wkward as I e'er beheld!
So cousin, judge by contrast 'twixt us two,
And see the priceless thing thou hast in me!

MARK.
Go, fool, be not afraid.

STR. JESTER (steps in front of the stone bench on
the left, opposite ISEULT'S table).
--I'm cold!--I'm cold!

ISEULT (after looking at him for a moment breaks
into a clear and relieved laugh).
A sorry sight to look upon!

[The Strange Jester hides his face in his
hands.]

GIMELLA (springing forward).
The Queen
Is laughing--see!

BRANGAENE.
Made he some witty jest?

GIMELLA.
Why laughst thou so, Iseult?

DINAS.
'Tis horrible
To see the fool's distorted face!

ISEULT.
He looks
So pitifully at me! it makes me laugh!

UGRIN.
I'm angry with thee, Queen Iseult! Oh fie!
For shame, how couldst thou laugh at that strange fool?

(Turning to MARK.)

I pray thee, Mark, good cousin, wilt thou give
To him the two whole marks of gold?

[During this time the Strange Jester sits
on the railing which joins the bench to the
fireplace. He rests his elbows on his
knees and his face on his hands. He
stares at ISEULT.]

BRANGAENE.
Rejoice!
The King will give thee a reward since thou
Hast cheered the Queen.

STR. JESTER (without changing his attitude).
Would that I'd make her weep,
This Queen, instead of laugh!

[Soft and low laughter.]

MARK.
How's that?

STR. JESTER.
Because
I am a fool for sorrow, not for mirth!

[Laughter; the fool springs up.]

And none shall laugh when he beholds my face!

[Laughter; the fool seats himself again.]

ISEULT (earnestly).
How strangely speaks the fool!

MARK.
My friend, I think,
That some one cut thee from the gallows!

STR. JESTER (stares at ISEULT--slowly).
Mark,
How proud and cold a wife thou hast! Her name's
Iseult, I think. Am I not right?

MARK (smiling).
Doth she
Please thee. Sir Fool?

STR. JESTER.