Travels In Provence(Part Two)

II I reach a plateau, and pitch my tent at its base. In the morning I will ascend and view the vista, and in that space spread before me I will read my future, thus unifying space and time. But tonight will be given to the dream geography of thought and sleep... I know in my soul's depth I am following a path forged by Tristram and Iseult. I am perhaps one of their lesser servants: carrying garments and blankets, I am in the background of their lives, but for me their presence is a central fire, which casts light dispelling darkness and spreads illumination dispelling ignorance. Their entourage is small to avoid prying eyes. Two mounted knights with lances and claymores lead the procession deep into a forest. Tristram walks beside his horse and holds the reins of her horse. They both look resolutely ahead, their eyes piercing the dark woods, anticipatinga different darkness that will release their bright hopes. Iseult is veiled in a green silk scarf but strands of her golden hair slip into view and flash with a brilliance that outshines even the brightest silk. I see no other trace of the woman Iseult. She willingly dissolves into anonimity. Tristram wears no armor but he clutches his naked great sword, Endurable, as if enemies lurked along the path. At this moment, he is not Iseult's lover, only the faithful protector of a princess whose glory awes him. He is steadfast, silent and strong, and I can tell he is a very happy man. Three retainers struggle and complain as they steady a cart drawn by two work- horses packed with worldly goods the ghostly lovers no longer cherish. By noon we reach the outskirts of Tristram and Iseult's hidden castle, their refuge from the frivolity of King Mark's court, their hideaway dedicated to the Arts of Love, True Love, unstained by profit and false glory. It is a paradise they have created beyond the world in which they can find an available happiness. The rest is Fate. When I awake to the true light of morning, in my tent, alone and free, I feel in my soul the energy of an ancient, unsurpassable joy. Such is the reward for my fidelity, my faithful service to Venus and "the April-like Queen"....