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.

TRISTAN. Destruction!

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

Safely they clear!

Inside the surf steers now the ship 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 ship 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!