The MAIDS approach the bed.
STEPMOTHER. What do I see? Each one of you is grey-haired!
SIGNE. And so are you, Your Grace!
STEPMOTHER. Am I? Let me see!
ELSA holds a mirror in front of her.
STEPMOTHER. This is the work of evil powers!—And then, perhaps, the prince's hair is dark again?—Bring light this way!
The MAIDS hold their torches so that the light from them falls on the sleeping couple.
STEPMOTHER. Such is the truth, indeed!—How beautiful they look!—But—the sword! Who placed it there—the sword that puts at naught their plighted troth?
She tries to take away the sword, but the PRINCE clings to it without being wakened.
SIGNE. Your Grace—here's deviltry abroad!