Chapter 29

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!