The just King became very thoughtful for a time, then he said sadly:
"Summon the accused maid, and all of ye prepare to utter a just judgment. Heaven help me to judge her rightly!"
The Herald again sounded his trumpet.
"Dost thou determine to hold thy court of judgment here, O King?"
"Aye! I will not rest beneath my shield until the truth is sifted." Then all the Saxon nobles, who had instantly bared their swords, struck them against the earth, but those of Brabant laid theirs flat upon the ground.
Scene II
"Appear, ye royal maid, appear!" the Herald cried, and slowly from behind the crowd of nobles the beautiful Elsa appeared. She left the ladies of her court behind her, and stood forth quite alone.
"Behold!" all cried. "See how her face is clouded with sorrow!" She appeared so beautiful and innocent that no one could believe in her guilt.
The King asked her if she were willing to recognize him as her sovereign and to abide by his judgment, and she bowed her head.
"Dost thou know the crime with which thou art charged?" he asked. Elsa looked toward Ortrud and Telramund, and bowed her head. "Canst thou deny the accusation?" he demanded in a kind voice. She shook her head, sadly, for she was without defence.