The Tragic Fall Of Wizlaw, The Count Of Rügen

Act II, Scene III

The same day. Evening. Rügen's vessel. A bench table with candles, a wine jug and cups is in the centre. There are barrels nearby and some torches.

Enter ENVOY & COURTIER 4

COURTIER 4: I must admit that th'atmosphere of this sail is nothing but tightness.

ENVOY: I do agree. The Count is not in a conversable mood. What dost thou think will happen when we dock at Rügen?

COURTIER 4: In all mine honesty, I know not. All we can hope for is that a rational decision is made to protect our populus and not severe our diplomatic ties with any more people.

ENVOY: Could he rely on Bornholm?

COURTIER 4: I am in uncertainty. Perhaps we could send one of our men to enhance the relations between our ruler and theirs.

ENVOY: I can commit to that role.

COURTIER 4: I think otherwise. Thou is th'closest to Wizlaw out of all of us so I am in the belief that thy presence will be vital during these current moments.

ENVOY: If thou thinks so, then I will stay and we will send a different fellow.

COURTIER 4: Dost thou want some wine?

ENVOY: Aye, why not?

[COURTIER 4 pours wine into two cups and they both drink]

Why did our Count react in such a way to th'Duke?

COURTIER 4: What dost thou mean?

ENVOY: Why did he shout at him?

COURTIER 4: I believe he was in the right for doing so. The Duke instigated all of this.

ENVOY: Well I personally believe that it is unclear whether he began't. Though, I must state that it was very unnatural for both of them to get involved in such a heated exchange. Th'Count is known to be a charismatic negotiator and a rather skilled diplomat. And the Duke seemed to act a bit with superbia even though he is known to be a man of humilitas. It all seems as if something must've afflicted them.

COURTIER 4: Tell none but I have heard rumours that our liege may be turning mad. Could he truly be turning towards lunacy?

ENVOY: Where hast thou heard of this?

COURTIER 4: Amongst his court. A few of his courtiers were talking of such a possibility.

ENVOY: Well I think of it as nonsense. Our master is of good health. But, I think I may contact a physician just to ensure that all is fine. Let's just pray to Svetovit that all will end well.

COURTIER 4: Quiet thy voice. The others must not find out that we still worship him. They will get us imprisoned, flogged and maybe even killed.

ENVOY: Well, we will have Wizlaw on our side.

COURTIER 4: I knew not that he worships him.

ENVOY: That is what I believe at least. Many still worship him all over Rügen.

COURTIER 4: I thought the Count was a Catholic. Dost thou not see how close he is to th'Bishop?

ENVOY: This did always puzzle my thoughts and placed me in a state of contemplation.

Enter WIZLAW & HERALD 1

[to COURTIER 4:] Come hither.

[ENVOY & COURTIER 4 hide]

WIZLAW: [to HERALD 1:] I know not. We must look elsewhere. Dost thou have any ideas?

HERALD 1: I do have a few suggestions.