(Enter Ctibor of Ujezda. Both bow. Ctibor stops on seeing Hannewaldt.)
Scene V
Bilent, Hannewaldt and Ctibor of Ujezda
Bilent (Approaching Ctibor).—The master is not here.
Ctibor.—I am not seeking him. I was just coming to you. (Secretly) You can do it now as easily as another time,—speak a word for me to Hannewaldt.
Bilent.—I will do so, wait right here; perhaps you may be of service to him yourself. (Goes to Hannewaldt.)
Hannewaldt (Quietly).—It is necessary to go.
Bilent.—He is our friend.
Hannewaldt.—But still I hesitate to act in his presence.
Bilent.—Would you care to step into my laboratory?
Hannewaldt.—No, not there.
Bilent.—Then into the observatory. (Aloud.) Here is where my realm begins. (Ctibor approaches him. Bilent points to the secret door.)
Ctibor (Jokingly).—Do not venture into those places,—that is the antechamber of the archdevil.
Hannewaldt.—What is here?
Bilent.—First the laboratory for my alchemistic experiments which extends beyond the master’s apartments, to the main door. The other one is underground. Upstairs is the astrological observatory where the master tries out his experiments and cabalistic rites, in which, however, I have but little faith. And this space here (pointing to the room in which they were standing) also has its own history, more erotic than terrible: more than one dove has been captured here.
Ctibor (Maliciously).—Birdcatcher Bilent!
Bilent.—I promise you freedom of both body and soul. Pray enter. If you fear the laboratory, we will step into the observatory only. (Hannewaldt vanishes in the doorway.) You, friend, remain for the present in my place. (Vanishes. As he is closing the door, Polyxena enters the room from the antechamber. Ctibor hastens to her.)
