The emperor orders Isaac to mobilize the Imperial Guards to find the mysterious woman who visited him last night, vowing to reward her with the highest favor. Elsewhere, a young survivor urges vengeance for parents killed by "that vile woman," but is restrained by their father who insists they must stay alive to strike later. Palace servants bring an object found in the garden and the emperor accuses the maids of seduction. He demands one step forward to confess or be handed to him, turning the search into a threat, the woman's identity and a maid's fate hang unresolved.