Tristan and Isolda: Opera in Three Acts

[_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 between_ TRISTAN _and_ ISOLDA.)

Up, hapless ones! See where we are!

(_She places the royal mantle on_ ISOLDA, _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?

(KURVENAL _points over the side_. TRISTAN _gazes 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 at_ TRISTAN) 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_.]