Act 1 — SCENE I.
Reading edition
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 stripes are stretching along the west: swiftly sails the ship to shore; if restful the sea by eve we 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 might that commands the wave and the tempest? O subtle art of sorcery, for mere leech-craft followed too long! Awake in me once more, power of will! Arise from thy hiding within my breast! Hark to my bidding, fluttering breezes! Arise and storm in boisterous strife! With furious rage and hurricane's hurdle waken the sea from slumbering calm; rouse up the deep to its devilish deeds! Shew it the prey which gladly I proffer! Let it shatter this too daring ship and enshrine in ocean each shred! And woe to the lives! Their wavering death-sighs I 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 tear thou'st quitted thy father and mother, and scarce a word of farewell to friends thou gavest; leaving home thou stood'st, how cold and still! pale and speechless on the way, food rejecting, reft of sleep, stern and wretched, wild, disturbed; how it pains me so to see thee! Friends no more we seem, being thus estranged. Make me partner in thy pain! Tell me freely all 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.)