During a ride through the forest, Ivanhoe encounters a mysterious stranger. Through the power of his words and eyes, the man convinces Ivanhoe that Richard is dead. He also persuades our hero to yield to Prince John. The stranger seems to have magical powers. Ivanhoe appears to be bewitched, hypnotised. To the astonishment of his friends, he announces that he is abandoning his struggle for Richard – what’s the point if Richard is dead? Swearing allegiance to Prince John, Ivanhoe hands over all the money he has collected for Richard’s ransom. The Prince crows. His trick has come off perfectly.