STEPMOTHER. Behold! The prince, the young king's vassal, has defiled his master's bride! You bear me witness to the shameful deed! Put chains and fetters on the traitor and send him to his rightful lord! But in the spiked cask put the hussy. [The PRINCE and SWANWHITE wake up] Equerry! Gaoler! Seize the prince!
The EQUERRY and the GAOLER lay hands on the PRINCE.
PRINCE. Where is my sword? I fight not against evil, but for innocence!
STEPMOTHER. Whose innocence?
PRINCE. My bride's.
STEPMOTHER. The hussy's innocence! Then prove it!
SWANWHITE. Oh, mother, mother!
The white swan flies by outside.
STEPMOTHER. Maids, bring shears! I'll cut the harlot's hair!
SIGNE hands her a pair of shears.