2d Baron.
Instead of greeting us
He sends a low born knave, and bids us wait
Within these dry and barren walls.
1st Baron (stands up).
By God,
I feel a wish to mount my horse and ride
Away!
5th Baron (entering).
Do ye, my Lords, know why King Mark
Lets Tristram's savage hound, old Husdent live?
It needed but a little that it caused
My death!
4th Baron.
Just now?
5th Baron.
As I rode by its cage
It leap'd against the bars, and made them shake
With such a noise that my affrighted horse
Uprear'd, and headlong sprang across the court.
Ganelun.
The hound is wolflike; none can go within
His cage. Three keepers has he torn to death.
5th Baron.
A wild and dang'rous beast! I would not keep
The brute within my castle walls.
3d Baron (walks irritatedly to the window).
How this
Long waiting irks my soul, good friends!
1st Baron.
So cold
A welcome have I never yet received,
And new the custom is!
Ganelun.
Have patience, sirs,
It seems King Mark and Lord Denovalin
Discuss in secret weighty things—