f death disperse. One sent by
it to distant countries to champion the cause of virtue retains
the holy power derived from it as long as he remains unknown. Of
nature so mysteriously sublime is the blessing of the Grail that
if disclosed to the layman's eye it must withdraw. The identity
of a Knight of the Grail must therefore not be suspected. If he
is recognised--he must depart! Now hear my reply to the forbidden
question. By the Holy Grail was I sent to you here. My father Parsifal
in Monsalvat wears the crown. A Knight of the Grail am I and my
name is Lohengrin!"

The people gaze at him in awe and worshipping wonder. The unhapppy
Elsa, feeling the world reel and grow dark, gasps for air and is
falling, when Lohengrin catches her in his arms, all his sternness
melting away, his grief and love pouring forth in tender reproach.
"Oh, Elsa, what have you done to me? From the first moment of beholding
you, I felt love for you enkindling my heart, I became aware of an
unknown happiness. The high faculty, the miraculous power, the
strength involved in my secret, I wished to place them all at the
service of your purest heart. Why did you wrest from me my secret?
For now, alas, I must be parted from you!" She expends herself in
wild prayers to be forgiven, to be punished by whatsoever affliction,
only not to lose him. He feels sorrow enough, immeasurable sorrow,
heart-break, but not for an instant hesitation. "The Grail already is
offended at my lagging! I must--must go! There is but one punishment
for your fault, and its hard anguish falls equally upon me. We
must be parted,--far removed from each other!" He turns to the
King and nobles imploring him to remain and lead them as he had
promised against the enemy. "Oh, King, I may not stay! A Knight of
the Grail, when you have recognised him, should he disobediently
remain to fight with you, would have forfeited the strength of
his arm. But hear me prophesy: A great victory awaits you, just
and single-hearted King! To the remotest days shall the hordes
of the East never march in triumph upon Germany!"

From the river-bank comes a startling voice: "The swan! The swan!"
All turn to look. A cry of horror breaks from Elsa. The swan is
seen approaching, drawing the empty boat. Less master of himself
than theretofore, Lohengrin, realising the last parting so near,
gives unmistakable outward sign of his inward anguish. "The Grail
already is sending for the dilatory servant!..." Goin