Tristan and Isolda

O passion's pow'r!

Most sweet dream 'neath the sun,

see the work thou hast done!-

Here lies he now,

the noblest of knights,

with his passion all others above:

behold! what reward

his ardor requites;

the one sure reward of love!

(with sobbing voice.)

Art thou then dead?

Liv'st thou not?

Hast to the curse succumbed?-

(He listens forTRISTAN'S breath.)

O rapture! No!

He still moves! He lives!

and gently his lips are stirr'd.

TRISTAN (very faintly). The ship-is't yet in sight?

KURVENAL. The ship? Be sure

t'will come to-day:

it cannot tarry longer.

TRISTAN. On board Isolda,-

see, she smiles-

with the cup

that reconciles.

Dost thou see?

Dost thou see her now?

Full of grace

and loving mildness,

floating o'er

the ocean's wildness?

By billows of flowers

lightly lifted,

gently toward

the land she's drifted.

Her look brings ease

and sweet repose;

her hand one last

relief bestows.

Isolda! Ah, Isolda!

How fair, how sweet art thou!-

And Kurvenal, why!-

what ails thy sight?

Away, and watch for her,

foolish I see so well and plainly,

let not thine eye seek vainly

Dost thou not hear?

Away, with speed!

Haste to the watch-tow'r!

Wilt thou not heed?

The ship, the ship!

Isolda's ship!-

Thou must discern it,

must perceive it!

The ship-dost thou see it?-

(WhilstKURVENAL, still hesitating, opposesTRISTAN,

the Shepherd's pipe is heard without, playing a joyous strain.)

KURVENAL (springing joyously up).

O rapture! Transport!

(He rushes to the watch-tower and looks out.)

Ha! the ship!

From northward it is nearing.

TRISTAN. So I knew,

so I said!

Yes, she yet lives,

and life to me gives.

How could Isold'

from this world be free,

which only holds

Isolda for me?

KURVENAL (shouting). Ahoy! Ahoy!

See her bravely tacking!

How full the canvas is filled!

How she darts! how she flies!

TRISTAN. The pennon? the pennon?

KURVENAL. A flag is floating at mast-head,

joyous and bright.

TRISTAN. Aha! what joy!

Now through the daylight

comes my Isolda.

Isolda, oh come!

See'st thou herself?

KURVENAL. The ship is shut

from me by rocks.

TRISTAN. Behind the reef?

Is there not risk!

Those dangerous breakers

ships have oft shattered.-

Who steereth the helm?

KURVENAL. The steadiest seaman.

TRISTAN. Betrays he me?

Is he Melot's ally?

KURVENAL. Trust him like me.

TRISTAN. A traitor thou, too!-

O caitiff!

Canst thou not see her?

KURVENAL. Not yet.