Queen. I do not know.
The Young Prince. The wood is full of darkness, is it not?
Queen. Where our King goes, there is always light!... What, Anna, art thou eavesdropping? Must I blush before thee, because I voiced a cry out of my soul's longing, which envious time would smother?
Anna Goldhair. Beloved Queen.... I know well that I am too young; my little thoughts whisk twittering like swallows through my head,--
The Young Prince. And she pretends to me she is so wise!
Queen. Run, run, my child!
The Young Prince. I will get her by the hair first! [He tugs at Anna's hair. Anna Goldhair pushes him off laughing.] Just wait! [He runs from her to the spinning-women, and teases them.]
Anna Goldhair. But if thou hast need of any one to whisper to, in whose breast at the still evening-time to plunge thine overflowing soul--of anyone who if need were, could go for thee to her death as to a feast,--thou knowest, dearest Queen, I am that one!
Queen [caressing her]. Yes, deep in my heart I know that thou art mine. [She rises.] But if it be death here for any human being, I am that one!
Anna Goldhair [frightened]. What troubles thee, beloved Lady? [Three maidens, young and pretty, have entered shyly.]