ISEULT. That vexes me Indeed, for now, my Lords, I turn to you With deeper and more serious complaints Against Lord Tristram that so rashly he Has broken Mark's decree, thus forcing me To share a guilt of which my soul is clean! MARK (crouches on the steps of the throne groaning). Oh see how well her Irish tongue can twist Her words to suit her will! Her words are smooth; So smooth that when one grasps them they escape The hand like shining, slippery, squirming snakes! And she has subtle words, caressing words, And words that set the mind on fire; hot words That burn, and haughty ones that swell and puff Like stallions' nostrils, and toss high their heads! Oh she has words, and words, and many words With which to frame her lies! (He takes a step toward ISEULT. Angrily.) And see her eyes! Those wondrous eyes! Eyes for deceit! She has Deceived me with those eyes and lips of hers since first She set her foot upon the Cornish shore! ISEULT (trembling with shame and anger). Thy words are like the shame of women, Mark! Like filthy hands! Irish I am, but there, In word and deed, polite restraint prevails And courteous measuredness; there fiery wrath Becomes ne'er master of the man! And so I was not taught in early youth to guard Myself from drunkenness of wrath! MARK. O hark! That was a sample of her haughty words! Iseult the Goldenhaired of Ireland Didst thou with thine own hand and blood sign this? ISEULT. Ay, Mark, I signed the bond. (With closed eyes quoting.) "And if from this Day on Lord Tristram dares to show himself Within my realm, he dies, and with him dies Iseult of Ireland"--I signed my name And wrote it with my blood. MARK. Denovalin Most solemnly has pledged his head and soul That he has seen my nephew Tristram, Lord Of Lyonesse within my realm, and so, If none stand forth to contradict, Iseult Of Ireland shall die. DINAS (stands up). Denovalin Has lied! MARK. Dinas of Lidan! GANELUN. Well said, good Dinas!