KING. I beg the indulgence of your lordships for my infirmities of temper. Let the cause proceed. (Takes his seat.)
JUDGE. The case for the crown, gentlemen, is fully before you, and is submitted in the confidence that you will discharge your duty faithfully.
KING (again forgetting himself.)
Ay, discharge your duty faithfully!
WEDGEWOOD (with great authority rapping on the desk.)
Silence in the court, Your Majesty!
JUDGE.
Let the counsel for the prisoners now proceed.
ALBERT.
Place Karl in the witness-box.
(Enter KARL and HAROLD.)
SOLO and CHORUS.
KARL.
What outrage more, at whose command
Am I thus shackled and restrained?—
What mockery's this? In this free land
The subject's rights should be maintained.
CHORUS.
The traitor braves the king's command!