Almund [aside]. Thus God
Severs, without the clemency of death.
Act I, Scene 1
Scene 2 proceeds to Hubert’s wooing of Cara, whom he seeks next day in the forest. But her thoughts are far away from him:
Hubert. Oh, now I know there is for ever
To make room for such loving.
Cara. Do you think
That he can love like that?
Hubert. You mean the king?
Cara. No, not the king. My lover is a man
Who tells me he is thirsty....
Hubert tries to make her understand the facts: that the King is betrothed already, and that he cannot therefore love her.
Cara. ... He is mine;
A thief has hold of him, my own, my own,
My king, my love, my love!
Hubert. He never was,
Never will be your love.... The king would laugh
To hear you chirp such folly.