Summary

Two Sentries, followed by King Henry II of England enter the cathedral; a Page follows at a distance. The King is wearing his crown and a cloak – he proceeds to stand before the tomb of Thomas Becket. The King drops his cloak and falls, naked, to his knees, to pray before this tomb. He is talking to the tomb.

Thomas Becket, in his Archbishop of Canterbury robes, enters at the side, as an apparition. He talks softly to the praying King. The King says Thomas Becket taught him the slogan "In all save the honor of the realm." Becket says he answered to the King, "All save the honor of God." The King talks about their time together as younger men, when they enjoyed a few fine summer evenings together with girls. The King asks Becket if he hated the King when the King took...