Guinevere.
[Takes a decision.] Now for the night let this quest overpass! Aye, my Lords.... [Addressing the Knights who seem to demur.] For this night let us leave of this dolorous matter! This night we will take our rest, and to-morrow betimes we will send messengers north and south and east and west, seeking good counsel! Come, avoid! Avoid! To your chambers, all! And who knows but in a marvelous dream shall be expounded to us, What is it that all women most desire?
[Taking Arthur by the hand she leads him out. All follow, repeating in some sort the question, “What is it ... Gramercy, now what is it that all women do most desire?” Sir Kay and the Servants remain, the former giving directions for barring doors, extinguishing torches, and the like.]
Sir Kay.
Bar well the door! [To one Servant.] For, sooth, this is the eve of All-Hallowmass, when all manner of strange visitants may be abroad!... How now, ye lazy lusks! [To other Servants who are stealthily gobbling up the leavings of the King’s repast.] Back to your kitching, ye turners of broaches and washers of dishes! In the divil’s name shall ye wax fat as a porke hog on good browesse, purveyance for a king! Back to your kitching, knaves! [In consternation the Servants make their escape, by way of the banqueting-hall. Alone, Sir Kay looks about to see that all is in order, kicks a forward log into place upon the hearth, then stands beside the chimney, lost in thought. Speaks as if thinking aloud.] What is it that all women do most desire? By my head I know not, and so to bed. [He is about to go, when there is a knock at the door, at first timid and hesitating, then gaining strength. The Knight starts.] Now who may that be? [A Shadow now crosses the moonlight that streams in through the window, and a voice is heard.]
The Voice.
Unshut the door! For the love of Heaven, good Seneschal, unshut the door!
Sir Kay.