Scene II.
An Anteroom.
A Soldier on guard. Enter Gentlemen.
First Gent.
May we pass in?
Sol.
Ay, sir; it is as open as the day.
[Exeunt Gentlemen.
Enter others.
Sec. Gent.
What! it is not over yet?
Sol.
Oh no, sir; they have but just met.
Sec. Gent.
I have ridden twenty miles to see it.
Sol.
Had you come sixty, it had been worth your
while. It is the finest spectacle I ever set eyes on. Earl
Felborg hath summoned all the judges, and they sit all
in a row in their robes; 'tis the finest sight—and the
great throne stands empty. The King himself makes
answer at the bar.
Sec. Gent.
They say he shall be hung; that's not
possible.
Sol.
It is certain—on a gallows a hundred feet high,
and Malgodin on a little one beside him.
Third Gent.
I hope it will be big enough to serve;
I would not have him 'scape.
Sol.
What, Malgodin? No fear. There's no chance
for him in all the chapter of accidents. If the gallows
will not work, they'll stone him to death in the crowd.
Sec. Gent.
Come, I'll go see it.
[Exeunt.
Enter others.
Fourth Gent.
What! is the King tried yet?
Sol.
Judgment will pass shortly.
Fourth Gent.
In, gentlemen. We shall have no
places.
[Exeunt.
Sol.
Nay, I'll not miss it either. I may as well
stand inside as out. A guard's small use where all may
go in.
[Exit.
