Arcade on the first story of a Romanesque palace, separated in the background by a row of columns from the court below, to which steps lead down from the middle to right and left. On the platform between them, facing the court, is a throne-chair, which later is covered with a curtain. Walks lead right and left rectangularly toward the background. On the right are several steps to the back, the principal path to the castle chapel. On the left side-wall in front is a door with a stone bench near it, and to the left of that another door. On the right in front is an iron-bound outside door. Stone benches stand between the columns. The back of the buildings surrounding the court form the background of the scene. Early morning.
Scene 1.
Sköll with his spear between his knees, asleep on a bench. Cölestin with a page holding a torch.
Cölestin. Put the link out, my son. It hangs on thy tired arm too heavily.... Yes, yes, this morning many a one thinks of his bed.... What, an alarm so early? Man and steed armed?
Sköll [in his sleep]. Brother--thy health!
Page. Look! The fellow is still drunk.
Cölestin. How else? Would, though, the filthy wretch and his Duke too with his dissolute bravery, were smoked out of the country!... Still, I am not anxious. The Pommeranian prince--there is a man of glorious renown!--may win.
Page. I fear, my lord, thou art wrong. The horses of the Pommeranian snort below. They look as though they were about to start.
Cölestin. Hast thou seen aright? The Pommeranian?
Page. Yes.