He often relents at sunset; he looks out over the orchids in the evening.  They are very beautiful then, and if he is angry his anger passes away just when the cool breeze comes at the set of sun.

Ludibras: 

He is sure to relent at sunset.

Ichtharion: 

Do not be angry.  I am indeed to blame.  Do not be angry.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

I do not wish the King to relent at sunset.

Ichtharion: 

Do not be unhappy.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

I say to you that I have betrayed the gods.

Ichtharion: 

Listen to me.  Do not be so unhappy.  There are no gods.  Everybody knows that there are no gods.  The King knows it.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

You have heard their prophet lie and believe that the gods are dead?

Ludibras: 

There are indeed no gods.  It is well known.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

There are gods, and they have a vengeance even for you.  Listen and I will tell you what it shall be.  Aye and for you also...  Listen!...  No, no, they are silent in the gloom of the hills.  They have not spoken to me since I lied.

Ichtharion: 

You are right; the gods will punish us.  It is natural that they should not speak just now; but they will certainly punish us.  It is not therefore necessary for any man to avenge himself upon us, even though there were any cause.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

It is not necessary.

Ichtharion: 

Indeed, it might even further anger the gods if a man should be before them to punish us.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

The gods are very swift; no man outruns them.

Ludibras: 

A man would be rash to attempt to.

Voice-of-the-Gods: 

The sun is falling low.  I will leave you now, for I have ever loved the sun at evening.  I go to watch it drop through the gilded clouds, and make a wonder of familiar things.  After the sunset, night, and after an evil deed, the vengeance of the gods. [Exit R.]

Ludibras:  [with contemptuous wonder]

He really believes in the gods.

Ichtharion: 

He is as mad as the Queen; we must humour his madness if we ever see him more.  I think that all will be well.

    [An executioner steals after the Prophet; he is dressed in
    crimson satin to the knees; he wears a leather belt and
    carries the axe of his trade.]

Ludibras: 

His voice was angry as he went away.  I fear he may yet betray us.

Ichtharion: 

It is not likely.  He thinks that the gods will punish us.

Ludibras: 

How long will he think so?  The Queen’s fancies change thrice an hour.

Ichtharion: 

The executioner keeps very close to him now.  He comes closer every hour.  There is not much time for him to change his fancies.