his blood that spoke to-day,--no hate of thee!... It seems as though thou wert even dearer to me now,--and yet my thoughts have scarce deserved it. [_Clasps him to him._] Now let me, let ... There below they call upon thy father, and he ... I have it! I will take thee in my arms and show thee to the leaderless throng below, him who shall lead them when his form rears itself kinglike and his brow darkens. Come then! Friend, if thy King fights not for thee to-day, then fight thou for thy King! [_He raises him in his arms and hurries with him down the steps._] Scene 2. Anna Goldhair _comes timidly from the right, pushed into the room. After her, the_ Chancellor, Coelestin, _nobles and ladies, who stand so as to form a passage. Then, the_ Queen. _After her, other ladies_. Anna Goldhair _in a shrinking attempt to hide herself, crouches near the door, behind those coming in._ _Chancellor_. Away, lest the Queen see thee! Out of the way, wench! _Queen_ [_observing that someone is concealed from her_]. Who--? [_She motions them to let her see. The group separates. She looks silently down upon the kneeling_ Anna, _whose face is bowed to the earth, and strokes her hair._] Much evil has come upon us both; therefore be it unto thee according to thy sorrow, not according to thy deed. [_She raises her and gives her over to her women._] _Chancellor_ [_meanwhile aside to_ Coelestin ]. Send above to the King straightway. I cannot yet forbear to hope that when he--dost thou hear? _Coelestin_ [_who is looking in anxious search toward the background_]. Where is the Prince? _Murmur of Voices_. The King comes. [_The_ King _comes down the steps._]