Zas. Ay, none, none dare notice the accused.
Pris. None, save a monk, who, far less worldly than the rest, stopt, and warned me to obey this their first summons, or soon a second and a third would follow; and, on my then not answering, not only would my sentence be proclaimed, but my best friend, ay, my own son, were he a member of this dread tribunal, would, by a solemn oath, be bound to plunge his dagger into his father's heart. Such are free knights! Such the famed members of this lauded court! And having further learnt, that on the tolling of the midnight bell at my own gate, or at the citadel, a chosen minister of vengeance passed to pilot the accused, I went, and you, through paths most dangerous and inscrutable, have brought me to the spot where justice reigns; if so, give the first proof of justice, trial. By that I am prepared to stand or fall.
Ever. Trial! alas! it may be years——
Pri. Years! I'll not believe it. Where are my judges?
Zas. There (pointing to the door) in full council, electing a free knight. And till that awful ceremony's past, they must not be disturbed, nor then but by their chief, Prince Palatine, who, on returning from the holy wars, comes to consult them on affairs of state. [Music.] Hark! he approaches. This way to your dungeon. [Prisoner appeals.] Nay, no parleying. You have to cope with those who'll teach you patience and submission.
Music. Prisoner is led into his cell, and Zastrow bars the gate, Everard showing compassion. Zastrow opens the door, and the prince and Walbourg enter.
Prin. So, after an interval of ten long years, again I view and welcome the tribunal. Ay, Walbourg, welcome it. For though dark traitors, plotting against a state, may oft elude the common vigilance which broad and open justice takes, yet can they escape the penetrating eye of this deep-searching and all-powerful court? No. Unseen it sees, and unknown pries into such hidden guilt, that the detected villain, awe-struck, cries, "this is not man's but Heaven's unerring vengeance."
Zas. And, once detected, shall free knights forgive! Be death the doom of all the prince's foes.
Prin. (after a short pause) Ay, death: for long inured to daring and to desperate deeds, still deeper must I plunge. But Oh, my friend! in the bright morn of life—(aside to Walbourg.)
Trumpets within. The prince shows surprise.