ALBERT.
And would to Heaven I might plead their cause!
(The KING, who has paid great attention to their conversation, walks down the stage, and suddenly stands in the midst of them. They all start, and fall back.)
KING.
On one condition you shall—
OMNES.
The king!
KING.
On one condition, young man, your prayer shall be granted.
ALBERT.
Name it, sire—
KING. If you fail to convince the judges of their innocence, that you shall share their punishment. Do you agree?
ALBERT.
I do, and set my life upon the issue.
KING. Your life shall answer for it if you fail. (To HAROLD.) Give orders that the hall of the castle be immediately prepared for the trial. Use dispatch, Harold! [Exit HAROLD.] (To the COUNTESS.) You, madam, I believe to be wholly ignorant of your son's treachery.
COUNTESS.
If he be guilty—