Dinas.
Why, Ugrin, friend, 'tis new for thee to act
The part of charity!
Ugrin.
I serve thee, Mark,
With foolishness and jests—and thou but knowest
Me by my services.
Dinas.
I still can make
One person glad tonight! Keep, then, thy fool
But thou stand'st surety for him if he should
Attempt to burn the castle or to do
Some other mischief in his madness.
[The Knight lets the Strange Jester go; he
crouches on the dais.]
Ugrin.
Mark,
Thou art indeed my dear, kind, cousin, still!
Good-night, fair cousin, go and sleep. Thou needst
It sorely—and—I pray that thou forget
Not my new wisdom!
Dinas.
Sirs, I wish you all
A restful night for this has been a day
Of many cares and many tribulations.
Tomorrow shall we bury this brave Knight
With all the honors due his noble rank,
For he was innocent.
Ganelun.
Sleep well. King Mark!
1st Baron.
May God watch o'er thee, Mark!
[The Barons go up the stairs; the Knights
and guards go out. The servants extinguish
all but a few of the lights.]
Mark (on the stairs).
Come, Dinas, come
With me, and we will watch a little while.
My heart is sorrowful tonight!