an vultures of Lubin.
I swear that I have never thrilled with love
But for that man who elapsed me in his arms,
A maiden still, as clean and pure as snow
New-fallen on a winter's morn. This man,
And this man only, have I loved with all
The faith and passion of my womanhood.
I gave myself to him with all my soul;
My heart was full of dancing and of song;
My love was wreathed in smiles as some May-morn
Laughs softly on the mountain tops. This man
I loved; no other have I loved, though he
May grieve, and shame me, and deceive!--King Mark!

MARK (almost screaming).
Oh shield me, he that loves me, from her oaths!

DENOVALIN (turns calmly to ISEULT).
Lead back the Queen into her chamber, page!

ACT III

The Inner Courtyard of the Castle.--In the foreground at the left is
the Castle gate. In the background on the right, at the top of a broad
flight of steps, under an arcade of columns, stands the door of the
chapel. At the left of the gate entering the courtyard are some
buildings, behind which may be seen the high castle walls surmounted by
trees. The road from the Castle to the church is laid with carpets. In
the middle of the stage, on the right, stands a stone well. In the
background is a crowd of people held back by three armed guards. At the
foot of the steps, one on each side, stand two men-at-arms.

SCENE I

1ST GUARD.
Back, crowd not there! Stand back!

2D GUARD.
The children may
Stand in the front, but hold them. There crawls one!

1ST GUARD (pushing the child back into the crowd).
My little friend, get back! Now see, I'll make
A line upon the ground, and if thy toes,
But by a hair's breadth, cross that line again,
I'll drop my spear on them and they shall be
As flat as any barley cake.

[Laughter.]

1ST GIRL.
Ha, Ha!

2D GIRL.
Hast thou become a baker, oh Gilain!

1ST GUARD (lifting his mailed hand).
Ay, wench, would'st see me knead my dough?

[Laughter.]

A BOY.
Be still
I hear the crier's voice from down below!

A GIRL.
He's wandered up and down the streets since dawn
And called until my blood runs cold!

THE BOY.
Hush.

THE GIRL