Volume 20 / Act 2 — SCENE I
Reading edition
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!
Ganelun. Have patience, sirs, It seems King Mark and Lord Denovalin Discuss in secret weighty things—
3rd Baron. —And wish To teach us how to wait!
Ganelun. Nay, here's King Mark!
ERNST HARDT