Iseult.
Ah, he was once my friend! Why dost thou use
The dagger of his name to prick my heart?
I loved him once, and 'tis for that I stand
Here!—Kill me now!
Str. Leper (going to the foot of the steps).
God help me! Hear me speak,
Iseult, for I'm—
(His voice breaks with a sigh.)
I'm Tristram's messenger!
Thine erstwhile friend—Him whom thou loved'st!
Iseult (angrily).
Would'st shame
Me in my shame? Thou beast!
Str. Leper.
I wish to save
Thee now. Dost thou love Tristram still?
Iseult (going down a few steps, slowly and carefully).
Thou art
A messenger of his?—And dost thou come,
Perchance, to take me to him?
(Breaking out.)
Does thy Lord
Desire me, to give me as a gift
From some strange land, to his new bride?
[The Strange Leper hides his face in his
hands.]