The Young Prince. And looked at me so stern and wild that I was frightened and pretended that I slept. Then he leaned over me, so low that I had nearly died of fright, and then,--only think, my Hansel,--he kissed me. Here on my forehead, on my hair and both my cheeks, and then very softly went away.
Hans Lorbass. Thy good angel put the words into thy mouth! Could he do so, my little man, then 'twas a fever in his blood that spoke to-day,--no hate of thee!... It seems as though thou wert even dearer to me now,--and yet my thoughts have scarce deserved it. [Clasps him to him.] Now let me, let ... There below they call upon thy father, and he ... I have it! I will take thee in my arms and show thee to the leaderless throng below, him who shall lead them when his form rears itself kinglike and his brow darkens. Come then! Friend, if thy King fights not for thee to-day, then fight thou for thy King! [He raises him in his arms and hurries with him down the steps.]
Scene 2.
Anna Goldhair comes timidly from the right, pushed into the room. After her, the Chancellor, Cölestin, nobles and ladies, who stand so as to form a passage. Then, the Queen. After her, other ladies. Anna Goldhair in a shrinking attempt to hide herself, crouches near the door, behind those coming in.
Chancellor. Away, lest the Queen see thee! Out of the way, wench!
Queen [observing that someone is concealed from her]. Who--? [She motions them to let her see. The group separates. She looks silently down upon the kneeling Anna, whose face is bowed to the earth, and strokes her hair.] Much evil has come upon us both; therefore be it unto thee according to thy sorrow, not according to thy deed. [She raises her and gives her over to her women.]
Chancellor [meanwhile aside to Cölestin]. Send above to the King straightway. I cannot yet forbear to hope that when he--dost thou hear?
Cölestin [who is looking in anxious search toward the background]. Where is the Prince?
Murmur of Voices. The King comes.
[The King comes down the steps.]