The General. It is just the compassion which the whole nation will feel for your Majesty that compels me, in spite of everything, to invoke the intervention of justice at this particular crisis! Terror—
The King.—must be our weapon?
The General. Yes! Can any one imagine a more priceless proof of the care that a people have for their King, than for the gravely anxious tones of their voice to be heard, at this solemn moment, crying: Down with the enemies of the throne!
The King (turning away). No, I haven't thews and sinews for that lie!
The Mayor. I must say I altogether agree with the General. The feeling of affection, gratitude, esteem—
The General.—the legacy of devotion that your Majesty's ancestors of blessed memory—
The King (to the Priest). You, sir—what does my ancestors being "of blessed memory" mean?
The Priest (after a moment's thought). It is a respectful manner of alluding to them, your Majesty.
The King. A respectful lie, you mean. (A pause. ANNA comes out of the room on the left and throws herself at the KING'S feet, embracing his knees in despairing sorrow.) Ah, here comes a breath of truth!—And you come to me, my child, because you know that we two can mourn together. But I do not weep, as you do; because I know that for a long time he had been secretly praying for death. He has got his wish now. So you must not weep so bitterly. You must wish what he wished, you know. Ah, what grief there is in her eyes! (Sobs.)
(The GENERAL signs to the others that they should all withdraw quietly, without turning round. They gradually do so; but the KING looks up and perceives what they are doing.)