Cölestin. I feel as though the earth itself did sway, as though my poor old head would burst in pieces. Now falls the Fatherland, which, kingless, thought it might escape from rapine; yet all the while in its own breast there stood the powerfullest of robbers. Here where a continual harvest of peace once smiled, where inborn modesty of soul once paired joyously with ingrown habit and youth grew guiltless to maturity, the ruthless hand of tyranny will henceforth rest choking on our necks, and-- [Blows sound on the door to the right.] Who blusters at the door? Go look.
Page [looking through the peep-hole]. I see a spear-shaft glitter. [Calling.] What wilt thou without there?
Hans Lorbass's Voice. Open the door!
Page [calling]. Why didst thou come up the steps? The entrance is there below.
Hans Lorbass's Voice. I know that already. I did not care to sweat there in the crowd. Open the door.
Page. What shall I do?
Cölestin. I am as wrung as though the fate of the whole country hung on the iron strength of the lock.... Give him his way.
[The Page opens the door, Hans Lorbass enters.]
Cölestin. Who art thou, and what wouldst thou here? Speak!
Hans. My master, a brave knight and skilled in arms, born far in the north, where he was betrayed in feud with his stepbrother, to atone has undertaken a journey to the Holy Sepulchre. We have but just now entered your kingdom, and crave for God's love, if not a refuge, at least a resting place.