Gimella (laughing).
A strange
And curious jest, i' faith!
(To those laughing at the other table.)
Come here, my Lords,
For this new jester is most wondrous strange.
Str. Jester (in rising grief).
I had a sweetheart once, and she was fair!
Mark (laughing).
Ay! I believe thee, friend!
Str. Jester.
Yea, she was fair,
Almost as fair as Queen Iseult, thy wife.
[Laughter.]
I'm cold!
Iseult (angrily).
Thou fool, why starest thou at me?
Avaunt!
Str. Jester.
Laugh once again at me, Iseult!
Thy laugh was fair, and yet, methinks, those eyes
Must be still fairer when they overflow
With tears.—I wish that I could make thee weep,
Iseult! [A silence.]