ALB. I wish to ask you to help me... to use your strength of mind and body to direct this boy.
GER. But what can I do?
ALB. I wish you to stay here and be Prince Hagen's tutor.
GER. What?
ALB. [Anxiously.] If you will do it, sir, you will carry hence a treasure such as the world has never seen before. And it is a noble work... a great work, sir. He is the grandson of a king! Tell me. .. will you help me?
[Gazes imploringly.]
GER. Let me think. [A pause.] Your majesty, I have things of importance to do, and I have no time to stay here...
ALB. But think of the treasures!
GER. My father is a rich man, and I have no need of treasures. And besides, I am a poet. I have work of my own...
ALB. Oh! don't refuse me, sir!