JUDGE (promptly.)
What say the jury?
FOREMAN (promptly.)
The prisoners are innocent! (Presto!—all start with joy.)
CHORUS.
The prisoners are innocent! etc.
(Some of the CHARACTERS clasp their hands—others embrace. SOPHIA and LANISKA turn to ALBERT, and the COUNTESS and FREDERICA to the KING, in gratitude.)
KARL.
Oh, rage and fury! (KARL is secured by HAROLD and CORPORAL.)
CHORUS.
Rejoice! our loyal hearts we bring
As free-will offerings to the king!
SOLO—SOPHIA and KING.
Oh, let me to thy ermine cling.
In gratitude, (kneels,) God bless the king!
CHORUS.
God save the king!
Long live the king! etc.
(The WORKMEN and GIRLS of the Factory, ADVOCATES, OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, LADIES, and GENTLEMEN, SPECTATORS, and all the CHARACTERS on the stage, indicate by appropriate and spontaneous action the deep and intense interest they take in the verdict.—KARL gasps and faints, and is supported by HAROLD and CORPORAL.—WEDGEWOOD notices the tableau with great self-complacency—[The whole action is simultaneous]—KARL is borne off by HAROLD and CORPORAL. All the CHARACTERS then turn, and by looks and actions congratulate each other, and the scene instantly becomes one of general joy.)
KING. This court is now dissolved. (The principal CHARACTERS leave their stations; and all the PARTIES, except the JUDGES and those in the gallery, come upon the stage.—To the JUDGES.) Your lordships must pardon all irregularities. This is the first trial by jury that ever took place in Prussia. Hereafter, no human power shall interrupt your grave deliberations. (To COUNT LANISKA.) Count Laniska, I took your sword from you this morning: I here present you mine. (COUNT kneels, and receives it.)