ALB. All? Mercy, no! This is simply my own, and I am by no means a
rich man. The extent of some of our modern fortunes would simply
exceed your belief. We live in an age of enormous productivity. [After
a pause.] Will you see more of the vault?

GER. No, I thank you. [They close it.] It must be getting late; and,
by the way, your majesty, you know that no one has told me yet why you
had me brought here.

ALB. Ah, yes, sure enough. We have business to talk about. Let us get
to it! [To MIMI.] Let the hall be cleared. [MIMI drives out the
Nibelungs and retires.] Sit on this rock here beside me.
[Confidentially.] Now we can talk things over. I trust you are willing
to listen to me.

GER. Most certainly. I am very much interested.

ALB. Thank you. You know, my dear sir, that I had a son, Hagen, who
was the slayer of the great hero, Siegfried?

GER. Yes, your majesty.

ALB. A most lamentable affair. You did not know, I presume, that
Hagen, too, had a son, by one of the daughters of earth?

GER. No. He is not mentioned in history.

ALB. That son, Prince Hagen, is now living; and, in the course of
events, he will fall heir to the throne I occupy.