Ildibad.
A jar of fermented milk, and two stale crusts of bread.
Teja.
Ha, ha, ha! Now thou seest, Queen, what a poor husband thou hast got.
Yet if the ships be there, as the people say, then will I do royal
honours to every one, even as is his due. Yet tell it not, that would
mar their joy. But if they hear the trumpets sound, then tell them
there will be meat and wine on the long tables, so much as--
(_To_ Ildibad, _who glides across the stage to his side_) What is it?
Ildibad (_softly_).
The watch departeth. The ships are lost.
Teja.
(_Without the least change of countenance_.) Lost--how--in what way?
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 Massilia. (_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.