Tristan and Isolda

the side with averted face, now turns to behold the pair locked in

their close embrace, and rushes to the front, wringing her hands in

despair). Woe's me! Woe's me!

Endless mis'ry

I have wrought

instead of death!

Dire the deed

of my dull fond heart:

it cries aloud to heav'n!

(They start from their embrace.)

TRISTAN (bewildered). What troubled dream

of Tristan's honor?

ISOLDA. What troubled dream

Of Isolda's shame?

TRISTAN. Have I then lost thee?

ISOLDA. Have I repulsed thee?

TRISTAN. Fraudulent magic,

framing deceit!

BOTH. Languishing passion,

longing and growing,

love ever yearning,

loftiest glowing!

Rapture confess'd

rides in each breast!

Isolda! Tristan!

Tristan! Isolda!

World, I can shun thee

my love is won me!

Thou'rt my thought, all above:

highest delight of love!

SCENE VII.

[The curtains are now drawn wide apart; the whole ship is covered

with knights and sailors, who, with shouts of joy, make signs

over towards the shore which is now seen to be quite near, with

castle-crowned cliffs. Tristan and Isolda remain absorbed in mutual

contemplation, perceiving nothing that is passing.]

BRANGAENA (to the women, who at her bidding ascend from below).

Quick-the mantle!

the royal robe!-

(Rushing betweenTRISTANandISOLDA.)

Up, hapless ones!

See where we are!

(She places the royal mantle onISOLDA, who notices nothing.)

ALL THE MEN. Hail! Hail!

Hail our monarch!

Hail to Mark the king!

KURVENAL (advancing gaily). Hail, Tristan,

knight of good hap!

Behold King Mark approaching,

in a bark

with brave attendance.

Gladly he stems the tide,

coming to seek his bride.

TRISTAN (looking up in bewilderment). Who comes?

KURVENAL. The king 'tis.

TRISTAN. What king mean you?

(KURVENALpoints over the side. TRISTANgazes stupefied at

the shore.)

ALL THE MEN (waving their hats). Hail to King Mark!

All hail!

ISOLDA (bewildered). What is't, Brangaena?

What are those cries?

BRANGAENA. Isolda-mistress!

Compose thyself!

ISOLDA. Where am I! living?

What was that draught?

BRANGAENA (despairingly). The love-potion!

ISOLDA (staring with horror atTRISTAN). Tristan!

TRISTAN. Isolda!

ISOLDA. Must I live, then?

(Falls fainting upon his breast.)

BRANGAENA (to the women). Look to your lady!

TRISTAN. O rapture fraught with cunning!

O fraud with bliss o'er-running!

ALL THE MEN (in a general burst of acclamation).

Hail to King Mark!

Cornwall, hail!

[People have clambered over the ship's side, others have extended

a bridge, and the aspect of all indicates the immediate arrival of the

expected ones, as the curtain falls.]

ACT II.

[A Garden before ISOLDA'S Chamber which lies at one side and is

approached by steps. Bright and pleasant summer night. At the open

door a burning torch is fixed. Sounds of hunting heard.]

SCENE I.

[BRANGAENA, on the steps leading to the chamber, is watching the

retreat of the still audible hunters. She looks anxiously back into