PÉLLÉAS.
I smell it already;… you would say a smell of the tomb.
GOLAUD.
Further, further…. It is this that on certain days has poisoned the castle. The King will not believe it comes from here.—The crypt should be walled up in which this standing water is found. It is time, besides, to examine these vaults a little. Have you noticed those lizards on the walls and pillars of the vaults?—There is a labor hidden here you would not suspect; and the whole castle will be swallowed up one of these nights, if it is not looked out for. But what will you have? nobody likes to come down this far…. There are strange lizards in many of the walls…. Oh! here … do you perceive the smell of death that rises?
PÉLLÉAS.
Yes; there is a smell of death rising about us….
GOLAUD.
Lean over; have no fear…. I will hold you … give me … no, no, not your hand … it might slip … your arm, your arm!… Do you see the gulf? [Moved.]—Pélléas? Pélléas?…
PÉLLÉAS.
Yes; I think I see the bottom of the gulf…. Is it the light that trembles so?… You … [He straightens up, turns, and looks at GOLAUD.]