KING. Yes, mercy! But there will be no more mercy. You have had it once, and twice is too much.
ANDERS and MONS make movements to speak.
KING. Silence! I am doing the speaking now! You were going to talk about friendship, of course. I cannot be the friend of my enemies, and having cancelled your acquaintance, I don't even know you. Were I to let old devotion influence my judgment, I should not be acting as an unbiassed judge. And he who has incurred the disfavour of the law cannot be helped by any favour of mine! That's enough words spent on this matter! [Goes to the door at the right] Take away these culprits, guard!
ANDERS. What is the sentence?
KING. That you lose life, honour, and property.
MONS makes a gesture as if wishing to shake hands with the KING.
KING. My hand? Oh, no! Shake hands with the heads-man, and kiss the block—that's good enough for you!
ANDERS. One word!
KING. Not one!
ANDERS PERSSON and MONS NILSSON are led out.
The KING turns his back on them and goes to the chair of state, where he sinks down, burying his face in his hands.