THE KING.
(Looks after him in surprise. Then quite calmly, with quiet deliberation, he turns toward the door.) What does it mean? Where have I made a mistake? For a whole year I believed that in the course of a year I had educated this beast into a human being. Suddenly, after all that trouble, he drops back again into the animal kingdom.——Or did I dream?——It is impossible entirely that the jug should have been broken. I drank out of it this morning. He will break it now outside and then show me the pieces. Will he let me go thirsty today? Will he let me thirst?——I fear worse!——At any rate I shall receive him with a look that will make his eyes sink to the ground. (Bracing himself.) Help me, kingly majesty, in order that the fellow may realize his baseness of his own accord!——(Listening.) He's coming!——A duel without weapons, man against man!
(The door opens noisily. Princess Alma enters, clad as in the preceding act and carrying a jug with both her hands. The door closes loudly behind her.)
THE KING.
(With the fright of immoderate joy.) Alma?! My child!——Oh, beastly spite!
ALMA.
O Father, I cannot embrace you now! I bring you this jug of wine.
THE KING.
(Struggling for breath, with both hands at his breast.) Oh, satanic cruelty!——(Takes the jug from her and sets it to one side.) Whence come you, my child? For twelve months I've thirsted for a sight of you! You are living yet, you are whole and well. Speak, how is it with you among miserable mankind?
ALMA.