SCENE I.--COURT OF KING ERIC.

KING _seated on throne._ PRINCESS ELAINE _beside him, attended by her three maids of honor. A loud knocking is heard. Omar goes to the door and returns._

OMAR [_bowing low before throne_]--Your Majesty, a visitor has come.

KING--Bring him in.

[OMAR _ushers in a knight._]

SIR CONSTANTINE [_bowing low before the throne_]--Most noble King, I beg of you your daughter's hand in marriage.

KING [_stamps impatiently_]--No! Out of my royal presence at once!

KNIGHT--Farewell! Farewell!

[_Bows low and withdraws._]

PRINCESS ELAINE [_rising_]--Alas! Alas! It is so sad! Father, if ever thou carest for my happiness, grant him my hand.

[_Withdraws._]

KING--Come back, daughter, be not so foolish.