On earth again?
Launcelot
What strange stillness has seized upon the host?
What chant is that?
Voices
The King! The King! A wonder! Rome! Rome!
(Certain knights of either party return on the scene, and in their midst a white banner preceding a Bishop, with a train of priests chanting. With a last remote peal of thunder the storm passes away.)
Bishop
Peace! Peace to you all! In the name of our Lord Jesu, peace! Our Holy Father on the seat of St. Peter hath sent me hither with his commands. Hasting I come even among your swords and spears; And this is the command that I am charged with. Launcelot shall render his Queen again to King Arthur; she shall not be harmed: And King Arthur shall be accorded with Sir Launcelot. This, upon pain of interdiction of the whole realm of Britain, is the high commandment of God’s regent upon earth, our Holy Father in Rome. My sons, will you obey?
(Arthur and Launcelot bow their heads.)