The scene opens in the king's palace in Vienna, where the king is preparing to leave for the battlefield. The king is overcome with grief over the death of his wife, who was killed in the battle. He asks his wife to protect him, but she refuses, saying, "I dont mind killing the dead you-loo stab / I have you" . She tells the king that in 472, she ascended the throne of the Norwegian empire. She is followed by Jane Grey, a loyal servant of the king, who leads the army against the Norwegians. Jane Grey is a poor servant, but he is loyal to the king because he has won many battles in the past. Jane asks the king if he will reward Jane Grey this time for his valor, but the king says, "You cant be serious, you can be sharp, and I am the king." .