Scene 2.
The Same. King Witte, the Chancellor and other councillors and nobles. Hans Lorbass stands guard at the door, spear in hand, at ease.
King [embraces the Queen and kisses her on the forehead. Comes forward with her, but turns back irritably]. What do you want?
Chancellor. My lord, while thou didst tread the forest paths, following the hunt, a fierce onslaught of new trouble came swooping down upon our land.
King. Trouble, always trouble! Mouldy, gray and blear, it lives far longer than one's whole life! Must you, even in the daytime, din your night-song in my ears?
Chancellor. This time--
King [mocking]. "This time "--I wager the state will crack in pieces! [Turning to the Queen.] If they had naught at which to fear, I should have naught at which to laugh!
Queen. Dear one--!
King. Hush! It makes me glow with anger, only to look upon these gray countenances, gloomy as the grave, full of foreboding, heavy with woes, and yet with that little glint of malice in their half-lowered lids. Must I suck in these complaints that fall drop by drop upon me? I might lay about me recklessly--but what am I to dare it?
Queen. All art thou, all darest thou, all hearts bow before thee! Canst thou not guess their dumb entreaties, not understand their timid longings? Look, they give thee so much, they give with open hands; their love enfolds thee, blooms everywhere for thee to pluck! Go down among them, then, step into their hearts, and speak, I beg thee, graciously and kindly.