EIGHTH SCENE.

THE SAME. THE KING (with flaming eyes, pale yet calm).

Teja.

Are the weapons in order?--Ah, 'tis thou, Bishop!

Bishop.

King, my King!

Teja.

Surely, thou shall now be driven to seek another flock,

Bishop.

Wilt thou but give me thy blessing, pray give it quickly.... Theodemir is about to come.

Bishop.

And dost thou know thyself to be free, my son, from the trembling of every dying creature?

Teja.

Bishop, I have been a good servant of thy church. To dedicate her temples, as once Totilas did, have I not been able; but what there was to kill, I have killed for her welfare. Shall I perform a posture for the blessed Arius?

Bishop.

My son, I understand thee not.

Teja.

For that I am sorry, my father.

Bishop.

And hast thou taken leave?

Teja.

Leave--of whom? Rather have I a mind to cry "welcome"; but yet nothing is there!

Bishop (indignantly).

I speak of thy wife, Sire.

Teja.

At this hour, I know only men,

Bishop.

Of wives I know nothing. Farewell! (Enter Theodemir and Ildibad.)

Bishop.

Farewell--and God be gracious to thy soul!

Teja.

I thank thee, Bishop.... Ah, there art thou, Theodemir. (Exit Bishop Agila.)