Tristan and Isolda

how long 'twas let to burn!

The sun had sunk,

the day had fled;

but all their spite

not yet was sped:

the scaring signal

they set alight,

before my belov'd one's dwelling,

my swift approach repelling.

ISOLDA. Thy belov'd one's hand

lowered the light,

for Brangaena's fears

in me roused no fright:

while Love's goddess gave me aid,

sunlight a mock I made.

But the light its fear

and defeat repaid;

with thy misdeeds

a league it made.

What thou didst see

in shadowing night,

to the shining sun

of kingly might

must thou straightway surrender,

that it should

exist in bright

bonds of empty splendor.-

Could I bear it then?

Can I bear it now?

TRISTAN. O now were we

to night devoted,

the dishonest day

with envy bloated,

lying, could not mislead,

though it might part us indeed.

Its pretentious glows

and its glamouring light

are scouted by those

who worship night.

All its flickering gleams

in flashes out-blazing

blind us no more

where we are gazing.

Those who death's night

boldly survey,

those who have studied

her secret way,

the daylight's falsehoods-

rank and fame,

honor and all

at which men aim-

to them are no more matter

than dust which sunbeams scatter,

In the daylight's visions thronging

only abides one longing;

we yearn to hie

to holy night,

where, unending,

only true,

Love extendeth delight!

(TRISTANdrawsISOLDAgently aside to a flowery bank, sinks

on his knee before her and rests his head on her arm.)

(TRISTANandISOLDAsink into oblivious ecstasy, reposing on

the flowery bank close together.)

BRANGAENA (from the turret, unseen). Long I watch

alone by night:

ye enwrapt

in love's delight,

heed my boding

voice aright.

I forewarn you

woe is near;

waken to

my words of fear.

Have a care!

Have a care!

Swiftly night doth wear!

ISOLDA. List, beloved!

TRISTAN. Let me die thus!

ISOLDA (slowly raising herself a little). Envious

watcher!

TRISTAN (remaining in reclining position). I'll ne'er

waken.

ISOLDA. But the Day

must dawn and rouse thee?

TRISTAN (raising his head slightly). Let the Day

to Death surrender!

ISOLDA. Day and Death

will both engender

feud against

our passion tender.

TRISTAN (drawingISOLDAgently towards him with expressive

action). O might we then

together die,

each the other's

own for aye!