ACT IVThe High Vaulted Hall of the Castle.—In the middle of the hall on the left opens a high, wooden staircase. In the background on the left, bay-windows; on the right, a broad, barred door. Through the grating one sees the outer court. In the middle of the wall on the right is a wide fireplace on each side of which jut out low stone benches. In front of the windows stands a table at whichDinasandGanelun, the First and Second Barons, are playing chess. In the foreground, a table on which chess-boards stand prepared for play. The table by the stone-bench stands on a dais which is shut off from behind by a railing. On the dais and on the floor are carpets. Servants take wine-flagons from a sideboard which stands on the left beside the stairs, and place them in front of the players. In front of the raised tableUgrin, the King's Jester, is asleep. The oil-torches give only a dim light. For a moment the players continue their game in silence.SCENE I1st Baron.Take heed unto thy queen, Lord Ganelun,Unless thou willingly dost sacrificeHer to my pawns, as Mark gave Queen IseultUnto his lepers!Ganelun.Wait! for see, I moveMy bishop back.2d Baron.Check! Dinas, check and mate!Thou mad'st it easy, friend. Thou never shouldstHave sacrificed the knight, for thus my rookEscaped, attacking thee.Dinas.Forgive; my thoughtsWere troubled, ay, and wandered from the game.[Two knights come in from the courtyard.]1st Knight.I cannot make one ray of sense from allThese strange occurrences, my Lords! I greetThee, Ganelun![Shakes hands with the Barons.]2nd Knight(shaking hands).At chess! At chess my Lords!Your blood must run full slowly in your veins![Comes forward.]Ganelun.King Mark has bid us play, and order'd wineFor us to drink, since otherwise 'twould beA dull and sombre evening here tonightWithin the castle hall, for Queen Iseult,I ween, will stay in her retirement.1st Knight.King Mark bade us come hither too.Ugrin."Oh God!Men! Men! Bring lights and let me see the faceOf human beings 'round about!" So criedMy cousin Mark not half an hour agone,As one on whom the mirth of lonelinessFalls all too heavily!2d Baron.What think ye, Lords,Of this most wondrous thing?2d Knight.And do ye knowThat Kaad, King Mark's old stable groom, beheldSt. George leap from the battlement where wallAnd rock drop off an hundred fathom sheer?[The Barons stand up and crowd about him.]1st Baron.St. George?Ganelun.What's that thou say'st?Dinas.Dost thou know more?2d Knight.I know but what old Kaad himself recounts;That, as he led Mark's charger down to drink,There suddenly appeared before his eyesThe lofty shape of good St. George, erect,Upon the wall!1st Baron(crossing himself).God save my soul!2d Baron.And then?What happened then?2d Knight.Kaad thought at firstHe was some mortal man and cried to himTo heed; but in that selfsame moment leaptThe holy knight, and cleared the wall, and fellThe hundred fathoms. But when Kaad ran up,With all the speed he might unto the spot,St. George had vanished and had left no trace.1st Baron.No trace?2d Baron.'Tis strange!Dinas.A wondrous thing!Ganelun.But say,By what did Kaad first recognize the saint?2d Knight.I know not, but he says 'twas he; and allThe people, are rejoicing at this newAnd wondrous miracle of good St. George.1st Knight.What says King Mark about this miracle,This saving of the Queen by God Himself?Hast seen him, Dinas?Dinas(returning to the table). Ay, his heart and mindAre heavy and his soul distressed.2d Knight.And QueenIseult?1st Knight.What said the King of her?Ganelun.The KingRefused to see her, or to speak with her,Since neither dares to speak of this foul deedWhich has occurred; its memory still throbs,And tingling flows throughout their blood.2d Baron.And yetHe sent the Queen, and without message too,The head that pledged a perjured oath today,Upon a silver shield. And well he did.2d Knight.My Lord Denovalin a victim fellUnto a saintly and a holy hand,But died ingloriously!Dinas.As he deservedSo died he. Sir.[The Barons and Knights sit down againat the table. KingMark, unnoticed bythe others, comes slowly down the steps,and walks about. He is oppressed andagitated. At length he stops, and, leaningagainst the end post of the bannister,listens to the conversation of the others.]1st Knight.A leper has been stonedBecause he cried throughout Lubin that 'twasThe devil who had done the thing.Dinas.Such leapsBy God or devil can alone be done.Ganelun.'Tis true, my Lords, no mortal man can springAn hundred fathoms.[Mark steps up to the table and lays hisarm about Dinas' neck.]SCENE IIDinas.True, Lord Ganelun!2d Baron(springing up).The King!1st BaronThe King here! Pardon, sire!Dinas.I thankYou all, my Lords, that ye were not enragedAnd angered at a weak old man, and cameAgain to me. I would not willinglyHave spent this night alone.2d Baron.Most cheerfullyWe came. The Queen's miraculous escapeO'er joys us all.1st Baron.There lack but three to makeThe tale complete; those three, my Lords, who stoodAs sponsors of the bond.Dinas.They're coursing throughThe gloomy forest paths and seek to catchThat which, since God hath spoken, cannot beTherein. I've sent my riders to recallThem here to me.Ganelun.Give me thy hand, King Mark,For I am glad that thou didst err!Mark(his voice is bitter and despairing).I, too,Am glad, for if this morning I appearedA wreckless youth, a foolish boy who daredIn arrogant presumption to assertHimself and to rebel against your word,Forgive me. Passion is the heritageOf man; his deeds the natural consequenceOf passion. Think ye not the same? And see,How God, now for the second time, has wrought,And sternly proved the truth! Is it, perchance,His will that I should learn unseeingly,Unquestioningly to revere His starsOn which our actions here on earth depend?What think ye, sirs? for so it seems to me;And therefore hath He hid from me that whichMost eagerly I wish to know, so thatBefore this veiled uncertainty, my bloodRan riot in my veins. But from this dayI'll change my mode of life; I will regardMy blindness and His unavoidableDecree; for wisdom lies in piety,As says an ancient proverb; hence I will,From this day on, learn piety that IBecome a very sage for wisdom.[Goes away.]A Knight.CalmThyself!Ugrin(calling toMark).Ay, cousin, make thyself a monk!Mark(turning back).And I will learn to laugh at God that HeShould give Himself such trouble for a manLike me—poor fool! Enough! Forgive my wrongsIn friendly wise, as I will overlookYour sins with all my heart. But, if a manGrown lately wise may counsel you, sin not;Your work is the beginning, God's the end.Ugrin(calling out to him).Amen.Dinas.I've broken in upon your gameMy friends, and chattered on. Forgive it me;Resume your play and cups; drink on, I pray.[He goes over toUgrin. ]Thy jokes are empty of all wit today,Ugrin.Ugrin.My wit has fallen off, say'st thou?Decay of time, believe me Mark; for witIs wine, and wine is poured into a cupOf sparkling gold, and not into a crack'dOld jug, and thou, illustrious cousin, artBecome a broken pot since noon today!/p>[Hands him his jester's sceptre.]Here, hit thyself! Behold the ring is gone!My wit's too precious for a ringless cup.At Easter tide I'll seek me out as lordSome jovial soul who loves his wine; who playsWild pranks, and gives his wife away when heIs tired of her!Mark(sitting down on the stone bench).Friend Ugrin, I warnThee, heed thy tongue!Ugrin.Ay, cousin! Ay, 'twere bestSince thou'st forsworn all quarreling!Dinas.I wishThat I might put thee on the rack and haveThee whipped before I go to rest! InsteadI'll give thee two broad marks of gold if thouCan'st move Iseult to laughter; and I'll giveBesides the gold a brand-new cloak to wearIn winter time!Ugrin.Well lined?Mark(takes him by both ears).I've set my heartUpon it that Iseult shall laugh, so doThy best, my friend!Ugrin(stands up).With some well-chosen words,Perhaps, I briefly might describe to herThe leper's throng! What say'st thou, cousin?Dinas.Fool!Ugrin.Or I might ask her what it's like when one'sOwn husband, from unfeeling jealousy,Ordains one to be burnt; or yet againI might, with due solemnity, imploreHer to be kind—to love thee once again,Good cousin! Surely she must laugh at that!Dinas.Peace, fool! Thou weariest me.Ugrin.If thou intendTo grow thy beard in this new way I'll turnThy barber! I shall serve thee better thenThan now as fool! What say'st to this?Dinas.Oh fool,If only thou wast not a fool!Ugrin(noticingIseultat the head of the stairs). No foolSo 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 QueenApproaches! Queen Iseult!SCENE IIIThe Knights and Barons rise;Marksprings up and steps back a pace.Iseultremains standing on the bottom step.Brangaene,GimellaandParanissare behind her.Iseult.I beg of you,My Lords, consider what is past as 'twereA dream, since otherwise we could not findFit words or proper sentiments to standBefore 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 doWe all who stand before thee now. We feelThat thou art holy, Queen Iseult!Iseult.Ye doMe wrong in praising me too much, good friends.I did but swear the truth and keep what IHad sworn. Continue now your play. I wouldNot hinder you![She turns toMark; both stare at eachother for a moment and thenIseultspeaks 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).Play thou with Dinas first, since I, this morn,Did interrupt thy game. I promised himThat he should play with thee.[He goes to the chest.](Breaking out.)I'll choose UgrinAs my opponent! Come, Sir Fool, and playWith me! [Sits down on the chest.]Iseult.So be it, Mark. Friend Dinas, come;And thou Gimella play with Ganelun.(ToBrangaene. )Stand thou beside me here and help me worstMine adversary. Come.[She seats herself withDinasat the raisedtable.Brangaenestands beside the tableand leans over the bannister.Paranisseats himself atIseult'sfeet.Gimellatakes her place at the other table. TheStrange Jester slinks across the courtand presses his pale, beardless face,drawn with suffering, against the barsof the grating. His head is shaved andhis clothes are torn and ragged.]Ugrin.Laugh at me, Queen.Iseult.Tell me, Ugrin, why should I laugh at thee?Ugrin.I beg thee laugh; most fondly I imploreThee laugh at me, Iseult. My cousin hereHath promised me much gold if I can makeThee laugh at me but once—I want that goldSo much!—Come, laugh at me, Iseult!Iseult.First earnThy gold, good fool. Be off and let us play.Ugrin(kneels down byMarkbeside the chest).Thy wife's not in her sweetest mood today,Good cousin. Know'st thou why perhaps?Dinas.A truceTo thy dull jokes! Come, play the game. Sir Knave!Iseult.I'll take thy castle, Dinas! Heed thy game.Ugrin(humming).Oh once there was a mighty King,Who had a lady fair.This King did love his beauteous dameAs though his wife she were—Iseult.Thy castle falls—(Softly.)I hardly see the squares!They sway and rock like billows on the sea.Dinas.Why weepest thou?Iseult.I am not happy, friend.Paranis(softly).Oh God!—There, see! Through yonder window's barsThere peers a man.Dinas.Where, boy?Paranis.There! There!Str. Jester(calling through the grating).Holla!King Mark! Holla!Dinas.What's that!Mark(rising).Who storms outsideMy door? Such noises in the night I willNot brook! Who's there?[Ugrinruns to the grating.]Str. Jester.A jester, King; a poorAnd witless fool. Let me come in! I'll crackNew jokes to make thee laugh!—Let me come in.Ugrin.A fool!Gimella.How came he here?Brangaene.He startled me!Iseult.Indeed we weary of Ugrin's stale jests.Str. Jester.I'm a poor jester that would come to thee,So let me in. King Mark.Mark(going to the grating).The fools, it seems,Smell out my door as carrion-vultures smellA corpse.Ugrin.Cousin; let him be driven out!I beg thee, have him whipped.1st Guard(from without).I've caught thee, rogue!Dinas.How came this strange fool past the gates, Gilain?Wast thou asleep?1st GUARD.King Mark, this man has slunkAbout the gate since it grew dark. He saysHe wants to see thee. Many times have weAlready driven him away, but stillHe sticks like pitch about the gate.Str. Jester.I amA jester from a foreign land—I wishTo come to thee. King Mark!1st GUARD.Behold the fool!He cries like that unceasingly.Dinas.Speak, fool,What need hast thou of me?Str. Jester.Mark, let me in!I'll make such jests that thou, and all thy lordsAnd ladies die from laughing at my wit.Gimella(laughing).The merry jests!Iseult.This wandering knave intrudesToo boldly!Ugrin.Rogue! Oh shameless one. I'll giveThee such a drubbing as thou ne'er hast felt.Dinas.Know'st thou, in truth, new jests.Str. Jester.Ay, Mark, new jestsTo make thee laugh or weep. Ay, merry jests!SCENE IVMarkopens the grating and lets the Strange Jester in. The Jester advances a few feet on the right, and stops to stare atIseult.Ugrinwalks about him, examining him.Dinas.Then come, thou jail-bird. Hark, Gilain, let nowThe guard be doubled at the lower gateThat none, unnoticed, may come in.Str. Jester.But shouldA stranger King arrive,—a stranger King,The master of this stranger fool—let himCome in, Gilain.Iseult.Play, Dinas, play thy game!Their chatter wearies me.Dinas.Now tell me, rogue,Why clamorest thou so loudly at my gate?Str. Jester.I wish to stay with thee.[Laughter.]2d Baron.What cooked they in thy kitchen, Mark, tonightThat all the fools have smelt it out?Str. Jester.I sawThe fire glowing in thy hall; I sawThe light and so I came—I'm cold.Ugrin.Then wrapThyself more closely in thy cloak, thou fool!Str. Jester.I've given it away.Brangaene(laughing).It seems thou artA tender hearted fool!Gimella.And yet it doesNot seem as though thou couldst give much away!Mark(looking at the fool carefully).Whence comest thou, Sir Fool!Str. Jester.I come from there—From there outside, from nowhere else—(Looking atIseultand in a soft voice—almost singing.)And yetMy mother was Blanchefleur![Iseultstarts and stares across at him.]Mark(goes back laughing to his seat.Ugrinfollows him).Ha! ha! The jestIs poor. Hast thou no better ones, my friend?Blanchefleur was mine own sister. She begatNo fool like thee!Str. Jester.'Twas then some other oneWho bore the self-same name and me the painAnd sorrow, Mark. What matters it to thee?[Laughter.]1st Knight(laughingly).Our jesting rogue grows bitter in his mirth!Iseult.Let this strange jester stand a little forthThat we may see him in the light.Dinas.Come here,Sir Fool, and stand before the Queen.Ugrin.He isAn ass as awkward as I e'er beheld!So cousin, judge by contrast 'twixt us two,And see the priceless thing thou hast in me!Dinas.Go, fool, be not afraid.Str. Jester(steps in front of the stone bench on theleft, oppositeIseult'stable).—I'm cold!—I'm cold!Iseult(after looking at him for a moment breaks intoa clear and relieved laugh).A sorry sight to look upon![The Strange Jester hides his face in hishands.]Gimella(springing forward).The QueenIs laughing—see!Brangaene.Made he some witty jest?Gimella.Why laughst thou so, Iseult?Dinas.'Tis horribleTo see the fool's distorted face!Iseult.He looksSo pitifully at me! it makes me laugh!Ugrin.I'm angry with thee, Queen Iseult! Oh fie!For shame, how couldst thou laugh at that strange fool?(Turning toMark. )I pray thee, Mark, good cousin, wilt thou giveTo him the two whole marks of gold?[During this time the Strange Jester sitson the railing which joins the bench to thefireplace. He rests his elbows on hisknees and his face on his hands. Hestares atIseult. ]Brangaene.Rejoice!The King will give thee a reward since thouHast cheered the Queen.Str. Jester(without changing his attitude).Would that I'd make her weep,This Queen, instead of laugh![Soft and low laughter.]Dinas.How's that?Str. Jester.BecauseI am a fool for sorrow, not for mirth![Laughter; the fool springs up.]And none shall laugh when he beholds my face![Laughter; the fool seats himself again.]Iseult(earnestly).How strangely speaks the fool!Dinas.My friend, I think,That some one cut thee from the gallows!Str. Jester(stares atIseult—slowly).Mark,How proud and cold a wife thou hast! Her name'sIseult, I think. Am I not right?Mark(smiling).Doth shePlease thee. Sir Fool?Str. Jester.Ay! ay! She pleases me.[Laughter.]Iseult the Goldenhaired!—I'm cold, King Mark!Iseult.The fool is mad!—I like him not.Ugrin(to the Strange Jester).Thou hastThine answer now!Gimella.Is this the first time thouBeheldst the Queen?Dinas.Art thou a stranger, friend?Str. Jester.Mayhap I've seen the Queen before; mayhapI never have.—I know not, Mark.[Laughter.]Gimella(laughing).A strangeAnd curious jest, i' faith!(To those laughing at the other table.)Come here, my Lords,For this new jester is most wondrous strange.Str. Jester(in rising grief).I had a sweetheart once, and she was fair!Mark(laughing).Ay! I believe thee, friend!Str. Jester.Yea, she was fair,Almost as fair as Queen Iseult, thy wife.[Laughter.]I'm cold!Iseult(angrily).Thou fool, why starest thou at me?Avaunt!Str. Jester.Laugh once again at me, Iseult!Thy laugh was fair, and yet, methinks, those eyesMust be still fairer when they overflowWith tears.—I wish that I could make thee weep,Iseult! [A silence.]Ugrin(going over to him).Ho, ho! Are those thy jokes! I'll fallA weeping straight, thou croaking raven!Str. Jester(springing up).TakeThis fool away, or else I'll smite him dead![Ugrinjumps backward.]Dinas.Thou art a gloomy jester, boy!Gimella.His jestsAre all of some new fangled sort.Dinas.Speak, fool,Whom hast thou served till now?Str. Jester.I've served King MarkIn far off Cornwall—.[Laughter.]And he had a wife,And she was fair, with long and golden hair![Laughter.]Why laughst thou Dinas, friend?[The laughter dies suddenly; the Baronsand Knights, who, with the exception ofthose at the Queen's table, had formed acircle around the Strange Jester, shrinkback.]Dinas(startled).My God! He knowsMy name as well!1st Baron.'Tis passing strange!2d Baron.Thou!—Fool—!Ganelun.He's quick, and makes good use of what he hears!Iseult.His jests are impudent,—I wish that heWould go away! He wearies me.Dinas.And yetThere's something in the knave that pleases me.His madness lies still deeper than it seems—Ugrin.Ay, cousin, in his belly, for, methinks,He has a stomachache!Dinas.Come, friend, tell usA tale.Str. Jester(starting up). Why stare ye so at me, ye packOf rogues? Why mock ye me?(In anguish.)I'm but a fool!A wretched fool! Send them away. King Mark,And listen thou to me. We'll stay here allAlone:—the Queen, and thou, and I, and thenI'll tell thee pretty things, sweet things,—so sweetThat one must shiver when one hears! Now sendAway the rest!1st Baron.Take heed. Sir Fool, be notToo bold.2d Baron.He should be soundly beaten!Dinas.LeaveHim, Lords, in peace. I like his foolishness,Because he does not crack the silly jokesThat other jesters do.Str. Jester.I, too, was onceAs good a knight as they—![Laughter.]Ganelun(laughing).I wish I'd seenThee, knave!Str. Jester(steadily).Thou saw'st me many times and wastMy friend, Lord Ganelun![All step back nervously.]1st Knight(crossing himself).God save us, friends!He knows us all by name!Iseult.A gruesome fool!Send him away. King Mark; he's mad.Dinas.Speak on!Str. Jester.My tongue cleaves to my gums; my throat is parch'd!Give me to drink.Mark(stands up and takes a goblet from the table).I had forgot, poor fool!But thou shalt drink wine from a golden cup.Thy foolishness has touched my heart. At times.My Lords, 'twould be an easy thing to turnTo such a fool. Iseult! Come pledge the cupThat he may have somewhat of which to dreamOn cold and thirsty nights. Grant him thisboon. [He gives Iseult the cup.]Iseult.I pledge—Str. Jester(jumping down from the bench).Drink not! Drink not!—She drank![He waves aside the cup.]I willNot drink.Gimella.A brazen knave!Brangaene.Fie, fie! For shame!Str. Jester.I'll not drink with a woman from one cupThe self-same wine again.Dinas.What hinders thee?Str. Jester.Ask Queen Iseult.Iseult(angrily and fearfully).Oh, Mark! He mocks me. SendThe fool away!Str. Jester(he throws himself on the ground before thedais and whispers low and tensely toIseult)."For they who drink thereofTogether, so shall love with every senseAlive, yet senseless—with their every thought,Yet thoughtless, too, in life, in death, for aye—Yet he, who having known the wond'rous blissOf that intoxicating cup of love.Spits out the draught disloyally, shall beA homeless and a friendless worm,—a weedThat grows beside the road"—So spake my love,And handed me a golden cup of wineAnd bade me drink,—But evil came thereof—.[During his speechIseultsits up in herchair, and bending backward, stares downat him in horror.]Paranis.The Queen turns pale!Brangaene.Iseult! My God! Iseult!Ganelun.He conjures!1st Baron.'Twas a magic spell!2d Knight.Lay holdOf him! He is a conjurer.[A few men start to seize the jester—hejumps upon the bench.]Iseult(trembling with fright).Excuse—My weakness—'tis—'tis but—let be—this fool'sStrange jesting is most ghastly—it revolts my soulAnd—made me faint—.Dinas.Thou knave! I'll have thee whipped!Tell me thy name—Who art thou? Speak!Str. Jester.Come notToo near!Dinas.I have a dungeon deep and strong,And I can have thee thrown to Husdent. HeWill tear thee limb from limb, thou conjurer!Who art thou?Ugrin(in a friendly tone).Answer, friend, our Cousin MarkSpeaks not in jest!Dinas.Call in the guards![A Knight tries to lay hold of the StrangeJester.]Str. Jester.Let go!I'm but a wretched fool!—I have no name!What matters it to you? I've smirched my goodAnd noble name—so now I have no name.I had one once that rang full true and high!I've twisted it about, and broken it!(In rising agitation.)I broke my name, and throwing up the bitsI caught them as they fell, and threw them upAgain; and so I played with my fair nameUntil the fragments rang again and fellAt last back to my hand, deformed and changed,To stick, and make a name that is no name—So call me Tramtris.Iseult.—Tramtris—![Ugrinclaps his hands and rolls laughingon the ground.]Dinas.Fool, what ailsThee now?Ugrin.The jester jesteth. Seest thou not?Why, turn it 'round! Tramtris—Tristram!He saysHe was Lord Tristram! Ho! [Laughter.]Ganelun.That was the jestThat he so cunningly devised!1st Baron.This shaftOf irony has struck the mark and hitsThis day and thee, King Mark!2d Knight.A clever fool!Mark(laughing softly).I wish Lord Tristram saw the knave!2d Baron.He'd laugh!Iseult(trembling with anger).Let not thy nephew Tristram's knightly fameAnd noble name serve as a mockeryTo such a ghoul!Mark(gaily).Forgive me, fair Iseult;And yet it makes me laugh to think that thisPoor fool went mad from thinking that he wasMy noble nephew Tristram. Speak, thou toy of fate,Wast thou Lord Tristram once!Str. Jester(almost timidly).Ay, Mark, I was;And often was I with Iseult, thy wife!Forgive it me! [Laughter.]Iseult.Dost thou permit that heShould heap such insults on thy wife's fairname?Mark(gaily).Heed not his words; the people love such jests.(To the jester.)Give us a sign, Sir Fool.Ugrin.A sign! A sign!1st Baron.Ay, let the fool describe the Queen. Give ear.Ugrin.'Twill be a royal sport! And first he shallDescribe her feet! Speak on![Ugrinsits on the ground.Iseulthidesher face inBrangaene'sbreast.]Gimella(toIseultlaughingly).He'll liken theeUnto his wench!Dinas.Why dost thou hesitate?I grant thee jester's freedom, Fool. Begin!Str. Jester(softly and hesitatingly).From pedestals white snowy columns riseOf ivory, draped in softly whispering silk,That arched, and all immaculate, stretch up,—The swelling pillars of her body's frame—Dinas.A graceful speech, my friend. Canst thou go on?Str. Jester(in rising agitation and feverish emotion).Her body is a gleam of silvery lightCast by the full moon in the month of MayChanged to the snowy marvel of herself.Thou art a garden wild wherein there growDeep purple fruits that stupefy and yetThat make one burn! Thy body is a churchOf rarest marble built—a fairy mountWhere sounds the music of a golden harp;A field of virgin snow! Thy breasts are budsOf the most sacred plant that flowering growsWithin the garden,—swelling fruits that waitTo suck the honeyed dew of summer moons!Thy neck is like a lily's stem! Thy armsAre like the blossoming branches of a youngAnd tender almond-tree, directing usWithin that Paradise where rules the chastePerfection of thy rounded limbs, enthronedWithin thy wondrous body like a GodWho threatens from on high. Thou art—Dinas.Oh hearHow this impostor talks! The token, fool!Str. Jester(softly, trembling and feverishly).Below the left breast of this master-pieceOf His creation God has set his mark—A darkened cross—!Mark(hoarsely).O seize the knave! The crossIs there.—She bears the mark!Ganelun.Christ save my soul!1st Baron.I feel an awful dread of this strange fool!1st Knight(drawing).I'll run him through the body with my sword!Str. Jester. (tears the sword from his hand, and springsupon the bench).Take heed unto thyself! Come not too near!I'll tear thee like a beast.Iseult.His words are notSo marvelously strange. Hast thou forgot,King Mark, that once, before a heaped up pyreThou bad'st me stand, stark naked and exposedUnto the rabble's gaze? It well may beThat this low jester cast his shaming eyesUpon me then.Dinas.Saw'st thou the Queen when sheStood on the burning pile?Str. Jester.I saw the Queen;I stood beside her there!Gimella.Behold, that sightHas made him lose his wits!Brangaene.Poor witless fool!Str. Jester.Glare not at me! I'm but a fool, a poorMad fool—a wretched fool that wished to tellYou tales to make you laugh!(Almost screaming.)For God's sake laugh![He throws the sword down. It falls clatteringon the floor. The First Guard enters while twoothers stand outside the grating with the StrangeKnight.]Dinas.Whom bring'st thou there?1st GUARD.King Mark, thy messengersHave found the witnesses that signed the bondToo late, for in the forest they had caughtA man whom they have sent to thee. The manIs wounded; when they called on him to standHe fled. His horse fell dead. They know him not.He is a stranger in the land.Dinas.How heavilyGod's wrath descends upon my head. This bloodI've spilled was innocent!1st GUARD.This man is nearHis end; his dying wish is to beholdThe Queen Iseult. He much desires it.Gimella.Poor soul!Dinas.Bring in the man. How things mischance!My castle is a gruesome place today.An idiot first, and then a corpse have knockedTo crave admittance to my hall! My Lords,I pray you to forgive my sins.Paranis.There comesThe wounded Knight.[The Strange Knight is led beforeIseult.He walks firmly, standing erect.]Str. Knight.—Art thou Iseult?—IseultThe Goldenhaired? May God be mercifulUnto thy soul!Str. Jester(crouches on the bench, taking no interest inwhat is said). My brother Kuerdin!Dear friend! In a disastrous hour wentWe forth. I pity thee![The Strange Knight turns and looks athim searchingly.]Ganelun(angrily and oppressed). Will death not closeThy mouth, thou cur!Dinas.Dost thou then know this man?Str. Jester.I've said so, Mark! I'll sit beside him hereUntil he dies. I'll be his priest.Approaching_ThunderstormAPPROACHING THUNDERSTORMStr. Knight.Keep off.This babbling fool; his chatter shames my death.Dinas.Methinks this was the man I saw at dawnToday as I rode through the wood, and yetHe bore a shield on which I thought I sawLord Tristram's arms.Dinas.Unhappy man, who artThou?Str. Knight(calmly and quietly).One who knoweth how to die. Lay meOn yonder bench and wrap me in my cloak.[He is laid on the bench near the chimney,and lies there like an effigy.]Mark(to the First Guard).Where are his shield and arms?Str. Knight.I bore the shieldOf Tristram, Lord of Lyonesse, since we,For our great love, exchanged our arms. I amHis brother, for my sister is his wife.Lord Tristram greets thee, Mark.Mark(to him passionately).Speak, friend, and putAn end unto the quandary in whichI stand. God shall reward thee soon. Where isLord Tristram?Str. Knight(groaning).With his wife whom he holds dear.Str. Jester.Thou liest, brother, yet thou speak'st the truth!Dinas.God mocks me, Lords! God mocks me!Str. Jester.I will watchBy him and guard his body through the night.Ganelun.Be still, thou toad! Be still!1st GUARD.King Mark, the KnightUpon his left hand wears a ring—a stoneRich set in gold. Shall he retain the ringUpon his hand?—He's dead.Str. Jester(seizing the ring).The ring is mine!I gave it him!Ganelun(striking him).Away! Thou damned thief!Str. Jester.The ring is mine, I say. My love once gaveIt me and sware thereon; but now I'll giveIt as a jester's gift unto the Queen.I pray thee take the ring, Iseult.[Iseulttakes the ring, looks at it a momentand lets it fall. She totters.]Cast notAway my gift!Brangaene.Help! Help! The Queen.Iseult(in great agitation).Oh God,I pray Thee open now mine eyes, and setMe free! I know not if I am alive!There lies a corpse—There stands a ghost and IBetween them, here! I hear a moaning soundPass whimpering through the halls—![She runs to the stairs.]Let me go up!Brangaene, come, and thou Gimella, too![Half way up the stairs she turns.]Be not too angry with me, Mark, for thouHast set a loathsome ghost to mock and jeerAt me to make thee laugh. He makes my heartGrow cold with horror! Come, my ladies, come!Stand by me now—this awful game has madeMe shudder. [She hastens up the stairs.]Str. Jester(springs onto the table to look after her).Queen Iseult, thou fairest one.Have pity on my leper's soul!Ganelun.Be still,Thou croaking raven!1st Baron.Smite him dead and spitUpon his corpse!2d Baron.Thou filthy worm!Dinas.Lay holdUpon the jester! Hold him fast. Thou fool,Thou base-born cur, how dar'st thou vex my wifeSo bitterly with thy presumptuous wit?Str. Jester.Mark, heed thy words!1st Knight(catching his wrists from behind).I have the knave!Dinas.The GuardsShall whip the rogue for his bold impudence,And cast him from the castle gates. Let looseThe dogs upon him if he does not run,And leave my walls as though they were on fire!Away with him!Ugrin(in greatest haste and agitation).King Mark, oh good King Mark,Behold, he is my brother in my kind,A much abused and crazy fool who meansNo evil with his foolish jests! See nowHow pitiful his mien! He strove to makeThee laugh in his poor way as I in mine.Forgive the knave, and drive him not awayInto the darkness like a snarling curThat whines about the house! He hungers, too,For thou hast given him naught to eat or drinkSince he has been beneath thy kingly roof.I am an old, old man, King Mark; he isMy brother, and a jester like myself;I pity him! I pray thee let me keepHim here with me until tomorrow's morn,That he may sleep with me within my bed.Then, when the sun shall shine upon his road,He shall depart and seek a dwelling place.'Twas thou thyself encouraged him to jest;Judge then thy guilt and his with equal eye.He is a fool, a crazy, blundering fool,Yet drive him not away! I pray thee letHim sleep beside me here a while that heRefresh himself! He looks so pitifully!Dinas.Why, Ugrin, friend, 'tis new for thee to actThe part of charity!Ugrin.I serve thee, Mark,With foolishness and jests—and thou but knowestMe by my services.Dinas.I still can makeOne person glad tonight! Keep, then, thy foolBut thou stand'st surety for him if he shouldAttempt to burn the castle or to doSome other mischief in his madness.[The Knight lets the Strange Jester go; hecrouches on the dais.]Ugrin.Mark,Thou art indeed my dear, kind, cousin, still!Good-night, fair cousin, go and sleep. Thou needstIt sorely—and—I pray that thou forgetNot my new wisdom!Dinas.Sirs, I wish you allA restful night for this has been a dayOf many cares and many tribulations.Tomorrow shall we bury this brave KnightWith all the honors due his noble rank,For he was innocent.Ganelun.Sleep well. King Mark!1st Baron.May God watch o'er thee, Mark![The Barons go up the stairs; the Knightsand guards go out. The servants extinguishall but a few of the lights.]Mark(on the stairs).Come, Dinas, comeWith me, and we will watch a little while.My heart is sorrowful tonight!Dinas(following him up the stairs).I'll stayWith thee until the morning break if thouDesire it so.Ugrin(calling after them).And cousins take good heedYe catch not cold![They leave the stage, the moon shinesthrough the grating, and the shadow ofthe bars falls into the hall. The StrangeJester crouches motionless.Ugrinturnsto him.]
The High Vaulted Hall of the Castle.—In the middle of the hall on the left opens a high, wooden staircase. In the background on the left, bay-windows; on the right, a broad, barred door. Through the grating one sees the outer court. In the middle of the wall on the right is a wide fireplace on each side of which jut out low stone benches. In front of the windows stands a table at whichDinasandGanelun, the First and Second Barons, are playing chess. In the foreground, a table on which chess-boards stand prepared for play. The table by the stone-bench stands on a dais which is shut off from behind by a railing. On the dais and on the floor are carpets. Servants take wine-flagons from a sideboard which stands on the left beside the stairs, and place them in front of the players. In front of the raised tableUgrin, the King's Jester, is asleep. The oil-torches give only a dim light. For a moment the players continue their game in silence.
1st Baron.Take heed unto thy queen, Lord Ganelun,Unless thou willingly dost sacrificeHer to my pawns, as Mark gave Queen IseultUnto his lepers!
Ganelun.Wait! for see, I moveMy bishop back.
2d Baron.Check! Dinas, check and mate!Thou mad'st it easy, friend. Thou never shouldstHave sacrificed the knight, for thus my rookEscaped, attacking thee.
Dinas.Forgive; my thoughtsWere troubled, ay, and wandered from the game.
[Two knights come in from the courtyard.]
1st Knight.I cannot make one ray of sense from allThese strange occurrences, my Lords! I greetThee, Ganelun!
[Shakes hands with the Barons.]
2nd Knight(shaking hands).At chess! At chess my Lords!Your blood must run full slowly in your veins!
[Comes forward.]
Ganelun.King Mark has bid us play, and order'd wineFor us to drink, since otherwise 'twould beA dull and sombre evening here tonightWithin the castle hall, for Queen Iseult,I ween, will stay in her retirement.
1st Knight.King Mark bade us come hither too.
Ugrin."Oh God!Men! Men! Bring lights and let me see the faceOf human beings 'round about!" So criedMy cousin Mark not half an hour agone,As one on whom the mirth of lonelinessFalls all too heavily!
2d Baron.What think ye, Lords,Of this most wondrous thing?
2d Knight.And do ye knowThat Kaad, King Mark's old stable groom, beheldSt. George leap from the battlement where wallAnd rock drop off an hundred fathom sheer?
[The Barons stand up and crowd about him.]
1st Baron.St. George?
Ganelun.What's that thou say'st?
Dinas.Dost thou know more?
2d Knight.I know but what old Kaad himself recounts;That, as he led Mark's charger down to drink,There suddenly appeared before his eyesThe lofty shape of good St. George, erect,Upon the wall!
1st Baron(crossing himself).God save my soul!
2d Baron.And then?What happened then?
2d Knight.Kaad thought at firstHe was some mortal man and cried to himTo heed; but in that selfsame moment leaptThe holy knight, and cleared the wall, and fellThe hundred fathoms. But when Kaad ran up,With all the speed he might unto the spot,St. George had vanished and had left no trace.
1st Baron.No trace?
2d Baron.'Tis strange!
Dinas.A wondrous thing!
Ganelun.But say,By what did Kaad first recognize the saint?
2d Knight.I know not, but he says 'twas he; and allThe people, are rejoicing at this newAnd wondrous miracle of good St. George.
1st Knight.What says King Mark about this miracle,This saving of the Queen by God Himself?Hast seen him, Dinas?
Dinas(returning to the table). Ay, his heart and mindAre heavy and his soul distressed.
2d Knight.And QueenIseult?
1st Knight.What said the King of her?
Ganelun.The KingRefused to see her, or to speak with her,Since neither dares to speak of this foul deedWhich has occurred; its memory still throbs,And tingling flows throughout their blood.
2d Baron.And yetHe sent the Queen, and without message too,The head that pledged a perjured oath today,Upon a silver shield. And well he did.
2d Knight.My Lord Denovalin a victim fellUnto a saintly and a holy hand,But died ingloriously!
Dinas.As he deservedSo died he. Sir.
[The Barons and Knights sit down againat the table. KingMark, unnoticed bythe others, comes slowly down the steps,and walks about. He is oppressed andagitated. At length he stops, and, leaningagainst the end post of the bannister,listens to the conversation of the others.]
1st Knight.A leper has been stonedBecause he cried throughout Lubin that 'twasThe devil who had done the thing.
Dinas.Such leapsBy God or devil can alone be done.
Ganelun.'Tis true, my Lords, no mortal man can springAn hundred fathoms.
[Mark steps up to the table and lays hisarm about Dinas' neck.]
Dinas.True, Lord Ganelun!
2d Baron(springing up).The King!
1st BaronThe King here! Pardon, sire!
Dinas.I thankYou all, my Lords, that ye were not enragedAnd angered at a weak old man, and cameAgain to me. I would not willinglyHave spent this night alone.
2d Baron.Most cheerfullyWe came. The Queen's miraculous escapeO'er joys us all.
1st Baron.There lack but three to makeThe tale complete; those three, my Lords, who stoodAs sponsors of the bond.
Dinas.They're coursing throughThe gloomy forest paths and seek to catchThat which, since God hath spoken, cannot beTherein. I've sent my riders to recallThem here to me.
Ganelun.Give me thy hand, King Mark,For I am glad that thou didst err!
Mark(his voice is bitter and despairing).I, too,Am glad, for if this morning I appearedA wreckless youth, a foolish boy who daredIn arrogant presumption to assertHimself and to rebel against your word,Forgive me. Passion is the heritageOf man; his deeds the natural consequenceOf passion. Think ye not the same? And see,How God, now for the second time, has wrought,And sternly proved the truth! Is it, perchance,His will that I should learn unseeingly,Unquestioningly to revere His starsOn which our actions here on earth depend?What think ye, sirs? for so it seems to me;And therefore hath He hid from me that whichMost eagerly I wish to know, so thatBefore this veiled uncertainty, my bloodRan riot in my veins. But from this dayI'll change my mode of life; I will regardMy blindness and His unavoidableDecree; for wisdom lies in piety,As says an ancient proverb; hence I will,From this day on, learn piety that IBecome a very sage for wisdom.
[Goes away.]
A Knight.CalmThyself!
Ugrin(calling toMark).Ay, cousin, make thyself a monk!
Mark(turning back).And I will learn to laugh at God that HeShould give Himself such trouble for a manLike me—poor fool! Enough! Forgive my wrongsIn friendly wise, as I will overlookYour sins with all my heart. But, if a manGrown lately wise may counsel you, sin not;Your work is the beginning, God's the end.
Ugrin(calling out to him).Amen.
Dinas.I've broken in upon your gameMy friends, and chattered on. Forgive it me;Resume your play and cups; drink on, I pray.
[He goes over toUgrin. ]
Thy jokes are empty of all wit today,Ugrin.
Ugrin.My wit has fallen off, say'st thou?Decay of time, believe me Mark; for witIs wine, and wine is poured into a cupOf sparkling gold, and not into a crack'dOld jug, and thou, illustrious cousin, artBecome a broken pot since noon today!/p>
[Hands him his jester's sceptre.]
Here, hit thyself! Behold the ring is gone!My wit's too precious for a ringless cup.At Easter tide I'll seek me out as lordSome jovial soul who loves his wine; who playsWild pranks, and gives his wife away when heIs tired of her!
Mark(sitting down on the stone bench).Friend Ugrin, I warnThee, heed thy tongue!
Ugrin.Ay, cousin! Ay, 'twere bestSince thou'st forsworn all quarreling!
Dinas.I wishThat I might put thee on the rack and haveThee whipped before I go to rest! InsteadI'll give thee two broad marks of gold if thouCan'st move Iseult to laughter; and I'll giveBesides the gold a brand-new cloak to wearIn winter time!
Ugrin.Well lined?
Mark(takes him by both ears).I've set my heartUpon it that Iseult shall laugh, so doThy best, my friend!
Ugrin(stands up).With some well-chosen words,Perhaps, I briefly might describe to herThe leper's throng! What say'st thou, cousin?
Dinas.Fool!
Ugrin.Or I might ask her what it's like when one'sOwn husband, from unfeeling jealousy,Ordains one to be burnt; or yet againI might, with due solemnity, imploreHer to be kind—to love thee once again,Good cousin! Surely she must laugh at that!
Dinas.Peace, fool! Thou weariest me.
Ugrin.If thou intendTo grow thy beard in this new way I'll turnThy barber! I shall serve thee better thenThan now as fool! What say'st to this?
Dinas.Oh fool,If only thou wast not a fool!
Ugrin(noticingIseultat the head of the stairs). No foolSo 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 QueenApproaches! Queen Iseult!
The Knights and Barons rise;Marksprings up and steps back a pace.Iseultremains standing on the bottom step.Brangaene,GimellaandParanissare behind her.
Iseult.I beg of you,My Lords, consider what is past as 'twereA dream, since otherwise we could not findFit words or proper sentiments to standBefore 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 doWe all who stand before thee now. We feelThat thou art holy, Queen Iseult!
Iseult.Ye doMe wrong in praising me too much, good friends.I did but swear the truth and keep what IHad sworn. Continue now your play. I wouldNot hinder you!
[She turns toMark; both stare at eachother for a moment and thenIseultspeaks 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).Play thou with Dinas first, since I, this morn,Did interrupt thy game. I promised himThat he should play with thee.
[He goes to the chest.]
(Breaking out.)
I'll choose UgrinAs my opponent! Come, Sir Fool, and playWith me! [Sits down on the chest.]
Iseult.So be it, Mark. Friend Dinas, come;And thou Gimella play with Ganelun.
(ToBrangaene. )
Stand thou beside me here and help me worstMine adversary. Come.
[She seats herself withDinasat the raisedtable.Brangaenestands beside the tableand leans over the bannister.Paranisseats himself atIseult'sfeet.Gimellatakes her place at the other table. TheStrange Jester slinks across the courtand presses his pale, beardless face,drawn with suffering, against the barsof the grating. His head is shaved andhis clothes are torn and ragged.]
Ugrin.Laugh at me, Queen.
Iseult.Tell me, Ugrin, why should I laugh at thee?
Ugrin.I beg thee laugh; most fondly I imploreThee laugh at me, Iseult. My cousin hereHath promised me much gold if I can makeThee laugh at me but once—I want that goldSo much!—Come, laugh at me, Iseult!
Iseult.First earnThy gold, good fool. Be off and let us play.
Ugrin(kneels down byMarkbeside the chest).Thy wife's not in her sweetest mood today,Good cousin. Know'st thou why perhaps?
Dinas.A truceTo thy dull jokes! Come, play the game. Sir Knave!
Iseult.I'll take thy castle, Dinas! Heed thy game.
Ugrin(humming).Oh once there was a mighty King,Who had a lady fair.This King did love his beauteous dameAs though his wife she were—
Iseult.Thy castle falls—(Softly.)I hardly see the squares!They sway and rock like billows on the sea.
Dinas.Why weepest thou?
Iseult.I am not happy, friend.
Paranis(softly).Oh God!—There, see! Through yonder window's barsThere peers a man.
Dinas.Where, boy?
Paranis.There! There!
Str. Jester(calling through the grating).Holla!King Mark! Holla!
Dinas.What's that!
Mark(rising).Who storms outsideMy door? Such noises in the night I willNot brook! Who's there?
[Ugrinruns to the grating.]
Str. Jester.A jester, King; a poorAnd witless fool. Let me come in! I'll crackNew jokes to make thee laugh!—Let me come in.
Ugrin.A fool!
Gimella.How came he here?
Brangaene.He startled me!
Iseult.Indeed we weary of Ugrin's stale jests.
Str. Jester.I'm a poor jester that would come to thee,So let me in. King Mark.
Mark(going to the grating).The fools, it seems,Smell out my door as carrion-vultures smellA corpse.
Ugrin.Cousin; let him be driven out!I beg thee, have him whipped.
1st Guard(from without).I've caught thee, rogue!
Dinas.How came this strange fool past the gates, Gilain?Wast thou asleep?
1st GUARD.King Mark, this man has slunkAbout the gate since it grew dark. He saysHe wants to see thee. Many times have weAlready driven him away, but stillHe sticks like pitch about the gate.
Str. Jester.I amA jester from a foreign land—I wishTo come to thee. King Mark!
1st GUARD.Behold the fool!He cries like that unceasingly.
Dinas.Speak, fool,What need hast thou of me?
Str. Jester.Mark, let me in!I'll make such jests that thou, and all thy lordsAnd ladies die from laughing at my wit.
Gimella(laughing).The merry jests!
Iseult.This wandering knave intrudesToo boldly!
Ugrin.Rogue! Oh shameless one. I'll giveThee such a drubbing as thou ne'er hast felt.
Dinas.Know'st thou, in truth, new jests.
Str. Jester.Ay, Mark, new jestsTo make thee laugh or weep. Ay, merry jests!
Markopens the grating and lets the Strange Jester in. The Jester advances a few feet on the right, and stops to stare atIseult.Ugrinwalks about him, examining him.
Dinas.Then come, thou jail-bird. Hark, Gilain, let nowThe guard be doubled at the lower gateThat none, unnoticed, may come in.
Str. Jester.But shouldA stranger King arrive,—a stranger King,The master of this stranger fool—let himCome in, Gilain.
Iseult.Play, Dinas, play thy game!Their chatter wearies me.
Dinas.Now tell me, rogue,Why clamorest thou so loudly at my gate?
Str. Jester.I wish to stay with thee.
[Laughter.]
2d Baron.What cooked they in thy kitchen, Mark, tonightThat all the fools have smelt it out?
Str. Jester.I sawThe fire glowing in thy hall; I sawThe light and so I came—I'm cold.
Ugrin.Then wrapThyself more closely in thy cloak, thou fool!
Str. Jester.I've given it away.
Brangaene(laughing).It seems thou artA tender hearted fool!
Gimella.And yet it doesNot seem as though thou couldst give much away!
Mark(looking at the fool carefully).Whence comest thou, Sir Fool!
Str. Jester.I come from there—From there outside, from nowhere else—(Looking atIseultand in a soft voice—almost singing.)And yetMy mother was Blanchefleur!
[Iseultstarts and stares across at him.]
Mark(goes back laughing to his seat.Ugrinfollows him).Ha! ha! The jestIs poor. Hast thou no better ones, my friend?Blanchefleur was mine own sister. She begatNo fool like thee!
Str. Jester.'Twas then some other oneWho bore the self-same name and me the painAnd sorrow, Mark. What matters it to thee?
[Laughter.]
1st Knight(laughingly).Our jesting rogue grows bitter in his mirth!
Iseult.Let this strange jester stand a little forthThat we may see him in the light.
Dinas.Come here,Sir Fool, and stand before the Queen.
Ugrin.He isAn ass as awkward as I e'er beheld!So cousin, judge by contrast 'twixt us two,And see the priceless thing thou hast in me!
Dinas.Go, fool, be not afraid.
Str. Jester(steps in front of the stone bench on theleft, oppositeIseult'stable).—I'm cold!—I'm cold!
Iseult(after looking at him for a moment breaks intoa clear and relieved laugh).A sorry sight to look upon!
[The Strange Jester hides his face in hishands.]
Gimella(springing forward).The QueenIs laughing—see!
Brangaene.Made he some witty jest?
Gimella.Why laughst thou so, Iseult?
Dinas.'Tis horribleTo see the fool's distorted face!
Iseult.He looksSo pitifully at me! it makes me laugh!
Ugrin.I'm angry with thee, Queen Iseult! Oh fie!For shame, how couldst thou laugh at that strange fool?(Turning toMark. )I pray thee, Mark, good cousin, wilt thou giveTo him the two whole marks of gold?
[During this time the Strange Jester sitson the railing which joins the bench to thefireplace. He rests his elbows on hisknees and his face on his hands. Hestares atIseult. ]
Brangaene.Rejoice!The King will give thee a reward since thouHast cheered the Queen.
Str. Jester(without changing his attitude).Would that I'd make her weep,This Queen, instead of laugh!
[Soft and low laughter.]
Dinas.How's that?
Str. Jester.BecauseI am a fool for sorrow, not for mirth!
[Laughter; the fool springs up.]
And none shall laugh when he beholds my face!
[Laughter; the fool seats himself again.]
Iseult(earnestly).How strangely speaks the fool!
Dinas.My friend, I think,That some one cut thee from the gallows!
Str. Jester(stares atIseult—slowly).Mark,How proud and cold a wife thou hast! Her name'sIseult, I think. Am I not right?
Mark(smiling).Doth shePlease thee. Sir Fool?
Str. Jester.Ay! ay! She pleases me.
[Laughter.]
Iseult the Goldenhaired!—I'm cold, King Mark!
Iseult.The fool is mad!—I like him not.
Ugrin(to the Strange Jester).Thou hastThine answer now!
Gimella.Is this the first time thouBeheldst the Queen?
Dinas.Art thou a stranger, friend?
Str. Jester.Mayhap I've seen the Queen before; mayhapI never have.—I know not, Mark.
[Laughter.]
Gimella(laughing).A strangeAnd curious jest, i' faith!
(To those laughing at the other table.)
Come here, my Lords,For this new jester is most wondrous strange.
Str. Jester(in rising grief).I had a sweetheart once, and she was fair!
Mark(laughing).Ay! I believe thee, friend!
Str. Jester.Yea, she was fair,Almost as fair as Queen Iseult, thy wife.
[Laughter.]
I'm cold!
Iseult(angrily).Thou fool, why starest thou at me?Avaunt!
Str. Jester.Laugh once again at me, Iseult!Thy laugh was fair, and yet, methinks, those eyesMust be still fairer when they overflowWith tears.—I wish that I could make thee weep,Iseult! [A silence.]
Ugrin(going over to him).Ho, ho! Are those thy jokes! I'll fallA weeping straight, thou croaking raven!
Str. Jester(springing up).TakeThis fool away, or else I'll smite him dead!
[Ugrinjumps backward.]
Dinas.Thou art a gloomy jester, boy!
Gimella.His jestsAre all of some new fangled sort.
Dinas.Speak, fool,Whom hast thou served till now?
Str. Jester.I've served King MarkIn far off Cornwall—.
[Laughter.]
And he had a wife,And she was fair, with long and golden hair!
[Laughter.]
Why laughst thou Dinas, friend?
[The laughter dies suddenly; the Baronsand Knights, who, with the exception ofthose at the Queen's table, had formed acircle around the Strange Jester, shrinkback.]
Dinas(startled).My God! He knowsMy name as well!
1st Baron.'Tis passing strange!
2d Baron.Thou!—Fool—!
Ganelun.He's quick, and makes good use of what he hears!
Iseult.His jests are impudent,—I wish that heWould go away! He wearies me.
Dinas.And yetThere's something in the knave that pleases me.His madness lies still deeper than it seems—
Ugrin.Ay, cousin, in his belly, for, methinks,He has a stomachache!
Dinas.Come, friend, tell usA tale.
Str. Jester(starting up). Why stare ye so at me, ye packOf rogues? Why mock ye me?(In anguish.)I'm but a fool!A wretched fool! Send them away. King Mark,And listen thou to me. We'll stay here allAlone:—the Queen, and thou, and I, and thenI'll tell thee pretty things, sweet things,—so sweetThat one must shiver when one hears! Now sendAway the rest!
1st Baron.Take heed. Sir Fool, be notToo bold.
2d Baron.He should be soundly beaten!
Dinas.LeaveHim, Lords, in peace. I like his foolishness,Because he does not crack the silly jokesThat other jesters do.
Str. Jester.I, too, was onceAs good a knight as they—!
[Laughter.]
Ganelun(laughing).I wish I'd seenThee, knave!
Str. Jester(steadily).Thou saw'st me many times and wastMy friend, Lord Ganelun!
[All step back nervously.]
1st Knight(crossing himself).God save us, friends!He knows us all by name!
Iseult.A gruesome fool!Send him away. King Mark; he's mad.
Dinas.Speak on!
Str. Jester.My tongue cleaves to my gums; my throat is parch'd!Give me to drink.
Mark(stands up and takes a goblet from the table).I had forgot, poor fool!But thou shalt drink wine from a golden cup.Thy foolishness has touched my heart. At times.My Lords, 'twould be an easy thing to turnTo such a fool. Iseult! Come pledge the cupThat he may have somewhat of which to dreamOn cold and thirsty nights. Grant him thisboon. [He gives Iseult the cup.]
Iseult.I pledge—
Str. Jester(jumping down from the bench).Drink not! Drink not!—She drank!
[He waves aside the cup.]
I willNot drink.
Gimella.A brazen knave!
Brangaene.Fie, fie! For shame!
Str. Jester.I'll not drink with a woman from one cupThe self-same wine again.
Dinas.What hinders thee?
Str. Jester.Ask Queen Iseult.
Iseult(angrily and fearfully).Oh, Mark! He mocks me. SendThe fool away!
Str. Jester(he throws himself on the ground before thedais and whispers low and tensely toIseult)."For they who drink thereofTogether, so shall love with every senseAlive, yet senseless—with their every thought,Yet thoughtless, too, in life, in death, for aye—Yet he, who having known the wond'rous blissOf that intoxicating cup of love.Spits out the draught disloyally, shall beA homeless and a friendless worm,—a weedThat grows beside the road"—So spake my love,And handed me a golden cup of wineAnd bade me drink,—But evil came thereof—.
[During his speechIseultsits up in herchair, and bending backward, stares downat him in horror.]
Paranis.The Queen turns pale!
Brangaene.Iseult! My God! Iseult!
Ganelun.He conjures!
1st Baron.'Twas a magic spell!
2d Knight.Lay holdOf him! He is a conjurer.
[A few men start to seize the jester—hejumps upon the bench.]
Iseult(trembling with fright).Excuse—My weakness—'tis—'tis but—let be—this fool'sStrange jesting is most ghastly—it revolts my soulAnd—made me faint—.
Dinas.Thou knave! I'll have thee whipped!Tell me thy name—Who art thou? Speak!
Str. Jester.Come notToo near!
Dinas.I have a dungeon deep and strong,And I can have thee thrown to Husdent. HeWill tear thee limb from limb, thou conjurer!Who art thou?
Ugrin(in a friendly tone).Answer, friend, our Cousin MarkSpeaks not in jest!
Dinas.Call in the guards!
[A Knight tries to lay hold of the StrangeJester.]
Str. Jester.Let go!I'm but a wretched fool!—I have no name!What matters it to you? I've smirched my goodAnd noble name—so now I have no name.I had one once that rang full true and high!I've twisted it about, and broken it!
(In rising agitation.)
I broke my name, and throwing up the bitsI caught them as they fell, and threw them upAgain; and so I played with my fair nameUntil the fragments rang again and fellAt last back to my hand, deformed and changed,To stick, and make a name that is no name—So call me Tramtris.
Iseult.—Tramtris—!
[Ugrinclaps his hands and rolls laughingon the ground.]
Dinas.Fool, what ailsThee now?
Ugrin.The jester jesteth. Seest thou not?Why, turn it 'round! Tramtris—Tristram!He saysHe was Lord Tristram! Ho! [Laughter.]
Ganelun.That was the jestThat he so cunningly devised!
1st Baron.This shaftOf irony has struck the mark and hitsThis day and thee, King Mark!
2d Knight.A clever fool!
Mark(laughing softly).I wish Lord Tristram saw the knave!
2d Baron.He'd laugh!
Iseult(trembling with anger).Let not thy nephew Tristram's knightly fameAnd noble name serve as a mockeryTo such a ghoul!
Mark(gaily).Forgive me, fair Iseult;And yet it makes me laugh to think that thisPoor fool went mad from thinking that he wasMy noble nephew Tristram. Speak, thou toy of fate,Wast thou Lord Tristram once!
Str. Jester(almost timidly).Ay, Mark, I was;And often was I with Iseult, thy wife!Forgive it me! [Laughter.]
Iseult.Dost thou permit that heShould heap such insults on thy wife's fairname?
Mark(gaily).
Heed not his words; the people love such jests.(To the jester.)Give us a sign, Sir Fool.
Ugrin.A sign! A sign!
1st Baron.Ay, let the fool describe the Queen. Give ear.
Ugrin.'Twill be a royal sport! And first he shallDescribe her feet! Speak on!
[Ugrinsits on the ground.Iseulthidesher face inBrangaene'sbreast.]
Gimella(toIseultlaughingly).He'll liken theeUnto his wench!
Dinas.Why dost thou hesitate?I grant thee jester's freedom, Fool. Begin!
Str. Jester(softly and hesitatingly).From pedestals white snowy columns riseOf ivory, draped in softly whispering silk,That arched, and all immaculate, stretch up,—The swelling pillars of her body's frame—
Dinas.A graceful speech, my friend. Canst thou go on?
Str. Jester(in rising agitation and feverish emotion).Her body is a gleam of silvery lightCast by the full moon in the month of MayChanged to the snowy marvel of herself.Thou art a garden wild wherein there growDeep purple fruits that stupefy and yetThat make one burn! Thy body is a churchOf rarest marble built—a fairy mountWhere sounds the music of a golden harp;A field of virgin snow! Thy breasts are budsOf the most sacred plant that flowering growsWithin the garden,—swelling fruits that waitTo suck the honeyed dew of summer moons!Thy neck is like a lily's stem! Thy armsAre like the blossoming branches of a youngAnd tender almond-tree, directing usWithin that Paradise where rules the chastePerfection of thy rounded limbs, enthronedWithin thy wondrous body like a GodWho threatens from on high. Thou art—
Dinas.Oh hearHow this impostor talks! The token, fool!
Str. Jester(softly, trembling and feverishly).Below the left breast of this master-pieceOf His creation God has set his mark—A darkened cross—!
Mark(hoarsely).O seize the knave! The crossIs there.—She bears the mark!
Ganelun.Christ save my soul!
1st Baron.I feel an awful dread of this strange fool!
1st Knight(drawing).I'll run him through the body with my sword!
Str. Jester. (tears the sword from his hand, and springsupon the bench).Take heed unto thyself! Come not too near!I'll tear thee like a beast.
Iseult.His words are notSo marvelously strange. Hast thou forgot,King Mark, that once, before a heaped up pyreThou bad'st me stand, stark naked and exposedUnto the rabble's gaze? It well may beThat this low jester cast his shaming eyesUpon me then.
Dinas.Saw'st thou the Queen when sheStood on the burning pile?
Str. Jester.I saw the Queen;I stood beside her there!
Gimella.Behold, that sightHas made him lose his wits!
Brangaene.Poor witless fool!
Str. Jester.Glare not at me! I'm but a fool, a poorMad fool—a wretched fool that wished to tellYou tales to make you laugh!(Almost screaming.)For God's sake laugh!
[He throws the sword down. It falls clatteringon the floor. The First Guard enters while twoothers stand outside the grating with the StrangeKnight.]
Dinas.Whom bring'st thou there?
1st GUARD.King Mark, thy messengersHave found the witnesses that signed the bondToo late, for in the forest they had caughtA man whom they have sent to thee. The manIs wounded; when they called on him to standHe fled. His horse fell dead. They know him not.He is a stranger in the land.
Dinas.How heavilyGod's wrath descends upon my head. This bloodI've spilled was innocent!
1st GUARD.This man is nearHis end; his dying wish is to beholdThe Queen Iseult. He much desires it.
Gimella.Poor soul!
Dinas.Bring in the man. How things mischance!My castle is a gruesome place today.An idiot first, and then a corpse have knockedTo crave admittance to my hall! My Lords,I pray you to forgive my sins.
Paranis.There comesThe wounded Knight.
[The Strange Knight is led beforeIseult.He walks firmly, standing erect.]
Str. Knight.—Art thou Iseult?—IseultThe Goldenhaired? May God be mercifulUnto thy soul!
Str. Jester(crouches on the bench, taking no interest inwhat is said). My brother Kuerdin!Dear friend! In a disastrous hour wentWe forth. I pity thee!
[The Strange Knight turns and looks athim searchingly.]
Ganelun(angrily and oppressed). Will death not closeThy mouth, thou cur!
Dinas.Dost thou then know this man?
Str. Jester.I've said so, Mark! I'll sit beside him hereUntil he dies. I'll be his priest.
Approaching_Thunderstorm
APPROACHING THUNDERSTORM
Str. Knight.Keep off.This babbling fool; his chatter shames my death.
Dinas.Methinks this was the man I saw at dawnToday as I rode through the wood, and yetHe bore a shield on which I thought I sawLord Tristram's arms.
Dinas.Unhappy man, who artThou?
Str. Knight(calmly and quietly).One who knoweth how to die. Lay meOn yonder bench and wrap me in my cloak.
[He is laid on the bench near the chimney,and lies there like an effigy.]
Mark(to the First Guard).Where are his shield and arms?
Str. Knight.I bore the shieldOf Tristram, Lord of Lyonesse, since we,For our great love, exchanged our arms. I amHis brother, for my sister is his wife.Lord Tristram greets thee, Mark.
Mark(to him passionately).Speak, friend, and putAn end unto the quandary in whichI stand. God shall reward thee soon. Where isLord Tristram?
Str. Knight(groaning).With his wife whom he holds dear.
Str. Jester.Thou liest, brother, yet thou speak'st the truth!
Dinas.God mocks me, Lords! God mocks me!
Str. Jester.I will watchBy him and guard his body through the night.
Ganelun.Be still, thou toad! Be still!
1st GUARD.King Mark, the KnightUpon his left hand wears a ring—a stoneRich set in gold. Shall he retain the ringUpon his hand?—He's dead.
Str. Jester(seizing the ring).The ring is mine!I gave it him!
Ganelun(striking him).Away! Thou damned thief!
Str. Jester.The ring is mine, I say. My love once gaveIt me and sware thereon; but now I'll giveIt as a jester's gift unto the Queen.I pray thee take the ring, Iseult.
[Iseulttakes the ring, looks at it a momentand lets it fall. She totters.]
Cast notAway my gift!
Brangaene.Help! Help! The Queen.
Iseult(in great agitation).Oh God,I pray Thee open now mine eyes, and setMe free! I know not if I am alive!There lies a corpse—There stands a ghost and IBetween them, here! I hear a moaning soundPass whimpering through the halls—!
[She runs to the stairs.]
Let me go up!Brangaene, come, and thou Gimella, too!
[Half way up the stairs she turns.]
Be not too angry with me, Mark, for thouHast set a loathsome ghost to mock and jeerAt me to make thee laugh. He makes my heartGrow cold with horror! Come, my ladies, come!Stand by me now—this awful game has madeMe shudder. [She hastens up the stairs.]
Str. Jester(springs onto the table to look after her).Queen Iseult, thou fairest one.Have pity on my leper's soul!
Ganelun.Be still,Thou croaking raven!
1st Baron.Smite him dead and spitUpon his corpse!
2d Baron.Thou filthy worm!
Dinas.Lay holdUpon the jester! Hold him fast. Thou fool,Thou base-born cur, how dar'st thou vex my wifeSo bitterly with thy presumptuous wit?
Str. Jester.Mark, heed thy words!
1st Knight(catching his wrists from behind).I have the knave!
Dinas.The GuardsShall whip the rogue for his bold impudence,And cast him from the castle gates. Let looseThe dogs upon him if he does not run,And leave my walls as though they were on fire!Away with him!
Ugrin(in greatest haste and agitation).King Mark, oh good King Mark,Behold, he is my brother in my kind,A much abused and crazy fool who meansNo evil with his foolish jests! See nowHow pitiful his mien! He strove to makeThee laugh in his poor way as I in mine.Forgive the knave, and drive him not awayInto the darkness like a snarling curThat whines about the house! He hungers, too,For thou hast given him naught to eat or drinkSince he has been beneath thy kingly roof.I am an old, old man, King Mark; he isMy brother, and a jester like myself;I pity him! I pray thee let me keepHim here with me until tomorrow's morn,That he may sleep with me within my bed.Then, when the sun shall shine upon his road,He shall depart and seek a dwelling place.'Twas thou thyself encouraged him to jest;Judge then thy guilt and his with equal eye.He is a fool, a crazy, blundering fool,Yet drive him not away! I pray thee letHim sleep beside me here a while that heRefresh himself! He looks so pitifully!
Dinas.Why, Ugrin, friend, 'tis new for thee to actThe part of charity!
Ugrin.I serve thee, Mark,With foolishness and jests—and thou but knowestMe by my services.
Dinas.I still can makeOne person glad tonight! Keep, then, thy foolBut thou stand'st surety for him if he shouldAttempt to burn the castle or to doSome other mischief in his madness.
[The Knight lets the Strange Jester go; hecrouches on the dais.]
Ugrin.Mark,Thou art indeed my dear, kind, cousin, still!Good-night, fair cousin, go and sleep. Thou needstIt sorely—and—I pray that thou forgetNot my new wisdom!
Dinas.Sirs, I wish you allA restful night for this has been a dayOf many cares and many tribulations.Tomorrow shall we bury this brave KnightWith all the honors due his noble rank,For he was innocent.
Ganelun.Sleep well. King Mark!
1st Baron.May God watch o'er thee, Mark!
[The Barons go up the stairs; the Knightsand guards go out. The servants extinguishall but a few of the lights.]
Mark(on the stairs).Come, Dinas, comeWith me, and we will watch a little while.My heart is sorrowful tonight!
Dinas(following him up the stairs).I'll stayWith thee until the morning break if thouDesire it so.
Ugrin(calling after them).And cousins take good heedYe catch not cold!
[They leave the stage, the moon shinesthrough the grating, and the shadow ofthe bars falls into the hall. The StrangeJester crouches motionless.Ugrinturnsto him.]