Prince. Why, who was that, that went out in such a hurry?
Hans. Who would it have been? Some body-servant about the castle, perhaps, some--
Prince. Where are my--?
Hans. Here is thy shield. Quick, take it.
Prince. Where is that ape that just now--
Hans. Let the filthy rascal go, whoever he is, and come!
[Enter Duke Widwolf. Sköll, behind him, pointing to the Prince.]
Duke. Hans Lorbass, thou shalt pay for this!
Hans. For what, my lord? Here are the very bones whereon thine eyes desired to feast themselves. It is true they are covered with flesh for the present, but they are there inside, I swear to thee.
Prince. Silence, Hans! This man stands above thy mockery; for though he stole my inheritance in despicable treachery, yet he wears the crown of my fathers, and I bow before it. And until heaven's cherubim call on me loudly to avenge the wrong, in practice for a better thing I bend before him, and grind my teeth.