GOLAUD.
Take care; this way, this way.—You have never penetrated into these vaults?
PÉLLÉAS.
Yes; once, of old; but it was long ago….
GOLAUD.
They are prodigious great; it is a succession of enormous crypts that end, God knows where. The whole castle is builded on these crypts. Do you smell the deathly odor that reigns here?—That is what I wished, to show you. In my opinion, it comes from the little underground lake I am going to have you see. Take care; walk before me, in the light of my lantern. I will warn you when we are there, [They continue to walk in silence.] Hey! hey! Pélléas! stop! stop!—[He seizes him by the arm.] For God's sake!… Do you not see?—One step more, and you had been in the gulf!…
PÉLLÉAS
But I did not see it!… The lantern no longer lighted me….
GOLAUD.
I made a misstep…. but if I had not held you by the arm…. Well, this is the stagnant water that I spoke of to you…. Do you perceive the smell of death that rises?—Let us go to the end of this overhanging rock, and do you lean over a little. It will strike you in the face.