Act 2, First Scene (p. 313 - 336) Summary

The first scene of Act 2 transpires in a room in the Royal palace of the capital city—probably Warsaw. Basilio and Clotaldo meet in private conference. Clotaldo explains that he has created a pacifying drink—a powerful narcotic—and has administered it to Segismundo while he was yet imprisoned in the distant tower. The drink caused Segismundo to fall into a profound slumber akin to death. Clotaldo then caused Segismundo to be removed from the tower and transported to the palace where he has been clothed in finery suitable for a prince. This has all been accomplished as Segismundo was unconscious, under the influence of the powerful drink. Basilio is pleased and explains that the transportation and drugged state will ensure that, should Segismundo prove untenable as a prince, he could be...