How near did he come?

FIRST SENTRY

Nearly to our spears, Majesty.

KING

What was his motive in seeking to touch the iron door?

FIRST SENTRY

I do not know, Majesty.

KING

Which way did he go?

FIRST SENTRY (_pointing left_)

That way, Majesty, an hour ago.

[_The King whispers with one of his Spies, who stoops and examines the ground and steals away. The Sentry rises._

KING (_to his two remaining Spies_)

What does this writing say?

A SPY

We cannot read, Majesty.

KING

A good spy should know everything.

SECOND SPY

We watch, Majesty, and we search out, Majesty. We read shadows, and we read footprints, and whispers in secret places. But we do not read writing.

KING (_to the Chamberlain_)

See what it is.

CHAMBERLAIN (_goes up and reads_)

It is treason, Majesty.

KING

Read it.

CHAMBERLAIN

I saw a purple bird Go up against the sky, And it went up and up And round about did fly.

I saw it die.

FIRST SENTRY (_aside_)

The stars have spoken.

KING (_to the Sentry_)

Has anyone been here but the stranger from Thessaly?

SENTRY (_kneeling as before_)

n.o.body, Majesty.

KING

You saw nothing?

FIRST SENTRY

Nothing but a dog far out upon the plain and the children of the guard at play.

KING (_to the Second Sentry_)

And you?

SECOND SENTRY (_kneeling_)

Nothing, Majesty.

CHAMBERLAIN

That is strange.

KING

It is some secret warning.

CHAMBERLAIN

It is treason.

KING