A DAUGHTER OF THE PEOPLE
The Soldier (softly).
That was the Queen!
[Iseult walks past between Mark and the
hangman. She is draped in a purple cloak;
her feet are bare. Paranis follows her.
Part of the crowd kneels down.]
Shepherd (staring).
Oh, Queen Iseult! Iseult
The Goldenhaired!
A Girl.
Oh fairest, dearest one!
Another Girl.
Oh Queen, smile down upon us once again!
[A rattling sound is heard. The Strange
Leper steps from behind one of the columns.
His bearded face is hidden by the hood of
his cloak. The crowd draws away shuddering,
the procession halts. The leper kneels
before Iseult and bows so low that his
forehead almost touches her feet.]
A Voice.
A leper, see!
A Girl.
Oh Virgin Mary, help!