KING. [Rising] Then I am lost!—God help me!

JOHAN. And all of us!

The KING and JOHAN go out. MARCUS goes over to the tavern and raps on one of the tables.

AGDA. [Appearing] Is that you, Marcus?

MARCUS. Yes, Agda, it's me.

AGDA. Where is Jacob?

MARCUS. He has started on a journey—a very long one.

AGDA. Where?

MARCUS. I cannot tell. But he asked me to bring you his greeting and to give you this ring.

AGDA. As a keepsake only, or as a plight of his troth?