Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

The setting is a room in the tower. Julian greets the Doctor, who describes what's happened to the Sigismund as a crime and an outrage against "the first born son of the supreme King," adding that what's wrong with the Prisoner's body can't be cured by medications. Julian accuses him of thinking too highly of himself, but the Doctor argues that he in fact thinks little of himself, talking poetically about how he ceaselessly studies the struggle between body and soul for mastery over human life, saying that strong will and strong faith are the same thing. He argues that the Prisoner's soul is noble and predestined for high distinction, while Julian suggests he's letting his imagination run away with him. The Doctor says that the time will come when the Prisoner will step forth and become master. Anton comes in...