The Man (kneeling at the feet of the Archbishop). I lay my trophy at thy feet!
Archbishop (giving him a sword). Gird this sword upon thee; it was once consecrated to Saint Florian!
Many Voices. Long live Count Henry! Vivat! vivat!
Archbishop. And thus sealing thee with the sign of the cross, I commit to thy hands the sole command of this, our last fortress and refuge upon earth.
It is the universal wish that thou shouldst assume the rank of general-in-chief.
Many Voices. Long live our general! Vivat! vivat!
A Voice. I will not give my consent to the appointment!
Many Voices. Away with the objector! Long live Count Henry!
The Man. If any one present have just cause to reproach me, let him proclaim it openly, and not hide himself in the crowd!
He pauses; no one responds.