I will curse myself!

Myself, because I am worthless, lost, dishonored,

Degraded below all beings and cowardly beyond all measure!

And I will bury my teeth in my arms and tear my face with my nails!

Come then, O Death! Come, O Death!

(A scratching is heard at the door. The door creaks. Silence. The scratching comes again.

The King: Who is there?

(Silence.

Come in!

(The princess enters, timidly.