Cölestin. Thou hast done well, my friend. Every wanderer is a welcome guest in this castle, for our Queen is one from whose soul there flow deeds of boundless kindness to all the world. From to-day, alas!... nay, call thy knight, and if he stands on two such good legs as his servant, I warrant he has shivered many a spear.
Hans. And I warrant, my lord, that thou hast warranted rightly. [He goes to the door and motions below. Cölestin and the Page look out from behind him.]
Sköll [dreaming]. Hans Lorbass--seize him!
[Prince Witte enters.]
Cölestin. Here is my hand, my guest. And though thou comest here in an unhappy hour, I look within thine eye, I gaze upon thy sword, and feel as though thou hadst lifted a cruel burden from my oppressed soul.
Prince. I thank thee that thou holdest me worthy thy confidence. Yet I fear that thou art misled; it was no fate drew us together, but only chance. Thinkest thou that because I took this path I was sent to thee?
Cölestin. No, no! God forbid!--Well, unarm, my friend, ... so, so.
Hans. Whither then?
Cölestin. We have for our guests--they will show it to thee.
Prince. They crowd in early at your doors,--have I come to a festival?