Hans Lorbass. But why?
King. Ask thyself what it means--my hand stretched forth shall bless her--if I have and hold her? Would fate withdraw her gift a second time and leave me no security? Does a new misery lie in wait behind the dark disguise of these words? Thus I have delayed the deed, hoping I might be new-redeemed, by my own strength, without the laming weakness of enchantment, to see and win the woman of whom my soul has dreamed. All that is past.... The broken pinion can no longer unfurl itself.... [listening.] I hear laughter outside. What is it?
Hans Lorbass [lifting the curtain]. Only our maidens, who sport outside, modest and chaste as their land's innocence.
King. I will employ this hour of rest, while they dance there beneath the birches, to set the charm to work, and call my long-dead happiness as guest. Now go!
Hans Lorbass. Thou knowest, master, danger often comes from business such as this.
King. Danger--for whom?
Hans Lorbass. Let me stay with thee! Crouched in the farthest corner--
King. The charm says it must be done alone.
Hans Lorbass. Well then! I will hold a watch outside. [Goes out.]
The King [alone. Looks about distrustfully, then draws the feathers from his corselet, puts one back and goes toward the fireplace with the other]. The fire dies down? Then thou canst strive to brighten it, as thou hast the flames of my will.... Too late! Naught but this lazy, luke-warm heap of sodden ashes. What is to be done now?--The torch, a-flicker there! Though thy dim mocking glimmer has often frightened me in the forest it smiles alluringly at me now. And look, above, the parchments which so long have made my life a hell--now I know how to use you! Out of the paper sorrows of my country I will kindle for myself a glad new morning,--a new sun shall rise for me in their light! [He hurls the torch among the rolls and they take fire.] And now! [He tosses the feather into the flames. A violet lightning flashes high above the stone chimney-piece. A light peal of thunder follows, with a long roll like the noise of rattling chains. The door on the right has sprung open. As the King stares wildly about, the Queen enters, at first not seen by him, and stands with closed eyes near the door.]