Tristan and Isolda

(BRANGAENArises, terrified and confused. ISOLDAstrives with

immense effort to control herself.)

ISOLDA (to Kurvenal). Sir Tristan may approach!

SCENE VI.

[KURVENALretires again. BRANGAENA, almost beside herself,

turns up the stage. ISOLDA, mustering all her powers of

resolution, walks slowly and with dignity towards the sofa, by the

head of which she supports herself, turning her eyes firmly towards

the entrance]

(TRISTANenters, and pauses respectfully at the entrance.)

TRISTAN. Demand, lady,

what you will.

ISOLDA. While knowing not

what my demand is,

wert thou afraid

still to fulfil it,

fleeing my presence thus?

TRISTAN. Honor

Held me in awe.

ISOLDA. Scant honor hast thou

shown unto me;

for, unabashed,

withheldest thou

obedience unto my call.

TRISTAN. Obedience 'twas

forbade me to come.

ISOLDA. But little I owe

thy lord, methinks,

if he allows

ill manners

unto his own promised bride.

TRISTAN. In our land

it is the law

that he who fetches

home the bride

should stay afar from her.

ISOLDA. On what account?

TRISTAN. 'Tis the custom.

ISOLDA. Being so careful,

my lord Tristan,

another custom

can you not learn?

Of enemies friends make:

for evil acts amends make.

TRISTAN. Who is my foe?

ISOLDA. Find in thy fears!

Blood-guilt

gets between us.

TRISTAN. That was absolved.

ISOLDA. Not between us.

TRISTAN. In open field,

'fore all the folk

our old feud was abandoned.

ISOLDA. 'Twas not there

I held Tantris hid

when Tristan was laid low,

He stood there brawny,

bright and brave;

but in his truce

I took no part:

my tongue its silence had learnt.

When in chambered stillness

sick he lay

with the sword I stood

before him, stern;

silent-my lips,

motionless-my hand.

But that which my hand

and lips had once vowed,

I swore in stealth to adhere to:

lo! now my desire I'm near to.

TRISTAN. What hast thou sworn?

ISOLDA (quickly). Vengeance for Morold!

TRISTAN (quietly). Mindst thou that?

ISOLDA (animated). Dare you to flout me?-

Was he not my betrothed,

that noble Irish knight?

For his sword a blessing I sought;

for me only he fought.

When he was murdered

no honor fell.

In that heartfelt misery

my vow was framed;

if no man remained to right it,

I, a maid, must needs requite it.-

Weak and maimed,

when might was mine,

why at thy death did I pause?

Thou shalt know the secret cause.-

Thy hurts I tended

that, when sickness ended,

thou shouldst fall by some man,

as Isolda's revenge should plan.

But now attempt

thy fate to foretell me?

if their friendship all men do sell thee,