Of thee a question, for Brangaene says
That when thou think'st of certain things thou weep'st
But I have never felt the like.

ISEULT.
Poor boy!
I lay awake the whole night through and yet
Not once did I take Petikru to me,
So ask, my child! What wouldst thou know!
Mine eyes
Are dry, for all my tears are spent, and gone.

[She has returned to the dressing table.]

PARANIS.
Is this the wood where thou and Tristram dwelt,
As people say, when ye had fled away?

ISEULT.
'Tis true this wood once sheltered us.

PARANIS (at the casement).
This wood?
This fearful wood? 'Twas here that thou, Iseult
Of Ireland, Iseult the Goldenhaired,
Took refuge with Lord Tristram like a beast
Hard pressed by dogs and men? There hang, perhaps.
Among the branches still some tattered shreds
From robes thou wor'st; and blood still tints the roots
Thou trod'st upon with bare and wounded feet!
'Twas here thou say'st? Within this wood?

ISEULT (rising).
Yes, child,
And this the castle--

[BRANGAENE takes the cloak from ISEULT'S
shoulders and helps her put on a loose
flowing garment. ISEULT'S hair is hidden
beneath a close-fitting cap.]

PARANIS (steps nearer, in great surprise).
Where ye fled from Mark's
Abom'nable decree? The castle makes
Me shudder and the wood that grows around.

BRANGAENE (quoting the decree).
"And if from this day on Lord Tristram dares
To show himself within my realm--he dies,
And with him dies Iseult of Ireland ..."

ISEULT (quoting).
"And witness here my name signed with my blood--"

[She goes to the table on the right and sets
up the chess-men. PARANIS sits on a cushion
at her feet. BRANGAENE clears the dressing
table.]

PARANIS. Is it since that day thou hast wept, my Queen?

ISEULT. Thou know'st my secret boy and yet canst ask!

BRANGAENE.
Inquire not too much, Paranis, lest
A deeper knowledge of such things consume
Thy soul, and leave in place a cinder-pile.

PARANIS.
There's more they say, yet I believe no more.

ISEULT.
And what do people say, Paranis?

PARANIS.
Why,
They say Lord Tristram, sin