1ST KNIGHT. What said the King of her? GANELUN. The King Refused to see her, or to speak with her, Since neither dares to speak of this foul deed Which has occurred; its memory still throbs, And tingling flows throughout their blood. 2D BARON. And yet He sent the Queen, and without message too, The head that pledged a perjured oath today, Upon a silver shield. And well he did. 2D KNIGHT. My Lord Denovalin a victim fell Unto a saintly and a holy hand, But died ingloriously! DINAS. As he deserved So died he. Sir. [The Barons and Knights sit down again at the table. King MARK, unnoticed by the others, comes slowly down the steps, and walks about. He is oppressed and agitated. At length he stops, and, leaning against the end post of the bannister, listens to the conversation of the others.] 1ST KNIGHT. A leper has been stoned Because he cried throughout Lubin that 'twas The devil who had done the thing. DINAS. Such leaps By God or devil can alone be done. GANELUN. 'Tis true, my Lords, no mortal man can spring An hundred fathoms. [Mark steps up to the table and lays his arm about Dinas' neck.] SCENE II MARK. True, Lord Ganelun! 2D BARON (springing up). The King! 1ST BARON The King here! Pardon, sire! MARK. I thank You all, my Lords, that ye were not enraged And angered at a weak old man, and came Again to me. I would not willingly Have spent this night alone. 2D BARON. Most cheerfully We came. The Queen's miraculous escape O'er joys us all. 1ST BARON. There lack but three to make The tale complete; those three, my Lords, who stood As sponsors of the bond. MARK. They're coursing through The gloomy forest paths and seek to catch That which, since God hath spoken, cannot be Therein. I've sent my riders to recall Them here to me. GANELUN. Give me thy hand, King Mark, For I am glad that thou didst err!