Dark clouds are gathering over the realm of Oberon. There is unrest. Regent Dolf is called to account by councillor Zebardyn after his outburst the day before. Dolf refused to punish a nobleman for the fact that he himself had broken two laws. While the other nobles speculate about the sword of Damocles hanging over one of them, Dolf is given one last chance by Zebardyn to still make a choice for the punishment. His determination has made an impression. The other nobles fear for their fate and hope that Dolf will choose 'honourably' and go to the poorhouse himself.