Prince. They are quite safe.
Hans. Master!
[Prince Witte goes last behind Duke Widwolf, with a bow to the Queen in passing. She watches him in agitation and follows him with her eyes.]
Queen. How is the Prince?
Anna Goldhair. As children always are. At first he wept and tried to slip away. Then he lay still and had his playthings brought. Now he lies sprawling under a table, playing at dice, though he understands them not.
Queen. While we go to throw upon his life.
[The Queen, Cölestin, the Chancellor, Anna Goldhair, and the other women go out. The guards draw the curtains behind the throne. The applause of the people greeting the Queen rises from the court. Then silence.]
Sköll. Well, my heart's brother, so we are alone again.
[Hans Lorbass without noticing Sköll, tries to pass the First Guard after Prince Witte.]
First Guard. Back!