This chapter opens with a soliloquy by the snake-charmer, who tells the audience that he has made the snakes change their behavior so that they will appear in late winter. He tells them that the prince has been having fun with the snakes and that he will meet them again soon. He then tells them to stab the snake in the back so that it will go away. He also tells the snake to take his smoke bomb because the prince is going to kill him soon. The snake says it is alright to stop chasing the prince, but it is all his fault that he couldnt protect him and made him get hurt again. He says he will not let it happen again, and that it is the fault of the snake that he was unable to protect him. He explains that the snake gave him some blood and that after resting, his body will be "detoxified" . He adds that he blames himself for making the snake get hurt, and says that he won't allow it to happen again.