Tristan and Isolda

Richard Wagner

Tristan and Isolda: Opera in Three Acts

THE STORY OF "TRISTAN AND ISOLDA"

ACT I

Tristan, a valiant Cornish knight, is bringing Isolda, princess of Ireland, over as a bride for his uncle, King Mark. He is himself in love with her, but owing to a blood feud between them, forces himself to conceal his passion. Isolda, in anger at his seeming unkindness, attempts to poison herself and him, but her attendant, Brangæna, changes the draft for a love potion, which enflames their passion beyond power of restraint.

ACT II

Isolda has been wedded to King Mark, but holds stolen interviews with Tristan, during one of which they are surprised, for Tristan has been betrayed by a jealous friend, Melot. Touched by King Mark's bitter reproaches, Tristan provokes Melot to fight and suffers himself to be mortally wounded.

ACT III

Tristan's faithful servant, Kurvenal, has carried his wounded master to his native home in Brittany, where he is carefully tended. Isolda has also been sent for, as being skilled above all others in the healing art. The excitement of her approach only hastens Tristan's death, and he breathes his last sigh in her arms. Mark has followed Isolda; he has had matters explained, and is prepared to reunite the lovers, but it is too late. Isolda utters her lament over the body of her lover, and her heart breaks: in death alone are they united.

TRISTAN AND ISOLDA

ACT I

[A pavilion erected on the deck of a ship, richly hung with tapestry, quite closed in at back at first. A narrow hatchway at one side leads below into the cabin.]

SCENE I

ISOLDA on a couch, her face buried in the cushions.— BRANGÆNA holding open a curtain, looks over the side of the vessel.

THE VOICE OF A YOUNG SAILOR (from above as if at the mast-head).

ISOLDA (starting up suddenly).What wight dares insult me?

(She looks round in agitation.)

Brangæna, ho!Say, where sail we?BRANGÆNA (at the opening).Bluish stripesare stretching along the west:swiftly sailsthe ship to shore;if restful the sea by evewe shall readily set foot on land.ISOLDA. What land?BRANGÆNA. Cornwall's verdant strand.ISOLDA. Never more!To-day nor to-morrow!BRANGÆNA. What mean you, mistress? say!

(She lets the curtain fall and hastens to ISOLDA.)

ISOLDA (with wild gaze).O fainthearted child,false to thy fathers!Ah, where, mother,hast given thy mightthat commands the wave and the tempest?O subtle artof sorcery,for mere leech-craft followed too long!Awake in me once more,power of will!Arise from thy hidingwithin my breast!Hark to my bidding,fluttering breezes!Arise and stormin boisterous strife!With furious rageand hurricane's hurdlewaken the seafrom slumbering calm;rouse up the deepto its devilish deeds!Shew it the preywhich gladly I proffer!Let it shatter this too daring shipand enshrine in ocean each shred!And woe to the lives!Their wavering death-sighsI leave to ye, winds, as your lot.BRANGÆNA (in extreme alarm and concern for ISOLDA).Out, alas!Ah, woe!I've ever dreaded some ill!—Isolda! mistress!Heart of mine!What secret dost thou hide?Without a tearthou'st quitted thy father and mother,and scarce a wordof farewell to friends thou gavest;leaving home thou stood'st,how cold and still!pale and speechlesson the way,food rejecting,reft of sleep,stern and wretched,wild, disturbed;how it pains meso to see thee!Friends no more we seem,being thus estranged.Make me partnerin thy pain!Tell me freelyall thy fears!Lady, thou hearest,sweetest and dearest;if for true friend you take me,your confidant O make me!ISOLDA. Air! air!or my heart will choke!Open! open there wide!

(BRANGÆNA hastily draws the centre curtains apart.)

SCENE II

[The whole length of the ship is now seen, down to the stern, with the sea and horizon beyond. Round the mainmast sailors are ensconced, busied with ropes; beyond them in the stern are groups of knights and attendants, also seated; a little apart stands TRISTAN folding his arms and thoughtfully gazing out to sea; at his feet KURVENAL reclines carelessly. From the mast-head above is once more heard the voice of the young sailor.]

THE YOUNG SAILOR (at the mast-head invisible).The wind so wildblows homewards now;my Irish child,where waitest thou?Say, must our sails be weighted,filled by thy sighs unbated?Waft us, wind strong and wild!Woe, ah woe for my child!ISOLDA (whose eyes have at once sought TRISTAN and fixedstonily on him—gloomily). Once beloved—now removed—brave and bright,coward knight!—Death-devoted head!Death-devoted heart!—

(laughing unnaturally).

Think'st highly of yon minion?BRANGÆNA (following her glance).Whom mean'st thou?ISOLDA. There, that herowho from mine eyesaverts his own:in shrinking shamemy gaze he shuns—Say, how hold you him?BRANGÆNA. Mean you Sir Tristan,lady mine?Extolled by ev'ry nation,his happy country's pride,The hero of creation,—whose fame so high and wide?ISOLDA (jeeringly).In shrinking trepidationhis shame he seeks to hide,While to the king, his relation,he brings the corpse-like bride!—Seems it so senselessWhat I say?Go ask himself,our gracious host,dare he approach my side?No courteous heedor loyal carethis hero t'wardshis lady turns;but to meet her his heart is daunted,this knight so highly vaunted!Oh! he wotswell the cause!To the traitor go,bearing his lady's will!As my servant bound,straightway should he approach.BRANGÆNA. Shall I beseech himto attend thee?ISOLDA. Nay, order him:pray, understand it:—I, Isoldado command it!

[At an imperious sign from ISOLDA BRANGÆNA withdraws and timidly walks along the deck towards the stern, past the working sailors. ISOLDA, following her with fixed gaze, sinks back on the couch, where she remains seated during the following, her eyes still turned sternward.]

KURVENAL (observing Brangæna's approach, plucks Tristan by the robe without rising.)Beware, Tristan!Message from Isolda!TRISTAN (starting). What is't?—Isolda?—

(He quickly regains his composure as BRANGÆNA approaches and curtsies to him.)

What would my lady?I her liegeman,fain will listenwhile her loyalwoman tells her will.BRANGÆNA. My lord, Sir Tristan,Dame Isoldawould have speechwith you at once.TRISTAN. Is she with travel worn?The end is near:nay, ere the set of sunsight we the land.All that your mistress commands me,trust me, I shall mind.BRANGÆNA. That you, Sir Tristan,go to her,–this is my lady's wish.TRISTAN. Where yonder verdant meadowsin distance dim are mounting,waits my sov'reignfor his mate:to lead her to his presenceI'll wait upon the princess:'tis an honorall my own.BRANGÆNA. My lord, Sir Tristan,list to me:this one thingmy lady wills,that thou at once attend her,there where she waits for thee.TRISTAN. In any stationwhere I standI truly serve but her,the pearl of womanhood.If I unheedingleft the helm,how might I pilot her shipin surety to King Mark?BRANGÆNA. Tristan, my master,why mock me thus?Seemeth my sayingobscure to you?list to my lady's words:thus, look you, she hath spoken:"Go order him,and understand it,I—Isolda—do command it."KURVENAL (springing up). May I an answer make her?TRISTAN. What wouldst thou wish to reply?KURVENAL. This should she sayto Dame Isold':"Though Cornwall's crownand England's islefor Ireland's child he chose,his own by choiceshe may not be;he brings the king his bride.A hero-knightTristan is hight!I've said, nor care to measureyour lady's high displeasure."

[While TRISTAN seeks to stop him, and the offended BRANGÆNA turns to depart, KURVENAL sings after her at the top of his voice, as she lingeringly withdraws.]

"Sir Morold toiledo'er mighty wavethe Cornish tax to levy;In desert islewas dug his grave,he died of wounds so heavy.His head now hangsin Irish lands,Sole were-gild wonat English hands.Bravo, our brave Tristan!Let his tax take who can!"

[KURVENAL, driven away by TRISTAN'S chidings, descends into the cabin. BRANGÆNA returns in discomposure to ISOLDA, closing the curtains behind her, while all the men take up the chorus and are heard without.]

KNIGHTS AND ATTENDANTS."His head now hangsin Irish lands,sole were-gild wonat English hands.Bravo, our brave Tristan!Let his tax take who can!"

SCENE III

[ISOLDA and BRANGÆNA alone, the curtain being again completely closed. ISOLDA rises with a gesture of despair and wrath. BRANGÆNA falls at her feet.]

BRANGÆNA. Ah! an answerso insulting!ISOLDA (checking herself on the brink of a fearful outburst).How now? of Tristan?I'd know if he denies me.BRANGÆNA. Ah! question not!ISOLDA. Quick, say without fear!BRANGÆNA. With courteous phrasehe foiled my will.ISOLDA. But when you bade him hither?BRANGÆNA. When I had straightwaybid him come,where'er he stood,he said to me,he truly served but thee,the pearl of womanhood;if he unheededleft the helmhow could he pilot the shipin surety to King Mark?ISOLDA (bitterly)."How could he pilot the shipin surety to King Mark!"And wait on him with were-gildfrom Ireland's island won!BRANGÆNA.As I gave out the messageand in thy very words,thus spoke his henchman Kurvenal—ISOLDA.Heard I not ev'ry sentence?it all has reached my ear.If thou hast learnt my disgracenow hear too whence it has grown.How scoffinglythey sing about me!Quickly could I requite them!What of the boatso bare and frail,that floated by our shore?What of the brokenstricken man,feebly extended there?Isolda's arthe gladly owned;with herbs, simplesand healing salvesthe wounds from which he sufferedshe nursed in skilful wise.Though "Tantris"The name that he took unto him,as "Tristan"anon Isolda knew him,when in the sick man's keen bladeshe perceived a notch had been made,wherein did fita splinter brokenin Morold's head,the mangled tokensent home in hatred rare:this hand did find it there.I heard a voicefrom distance dim;with the sword in handI came to him.Full well I willed to slay him,for Morold's death to pay him.But from his sick bedhe looked upnot at the sword,not at my arm—his eyes on mine were fastened,and his feeblenesssoftened my heart:the sword—dropped from my fingers.Though Morold's steel had maimed himto health again I reclaimed him!when he hath homeward wendedmy emotion then might be ended.BRANGÆNA.O wondrous! Why could I not see this?The guest I sometimehelped to nurse—?ISOLDA.His praise briskly they sing now:—"Bravo, our brave Tristan!"—he was that distressful man.A thousand protestationsof truth and love he prated.Hear how a knightfealty knows!—When as Tantrisunforbidden he'd left me,as Tristanboldly back he came,in stately shipfrom which in prideIreland's heiressin marriage he askedfor Mark, the Cornish monarch,his kinsman worn and old.In Morold's lifetimedared any have dreamedto offer us such an insult?For the tax-payingCornish princeto presume to court Ireland's princess!Ah, woe is me!I it waswho for myselfdid shape this shame!with death-dealing swordshould I have stabbed him;weakly it escaped me:—now serfdom I have shaped me.Curse him, the villain!Curse on his head!Vengeance! Death!Death for me too!BRANGÆNA (throwing herself upon ISOLDA with impetuous tenderness).Isolda! lady!loved one! fairest!sweet perfection!mistress rarest!Hear me! come now,sit thee here.—

(Gradually draws ISOLDA to the couch.)

What a whim!what causeless railing!How came you so wrong-mindedand by mere fancy blinded?Sir Tristan gives theeCornwall's kingdom;then, were he erst thy debtor,how could he reward thee better?His noble uncleserves he so:think too what a gifton thee he'd bestow!With honor unequalledall he's heir toat thy feet he seeks to shower,to make thee a queenly dower.

(ISOLDA turns away.)

If wife he'd make theeunto King Markwhy wert thou in this wise complaining?Is he not worth thy gaining?Of royal raceand mild of mood,who passes King Markin might and power?If a noble knightlike Tristan serves him,who would not but feel elated,so fairly to be mated.ISOLDA (gazing vacantly before her).Glorious knight!And I must near himloveless ever languish!How can I support such anguish?BRANGÆNA.What's this, my lady?loveless thou?

(Approaching coaxingly and kissing ISOLDA.)

Where lives there a manwould not love thee?Who could see IsoldaAnd not sinkat once into bondage blest?And if e'en it could beany were cold,did any magicdraw him from thee,I'd bring the false oneback to bondage,And bind him in links of love.—

(Secretly and confidentially, close to ISOLDA.)

Mindest thou notthy mother's arts?Think you that shewho'd mastered thosewould have sent me o'er the sea,without assistance for thee?ISOLDA (darkly).My mother's redeI mind aright,and highly her magicarts I hold:—Vengeance they wreak for wrongs,rest give to wounded spirits.—Yon casket hither bear.BRANGÆNA.It holds a balm for thee.—

(She brings forward a small golden coffer, opens it, and points to its contents.)

Thy mother placed inside ither subtle magic potions.There's salve for sicknessor for wounds,and antidotesfor deadly drugs.—

(She takes a bottle.)

The helpfullest draughtI hold in here.ISOLDA.Not so, I know a better.I make a markto know it again—This draught 'tis I would drain.

(Seizes flask and shows it.)

BRANGÆNA (recoiling in horror).The draught of death!

(ISOLDA has risen from the sofa and now hears with increasing dread the cries of the sailors.)

VOICES OF THE CREW (without)."Ho! heave ho! hey!Reduce the sail!The mainsail in!Ho! heave ho! hey!"ISOLDA.Our journey has been swift.Woe is me! Near to the land!

SCENE IV

(KURVENAL boisterously enters through the curtains.)

KURVENAL.Up, up, ye ladies!Look alert!Straight bestir you!Loiter not,—here is the land!—To dame Isoldasays the servantof Tristan,our hero true:—Behold our flag is flying!it waveth landwards aloft:in Mark's ancestral castlemay our approach be seen.So, dame Isolda,he prays to hasten,for land straight to prepare her,that thither he may bear her.ISOLDA (who has at first cowered and shuddered on hearing the message, now speaks calmly and with dignity).My greeting takeunto your lordand tell him what I say now:Should he assist to land meand to King Mark would he hand me,unmeet and unseemlywere his act,the while my pardonwas not wonfor trespass black and base:So bid him seek my grace.

(KURVENAL makes a gesture of defiance.)

Now mark me well,This message take:—Nought will I yet prepare me,that he to land may bear me;I will not by him be landed,nor unto King Mark be handedere granting forgivenessand forgetfulness,which 'tis seemlyhe should seek:—for all his trespass baseI tender him my grace.KURVENAL.Be assured,I'll bear your words:we'll see what he will say!

(He retires quickly.)

SCENE V

ISOLDA (hurries to BRANGÆNA and embraces her vehemently).Now farewell, Brangæna!Greet ev'ry one,Greet my father and mother!BRANGÆNA.What now? what mean'st thou?Wouldst thou flee?And where must I then follow?ISOLDA (checking herself suddenly).Here I remain:heard you not?TRISTAN will I await.—I trust in theeto aid in this:prepare the truecup of peace:thou mindest how it is made.BRANGÆNA.What meanest thou?ISOLDA (taking a bottle from the coffer).This it is!From the flask go pourthis philtre out;yon golden goblet 'twill fill.BRANGÆNA (filled with terror receiving the flask).Trust I my wits?ISOLDA.Wilt thou be true?BRANGÆNA.The draught—for whom?ISOLDA. Him who betrayed!BRANGÆNA. Tristan?ISOLDA. Truce he'll drink with me.BRANGÆNA (throwing herself at ISOLDA'S feet).O horror!Pity thy handmaid!ISOLDA. Pity thou me,false-hearted maid!Mindest thou notmy mother's arts?Think you that shewho'd mastered thosewould have sent thee o'er the seawithout assistance for me?A salve for sicknessdoth she offerand antidotesfor deadly drugs:for deepest griefand woe supremegave she the draught of death.Let Death now give her thanks!BRANGÆNA (scarcely able to control herself). O deepestgrief!ISOLDA. Now, wilt thou obey?BRANGÆNA. O woe supreme!ISOLDA. Wilt thou be true?BRANGÆNA. The draught?KURVENAL (entering). Sir Tristan!

(BRANGÆNA rises, terrified and confused. ISOLDA strives with immense effort to control herself.)

ISOLDA (to Kurvenal). Sir Tristan may approach!

SCENE VI

[KURVENAL retires again. BRANGÆNA, 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]

(TRISTAN enters, and pauses respectfully at the entrance.)

TRISTAN. Demand, lady,what you will.ISOLDA. While knowing notwhat my demand is,wert thou afraidstill to fulfil it,fleeing my presence thus?TRISTAN. HonorHeld me in awe.ISOLDA. Scant honor hast thoushown unto me;for, unabashed,withheldest thouobedience unto my call.TRISTAN. Obedience 'twasforbade me to come.ISOLDA. But little I owethy lord, methinks,if he allowsill mannersunto his own promised bride.TRISTAN. In our landit is the lawthat he who fetcheshome the brideshould stay afar from her.ISOLDA. On what account?TRISTAN. 'Tis the custom.ISOLDA. Being so careful,my lord Tristan,another customcan you not learn?Of enemies friends make:for evil acts amends make.TRISTAN. Who is my foe?ISOLDA. Find in thy fears!Blood-guiltgets between us.TRISTAN. That was absolved.ISOLDA. Not between us.TRISTAN. In open field,'fore all the folkour old feud was abandoned.ISOLDA. 'Twas not thereI held Tantris hidwhen Tristan was laid low,He stood there brawny,bright and brave;but in his truceI took no part:my tongue its silence had learnt.When in chambered stillnesssick he laywith the sword I stoodbefore him, stern;silent—my lips,motionless—my hand.But that which my handand 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 murderedno honor fell.In that heartfelt miserymy 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 tendedthat, when sickness ended,thou shouldst fall by some man,as Isolda's revenge should plan.But now attemptthy fate to foretell me?if their friendship all men do sell thee,what foe can seek to fell thee?TRISTAN (pale and gloomy, offers her his sword). Ifthou so lovedst this lord,then lift once more my sword,nor from thy purpose refrain;let the weapon not fail again.ISOLDA. Put up thy swordwhich once I swung,when vengeful rancormy bosom wrung,when thy masterful eyesdid ask me straightwhether King Markmight seek me for mate.The sword harmless descended.—Drink, let our strife be ended!

(ISOLDA beckons BRANGÆNA. She trembles and hesitates to obey. ISOLDA commands her with a more imperious gesture. BRANGÆNA sets about preparing the drink.)

VOICES OF THE CREW (without). Ho! heave ho! hey!Reduce the sail!The foresail in!Ho! heave ho! hey!TRISTAN (starting from his gloomy brooding). Whereare we?ISOLDA. Near to shore.TRISTAN, is warfare ended?Hast not a word to offer?TRISTAN (darkly). Concealment's mistressmakes me silent:I know what she conceals,conceal, too, more than she knows.ISOLDA. Thy silence noughtbut feigning I deem.Friendship wilt thou still deny?

(Renewed cries of the Sailors.)

(At an impatient sign from ISOLDA BRANGÆNA hands her the filled cup.)

ISOLDA (advancing with the cup to TRISTAN, who gazes immovably into her eyes).Thou hear'st the cry?The shore's in sight:we must ere long (with slight scorn)stand by King Mark together.SAILORS (without). Haul the warp!Anchor down!TRISTAN (starting wildly).Down with the anchor!Her stern to the stream!The sails a-weather the mast!

(He takes the cup from ISOLDA.)

I know the Queenof Ireland well,unquestioned areher magic arts:the balsam cured mewhich she brought;now bid me quaff the cup,that I may quite recover.Heed to my all—atoning oath,which in return I tenderTristan's honor—highest truth!Tristan's anguish—brave distress!Traitor spirit,dawn-illumined!Endless trouble'sonly truce!Oblivion's kindly draught,with rapture thou art quaff'd!

(He lifts the cup and drinks.)

ISOLDA. Betrayed e'en here?I must halve it!—

(She wrests the cup from his hand.)

Betrayer, I drink to thee!

[She drinks, and then throws away the cup. Both, seized with shuddering, gaze with deepest emotion, but immovable demeanor, into one another's eyes, in which the expression of defiance to death fades and melts into the glow of passion. Trembling seizes them, they convulsively clutch their hearts and pass their hands over their brows. Their glances again seek to meet, sink in confusion, and once more turn with growing longing upon one another.]

ISOLDA (with trembling voice). Tristan!TRISTAN (overpowered). Isolda!ISOLDA (sinking upon his breast). Traitor beloved!TRISTAN. Woman divine!

(He embraces her with ardor. They remain in a silent embrace.)

ALL THE MEN (without).Hail! Hail!Hail our monarch!Hail to Mark, the king!BRANGÆNA (who, filled with confusion and horror, has leaned over 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'ryI have wroughtinstead of death!Dire the deedof my dull fond heart:it cries aloud to heav'n!

(They start from their embrace.)

TRISTAN (bewildered).What troubled dreamof Tristan's honor?ISOLDA. What troubled dreamOf 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'drides in each breast!ISOLDA! Tristan!TRISTAN! Isolda!World, I can shun theemy 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.]

BRANGÆNA (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 barkwith 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, Brangæna?What are those cries?BRANGÆNA. Isolda—mistress!Compose thyself!ISOLDA. Where am I! living?What was that draught?BRANGÆNA (despairingly). The love-potion!ISOLDA (staring with horror at TRISTAN). Tristan!TRISTAN. Isolda!ISOLDA. Must I live, then?

(Falls fainting upon his breast.)

BRANGÆNA (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.]