Act 3, Part 1 Summary

The setting is a room that used to be the queen's bedchamber, which has been untouched since her death. A complicated ritual begins the scene in which the King ritually purifies himself and the room. Anton and Julian also participate.

The Doctor appears and confirms with the King both his intention to not participate in the testing of Sigismund and that a trusted assistant has been briefed on what to do if Sigismund should become unstable. He refers specifically to a sponge that has been soaked in a powerful narcotic, the vapors of which will calm Sigismund immediately. The King expresses his gratitude, and the Doctor kisses his hand and leaves.

The King speaks with his Confessor (the hearer of his prayers and confessions) about his guilt over what he did to Sigismund. The Confessor repeatedly reassures him that he did...