Hans [close by him]. Take care what thou sayest.
Prince [whispers earnestly]. I will away from here ... [with a glance at the Queen half complainingly] I must away!
Hans. When thou canst.
ACT III.
A chamber in the castle. The two farther corners slope away from the front. In the left corner is a bay-window with a platform, to which steps lead up. Burning torches are stuck in the branches of the pillars which flank the steps. In the right corner is a fireplace. One can look beyond into an ante-chamber, and farther on, through a wide door-way whose curtains are drawn back, into a thickly planted garden, which at the end of its middle path shows a little of the surrounding wall. In the middle of the room is a table with seats about it. At the left in front is a couch with furs and cushions on it. At the right is the door to the sleeping apartments.
Scene 1.
The Queen sits on the platform with her distaff before her, and gazes dreamily into the red glow, which shines through the window. Two old women sit spinning before the fire-place, in which a dying fire glimmers. Anna Goldhair and the young Prince on the steps of the platform. Through the drawn curtains plays the red evening light.
The Young Prince. Say, mother, will the father come soon?
Queen. Of course.
The Young Prince. Will he come before my bed-time?