KING. Who is after my life? If you mean John Andersson or Dacke, I know it already.—For the sake of your good intention and your youth, but particularly for the sake of your father, I shall forgive you.
ISRAEL. But I have no right to forgive so quickly.—You came here to accuse your father? Answer me yes or no.
JACOB. Yes!
ISRAEL. Go then, and take my curse with you!
JACOB. [Kneeling before ISRAEL] Forgive, father!
ISRAEL. No more your father! You silly, impudent youth, who think that you understand the art of statesmanship and the laws of honour better than he who brought you into the world! What you did not foresee was that I might change my mind.
KING. Oh, forgive him, Herman!
ISRAEL. I have forgiven him already, but our sacred laws will never do so. Take this ring, Jacob, and go to—you know whom!—But bid me good-bye first.
JACOB. [Throwing himself into the arms of his father] Take away your curse, father!
ISRAEL wets one of his fingers, makes a sign with it on his son's forehead, and mutters a few inaudible words. Then he kisses JACOB on both cheeks and leads him to the door at the right, through which the young man disappears.