KING. Since you, by persuading me into letting the convent remain, have placed me before the public in the awkward position of a perverter of justice, you should, at least, show me the consideration of not appearing on the streets in that dress. And as I have given you permission to come here at your own risk, you must bear that risk yourself. To show you that justice exists, however, I shall see that those who insulted you be found—they had no right to insult you, even if you had been the humblest woman of the people. Now that matter is settled! [He goes to the door at the right and summons the COURTIER, who appears in the doorway] Call four of the guards. Put two at that door [indicating the door at the left] and two at the other [indicating the right-hand door.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Thus I am treated like a thief and a murderer by my own kinsman....
KING. No, you are not! But no one knows what may happen.... It depends on your own conduct.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. [With a threat in her glance] Do you call that freedom?
KING. It is freedom for me—to be free from unreasonable people.
Two guards enter from the right.
KING. [Pointing at the left-hand door] Outside that door. And no one can get in here; literally no one! [As the guards hesitate] If anybody should come, whoever it be—whoever it be, mind you—and try to force his way in here, cut him down—cut him down! [To his MOTHER-IN-LAW] I cannot show you the door, but I must warn you that two executions will take place in this room within a few minutes.
MOTHER-IN-LAW. Here?
KING. Yes, here! Do you wish to look on?
MOTHER-IN-LAW. [Approaching the door at the left] I shall go in a moment, but first you must hear something for your own benefit....