The door of the church is partially opened. The hangman leads Iseult out. The Strange Leper falls on his knees and bows deep to the ground.
Young Leper.
Let's fall upon our knees, Iwein!
[A few lepers kneel. The hangman takes
Iseult's crown and cloak away. She stands
there, draped only in her golden hair. Her
eyes are closed and she remains motionless.]
The Hangman (kissing Iseult's foot).
Forgive
Me, Queen Iseult, for God's sweet sake!
[He goes back into the church. The door
closes and the organ sounds louder in the
silence.]
Iwein.
We are
The lepers of Lubin, and thou, by Mark's
Decree, art now our bride. Come down that we—
[The Strange Leper, with a violent effort,
springs to his feet, and turns upon the
lepers.]
Str. Leper.
Who spoke? Which one of you? Tell me, who spoke?
Scabs! Vultures! Curs, away! Be off! If one
Of you but speaks again I'll trample you
Beneath my feet and grind you in the dirt.
What wish ye here? Here's gold! Be off, ye curs!
[Only a few stoop to gather the gold he
throws among them.]
Young Leper (rushes at him; Iwein holds him back).
Thou! Thou!