Queen [as she turns away smiling]. Why are you old ones shivering? Why look you so strange? Is it cold? Then you must rake the fire!
One of the Old Women. Mistress, we spin our winding-sheets. Shall we not be cold?
Queen [drawing the young Prince to her]. Do not listen to them! [Cölestin enters.]
The Young Prince. Oh, Uncle Cölestin! [Runs to him.] What hast thou brought me, Uncle Cölestin?
Cölestin [lifting him up]. A great sandman, and a small goodnight!
Queen. The King is come? Thou wouldst announce him?
Cölestin. No, my Lady. We heard his horn in the distance, but it died away again. I come before thee a gloomy messenger. In the great hall beyond there waits the council of the realm....
Queen. Stop! You, my women, seek your rest; my son, to bed!
The Young Prince. And am I not to see the father again till morning? Ah, mother, please!
Queen. If thou canst not sleep, Anna shall take thee up and bring thee here. Is it well so, dear one?