KING. [Placing his hand on BARBRO'S head] He is, my child, and I know that he won't refuse his goddaughter anything. Go in peace now!
The two women leave.
KING. [To JOHAN] Who can have sent them? Who?—Here I have to sit like a defendant—I, the highest judge of the land!
JOHAN. May I say a word?
KING. No, because I can tell myself what you want to say. I can tell that the hand of the Lord has been laid heavily upon me, although I cannot tell why. If the Lord speaks through conscience and prayer, then it is he who has made me act as I have acted. Why my obedience should be punished, I cannot grasp. But I submit to a higher wisdom that lies beyond my reason.—That girl was my goddaughter, and her father was my friend, and I had to take his head.... Oh, cruel life, that has to be lived nevertheless! [Pause] Knock again.
MARCUS. [In travelling clothes, enters from the right] Your Highness! [He kneels.
KING. Still more?
MARCUS. A message from Herman Israel.
KING. At last!—Speak!
MARCUS. Herman Israel has this afternoon set sail for Luebeck.