PARANIS (goes to the casement). Above Tintagel, lo, the sky was blue; The sun shone on a foreign ship that came Across the seas and lay at anchor there And made it look like gold. The ship came in As we rode through the gate. I wish that I Were at Tintagel once again and saw That ship. For here black clouds obscure the sun And hang close to the ground; they fly along Like mighty ghosts. The earth smells damp and makes Me shiver--Ugh--! ISEULT (steps to the casement beside him and puts her arm about his neck). Nay, not today, for see, The sun will shine and pour its golden rays E'en o'er the Morois. [She leans out until her head is overflowed by the sunlight.] Oh, it's very hot! PARANIS (falling on his knees). Oh Queen Iseult pray take the fairy dog Into thy hands and it will comfort thee-- That wondrous brachet, Tristram's latest gift. For, lo, since from Tintagel we have come My heart is troubled by a wish to ask Of thee a question, for Brangaene says That when thou think'st of certain things thou weep'st But I have never felt the like. ISEULT. Poor boy! I lay awake the whole night through and yet Not once did I take Petikru to me, So ask, my child! What wouldst thou know! Mine eyes Are dry, for all my tears are spent, and gone. [She has returned to the dressing table.] PARANIS. Is this the wood where thou and Tristram dwelt, As people say, when ye had fled away? ISEULT. 'Tis true this wood once sheltered us. PARANIS (at the casement). This wood? This fearful wood? 'Twas here that thou, Iseult Of Ireland, Iseult the Goldenhaired, Took refuge with Lord Tristram like a beast Hard pressed by dogs and men? There hang, perhaps. Among the branches still some tattered shreds From robes thou wor'st; and blood still tints the roots Thou trod'st upon with bare and wounded feet! 'Twas here thou say'st? Within this wood? ISEULT (rising). Yes, child, And this the castle-- [BRANGAENE takes the cloak from ISEULT'S shoulders and helps her put on a loose flowing garment. ISEULT'S hair is hidden beneath a close-fitting cap.] PARANIS (steps nearer, in great surprise). Where ye fled from Mark's Abom'nable decree? The castle makes Me shudder and the wood that grows around. BRANGAENE (quoting the decree). "And if from this day on Lord Tristram dares To show himself within my realm--he dies, And with him dies Iseult of Ireland ..." ISEULT (quoting). "And witness here my name signed with my blood--"