Otho. Well, Ludolph, what say you?

Ludolph. My lord!

Otho. A tourney?

Conrad. Or, if ’t please you best—

Ludolph. I want no more!

1st Lady. He soars!

2nd Lady. Past all reason.

Ludolph. Though heaven’s choir
Should in a vast circumference descend
And sing for my delight, I’d stop my ears!
Though bright Apollo’s car stood burning here,
And he put out an arm to bid me mount,
His touch an immortality, not I!
This earth, this palace, this room, Auranthe!

Otho. This is a little painful; just too much.
Conrad, if he flames longer in this wise
I shall believe in wizard- woven loves
And old romances; but I’ll break the spell.
Ludolph!

Conrad. He’ll be calm, anon.

Ludolph. You called?
Yes, yes, yes, I offend. You must forgive me;
Not being quite recovered from the stun
Of your large bounties. A tourney, is it not?

[A senet heard faintly.

Conrad. The trumpets reach us.

Ethelbert (without). On your peril, sirs,
Detain us!

1st Voice (without). Let not the abbot pass.

2nd Voice (without). No!
On your lives!

1st Voice (without). Holy father, you must not.

Ethelbert (without). Otho!

Otho. Who calls on Otho?

Ethelbert (without). Ethelbert!

Otho. Let him come in.

EnterEthelbert, leading in Erminia

Ludolph. What portent—what strange prodigy is this?

Conrad. Away!

Ethelbert. You, Duke?

Erminia. Albert has surely failed me!
Look at the Emperor’s brow upon me bent!