Ildibad.
Treason.
Teja.
Yea, verily! Yea--meat and wine so much as each one will, at long white tables--I shall have it divided--and Sicilian fruits for the women, and sweetmeats from Ma.s.silia. (_Sinks reeling upon the seat of the throne, and gazes absently into the distance_.)
The Men.
What aileth the King? Look to the King!
Balthilda.
Surely he is hungry, mother. (_Approaches him. The men draw back_.) My King!
Teja.
Who art thou, woman? What wilt thou, woman?
Balthilda.
Can I help thee, Sire?
Teja.
Ah, it is thou, the Queen! Pardon me; and pardon me, also, ye men.
(_Rises_.)
Bishop.
King, thou must husband thy strength.
Theoderic.
Yea, King, for the sake of us all.
The Men.
For the sake of us all.
Teja.
In truth, ye warn me rightly. Women, I pray ye, return to your encampment. We have to take counsel. Do thou, Bishop, see well to their safe conduct.
Amalaberga (_softly_).
Make thy obeisance, child!
Balthilda (_softly_).
Mother, will he speak no more to me?
Amalaberga.
Make thy obeisance! (_Balthilda obeys_.)
Teja.
Fare ye well! (_Exeunt_ Balthilda, Amalaberga, Bishop. _Shouts of applause without, greet them_.)
_FOURTH SCENE_.
Teja.
Theodemir. Euric. Ildibad. The Watcher. The Lords.
Teja.
I have sent away the women and the priest; for what comes now concerneth us warriors alone. Where is the watcher? Come forth, man.
The Men (muttering).
The watcher from the hill! The watcher!
Teja.
Hereby ye know, men: the ships are lost. (_Tumult. Cries of horror_.)
Teja.
Quiet, friends, quiet! Thy name is Haribalt.
Watcher.
Yea, Sire!
Teja.
How long hast thou stood at thy post?
Watcher.
Since early yesterday, Sire.
Teja.
Where are thy two companions?