Chapter 38

NATALIE _and the_ ELECTRESS _appear in the doorway, followed by ladies-in-waiting. The others as before._

NATALIE. Mother! Decorum! Can you speak that word? In such an hour there's none but just to love him-- My dear, unhappy love!

THE PRINCE (_turning_). Now I shall go!

TRUCHSZ (_holding him_). No, nevermore, my Prince!

[_Several officers step in his way._]

THE PRINCE. Take me away!

HOHENZOLL. Liege, can your heart--

THE PRINCE (_tearing himself free_). You tyrants, would you drag me In fetters to my execution-place? Go! I have closed my reckoning with this world.

[_He goes out under guard._]

NATALIE (_on the_ ELECTRESS' _breast_). Open, O earth, receive me in your deeps. Why should I look upon the sunlight more?