[The acolytes break out into renewed moaning.
Questioner: It shall be asked, O King.
[Exit Questioner. The acolytes moan on.
King: They would have made me drink of a poisoned cup. I say there is poison in that cup. Your priests would have had me drink it. (The acolytes only answer by moans.) Bid them confess. Bid them confess their crime and why it was done, and the Supreme Question shall be spared them. (The acolytes only answer by moans.) Strange! They have done strangely. (To acolytes.) Why has your priest spoken falsely? (The acolytes only moan.) Why has he spoken falsely in the name of the gods? (The acolytes moan on.) Be silent! Be silent! May I not question whom I will? (To himself). They prophesied falsely in the name of the gods.
[Enter the Questioners.
First Questioner: The Supreme Question is asked.
[The acolytes suddenly cease moaning.
King: Well?
First Questioner: They would not answer.
King: They would not answer the Supreme Question?