ALMA.
(Sobbing.) O my God, he is innocent! I know that he is innocent!
THE CLERK OF THE COURT.
Why should it worry you whether he is innocent or guilty? Is it your head or his head they are going to cut off?
THE KING.
(Who stands alone in the middle of the room, aside, but with emphasis.) My words were, "And so at last the king's head shall fall under the headsman's axe in the market place of Perugia!"
THE CLERK OF THE COURT.
There, you see how innocent he is!
ALMA.
(Who has risen and prays earnestly, with hands folded across her breast.) Lord God in Heaven, Thou who hast compassion upon all the poor and miserable, preserve us from this!