ELSA. [Gazing at the three lilies] The white one folds its blossom to protect itself against defilement. That is Swanwhite's flower.
ALL. Swanwhite is innocent.
ELSA. The red one, too—the prince's lily—closes its head—but the blue one, which stands for the king, flings wide its gorge to drink the lust-filled air.
DUKE. You've told it right! What more is there to see?
ELSA. I see the red flower bend its head in reverent love before the white one, while the blue one writhes with envious rage.
DUKE. You've spoken true!—For whom is Swanwhite then?
ELSA. For the prince, because more pure is his desire, and therefore stronger, too.
ALL. [Except SWANWHITE and the STEPMOTHER] Swanwhite for the prince!
SWANWHITE. [Throwing herself into her father's arms] O, father!
DUKE. Call back the prince! Let every trump and bugle summon him. Hoist sail on every bark! But first of all—the spiked cask is for whom?