DINAS. I go to stem with all the strength I have This current of perdition. Fare thee well. [As DINAS goes out, three armed guards step into the room and stand on either side of the door.] ISEULT. And fare thee well, thou truest of the true! (To the guards.) And ye, what seek ye here? GUARD. King Mark has bid Us guard thy door; thou may'st not go abroad Till Mark has bid thee come. PARANIS (falls on his knees). Gawain lies bound; Brangaene's cast into a prison cell, And something awful's taking place within The castle walls!--I know not what it is! ISEULT. Paranis, child, be still. ACT II The High Hall of St. Lubin Castle.--Bay windows. On the right, in the background is a wide double-door. On the left, in the background, and diagonally to it stands a long table surrounded by high-back chairs. The chairs at either end of the table are higher than the others and are decorated with the royal arms. Against the wall on the left stands a throne. Four Gaelic barons stand, or sit about the table. LORD GANELUN enters. SCENE I A BARON. And canst thou tell us now. Lord Ganelun, What's taking place that we are summoned here In council while our legs are scarcely dry From our long ride? 2D BARON. A welcome such as this I like not, Lords! GANELUN. I know no more than ye, My lords, who are but lately come. 3D BARON. And where Is Mark, the King? 2D BARON. Instead of greeting us He sends a low born knave, and bids us wait Within these dry and barren walls. 1ST BARON (stands up). By God, I feel a wish to mount my horse and ride Away! 5TH BARON (entering). Do ye, my Lords, know why King Mark Lets Tristram's savage hound, old Husdent live? It needed but a little that it caused My death! 4TH BARON. Just now? 5TH BARON. As I rode by its cage It leap'd against the bars, and made them shake With such a noise that my affrighted horse Uprear'd, and headlong sprang across the court. GANELUN. The hound is wolflike; none can go within His cage. Three keepers has he torn to death. 5TH BARON. A wild and dang'rous beast! I would not keep The brute within my castle walls. 3D BARON (walks irritatedly to the window). How this Long waiting irks my soul, good friends! 1ST BARON. So cold A welcome have I never yet received, And new the custom is!