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One single lamp upon the high-arched roof,
And day and night it burns mysteriously.
Twelve chairs, in circle placed around a throne,—
Upon the throne the secret book of laws.
Twelve judges each in sable armour clad;
The visages of all inlocked by masks,
In dungeons hide them from the common crowd;
But each thus masked enshrouds him from his
fellows.

All sworn, of their own will, with one accord,
Crimes of their potent rulers to chastise.
Too heinous, or unknown before the world.
And soon as falls on him the last decree.
Not even a brother's trespass to condone;
Each must by violent or by treasonous ways.
On him condemned fulfil the spoken doom;
Dagger in hand, and rapier at their side.

One of the maskers now approached the throne.
And standing with drawn sword before the book,
Spoke thus: "Tremendous judges!
Proof now our long suspicion has confirmed.
That man who calls him Konrad Wallenrod,
He is not Wallenrod.