words,
Perhaps, I briefly might describe to her
The leper's throng! What say'st thou, cousin?

MARK.
Fool!

UGRIN.
Or I might ask her what it's like when one's
Own husband, from unfeeling jealousy,
Ordains one to be burnt; or yet again
I might, with due solemnity, implore
Her to be kind--to love thee once again,
Good cousin! Surely she must laugh at that!

MARK.
Peace, fool! Thou weariest me.

UGRIN.
If thou intend
To grow thy beard in this new way I'll turn
Thy barber! I shall serve thee better then
Than now as fool! What say'st to this?

MARK.
Oh fool,
If only thou wast not a fool!

UGRIN (noticing ISEULT at the head of the stairs).
No fool
So great as thou thyself! Behold her now,
The woman whom thou gav'st away! Oh fie!
Fool cousin, art thou not ashamed?

(Sinks to his knees and calls out.)

The Queen
Approaches! Queen Iseult!

SCENE III

The Knights and Barons rise; MARK springs up and steps back a pace.
ISEULT remains standing on the bottom step. BRANGAENE, GIMELLA and
PARANIS are behind her.

ISEULT.
I beg of you,
My Lords, consider what is past as 'twere
A dream, since otherwise we could not find
Fit words or proper sentiments to stand
Before each other with unblushing cheek,
For very shame and horror at this deed.

[She steps down into the hall.]

My Lords, I bid you welcome, one and all!

GANELUN.
I kiss thy mantle's hem, oh Queen!

1ST BARON.
So do
We all who stand before thee now. We feel
That thou art holy, Queen Iseult!

ISEULT.
Ye do
Me wrong in praising me too much, good friends.
I did but swear the truth and keep what I
Had sworn. Continue now your play. I would
Not hinder you!

[She turns to MARK; both stare at each
other for a moment and then ISEULT
speaks timidly, almost childishly.]

I wish to play at chess
--With Mark and Dinas--that true, loyal friend--

MARK (after a short pause, quietly and kindly).