STEPMOTHER. [Takes hold of SWANWHITE by the hair and starts to cut it, but she cannot bring the blades of the shears together] Now I'll cut off your beauty and your love! [Suddenly she is seized with panic, which quickly spreads to the men and the three MAIDS] Is the enemy upon us? Why are you trembling?
SIGNE. Your Grace, the dogs are barking, horses neighing—it means that visitors are near.
STEPMOTHER. Quick, to the bridges, all of you! Man the ramparts! Fall to with flame and water, sword and axe!
The PRINCE and SWANWHITE are left alone.
GARDENER. [Appears from behind the table; in one hand he carries a rope, the DUKE'S horn in the other] Forgiveness for those who sin; for those who sorrow, consolation; and hope for those who are distressed!
SWANWHITE. My father's horn! Then help is near! But—the prince?
GARDENER. The prince will follow me. A secret passage, underground, leads to the shore. There lies his bark. The wind is favourable! Come!
[The GARDENER and the PRINCE go out. SWANWHITE alone, blows the horn. An answering signal is heard in the distance. The GAOLER enters with the spiked cask. SWANWHITE blows the horn again. The answer is heard much nearer.
The DUKE enters. He and SWANWHITE are alone on the stage.
DUKE. My own beloved heart, what is at stake?
SWANWHITE. Your own child, father!—Look—the spiked cask over there!