[He walks in front of the table. Paranis
kneels beside Iseult, who lays her hand
upon his head as on the head of a dog.]
Iseult.
Thou call'dst me, Mark, and bad'st
Me come in terms full stern and harsh—I came,
For 'tis my heartfelt duty to obey.
Since thou art good to me and kind. Thou know'st
This hall, these men, that stand around, awake
Full many a painful memory in my heart,
And so I crave a swift reply. What will
Ye of me here?
Mark (roughly).
Why was Gawain sent forth
In secret to Tintagel from Lubin?
Iseult.
He went not secretly, but openly,
My Lord, and that because some merchant-men
Came to Tintagel from across the seas
With merchandise. I wished to bid them come
To me that I might choose me from their stock the wares
That pleased me and the many things I need.
Mark (scornfully).
The purchase must be made at once, I trow!
Since here, more than elsewhere, thou need'st such things.
'Tis true that fifteen beasts of burden stayed
Behind, all laden with thy things alone,
Unnoticed by a well beside the road,
Iseult, I recollect me now!
Iseult.
Nay, Lord,
Yet St. Lubin brings me full many a sad
And weary hour. I, therefore, thought to gain
Some slight diversion and amusement too
To soothe my woe. Thou know'st the joy I have
Of mingled masses of bright colored things
Both strange and rare!
(Anxiously.)
The rustling silks; the gold—;
Th' embroidery of robes; the jewel's flash;—
Furs, chains and golden girdles, needles,
clasps! To see, and in my hands to hold such things
O'erjoys me much!—A childish whim, perhaps,
But thou thyself this pleasure oft procured'st
And sent the merchants to my bower. What
Wonder is it then that I myself should think
Of this same thing?
Dinas.
'Tis so, I wronged thy thoughts,
For I myself have often brought such men
To thee. These peddlers and these mountebanks
Are famous friends! I see it now! They come
From far and wide; they travel much; they are
Both wise and cunning—apt, indeed, to serve
As messengers!
Iseult.
Ay, Mark, thou didst me wrong.
But greater to Brangaene and Gawain!
I pray thee set them free; they but obeyed
My will.