Hans Lorbass. Then--
King. Silence, silence! Thou knowest I have quenched the last embers of my desires. Thinkest thou to kindle a new blaze thereon by victory and sin? A fire must run from heaven, must mount from hell, to light a new life in my fading course. A thing of horror must first come to pass; whence it came would be as naught to me, if it could but rise wonder-like upon my sight. Alas, from out these ashes no miracle can rise for me! I can no longer hope and struggle.... The door stands open to the upper room.... Once more I mount up to the height, once more behold the gray dawn turn to gold in rosy glory--
Hans Lorbass. Wilt thou come back?
King. Nay, didst thou not think so? I--[As Cölestin with the young Prince puts himself in the way.] Away with the child!--I must die! [Goes out.]
Hans Lorbass [to himself]. "A thing of horror must first come to pass." And then, "If I might strike a blow for my own throne." "If thou wert not." And looked at him with such eyes!--Cölestin, if I had something to ask--thou knowest, perhaps, the King will yield to me--more than--in short, I am beloved by him--
Cölestin. Good reason for it.
Hans Lorbass. Yes. Then what if I knew how to goad him into harness, so that even before the hour had struck, he had the Bastard by the throat with your all-avenging sword?
Cölestin. It would be possible? Thou couldst?
Hans Lorbass. Yes. But I need the Prince.
Cölestin. The Princeling,--why?