Tristan and Isolda Part 11

Ha! the s.h.i.+p!

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 s.h.i.+p is shut from me by rocks.

TRISTAN. Behind the reef?

Is there not risk!

Those dangerous breakers s.h.i.+ps 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.

TRISTAN. Destruction!

KURVENAL. Aha! Halla-halloa I they clear! they clear!

Safely they clear!

Inside the surf steers now the s.h.i.+p to the strand.

TRISTAN (_shouting in joy_). Hallo-ho! Kurvenal!

Trustiest friend!

All the wealth I own to-day I bequeath thee.

KURVENAL. With speed they approach.

TRISTAN. Now dost thou see her?

See'st thou Isolda?

KURVENAL. 'Tis she! she waves!

TRISTAN. O woman divine!

KURVENAL. The s.h.i.+p is a-land!

Isolda.'--ha!-- With but one leap lightly she springs to land!

TRISTAN. Descend from the watch-tow'r, indolent gazer!

Away! away to the sh.o.r.e!

Help her! help my belov'd!

KURVENAL. In a trice she shall come; Trust in my strong arm!

But thou, Tristan, hold thee tranquilly here!

(_He hastens off_.)

TRISTAN (_tossing on his couch in feverish excitement_).

O sunlight glowing, glorious ray!

Ah, joy-bestowing radiant day!

Boundeth my blood, boisterous flood!

Infinite gladness!

Rapturous madness!

Can I bear to lie couched here in quiet?

Away, let me fly to where hearts run riot!

Tristan the brave, exulting in strength, has torn himself from death at length.

(_He raises himself erect_.)

All wounded and bleeding Sir Morold I defeated; all bleeding and wounded Isolda now shall be greeted.

(_He tears the bandage from his wound_.)

Ha, ha, my blood!

Merrily flows it.

(_He springs from his bed and staggers forward_.)

She who can help my wound and close it, she comes in her pride, she comes to my aid.

Be s.p.a.ce defied: let the universe fade!

(_He reels to the centre of the stage_.)

ISOLDA'S VOICE (_without_).

Tristan! Tristan! Beloved!