5501 U875 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Henirg M, Sage 1S91 /?...jz./.s..^^.;^. 7673-2 ^¥V-'^-7^ PS 3501.U871t8"'"""' ""'"' Tristram & Isoult, 3 1924 022 241 610 Hr« Cornell University VM Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924022241 61 TRISTRAM & ISOULT BY MARTHA wf AUSTIN eritati' BOSTON THE POET LORE COMPANY Publishers 1905 Copyright 1905 by Martha W. Austin All Rights Reserved Printed at THE GORHAM PRESS Boston, IT. S. A. TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER DRAMATIS PERSONAE KING ARTHUR OF BRITAIN KING MARK OF QOEN^4U- SIR LAUNCELOT DU-ESC SIR TRISTRAM OF LYONESSE SIR ANDRED QUEEN GUINEVERE QUEEN ISOULT ISOULT BLANCHE MAINS OF BRITTANY BRANGWANE, BLANCHELYS, LINETTE, COLOMBE— Queen Isoult's damsels, and other women in waiting to the two Queens. Knights, pages, etc. FOREWORD A YEAR ago when this dramatic poem was already completed, though want- ing some retouching in metrical detail, I came upon the notice of a "Tris- tan and Isolde" by Louis Anspacher, a blank verse drama intended for stage production, about to be published by Brentano. For six months I had not the courage to order the book in question and learn if my work were super- seded and superfluous. When at length I did read Mr. Anspacher's drama I found there was still a place for my own version, as the two differed almost as much as it was possible for any two treatments of the same theme to differ. Mr. Anspacher's story is based, as the form of the names would indicate, upon the German legend, and follows somewhat the lines of Wagner's libretto. The great divergence between the German and the English variants lies with the character of Mark. In the one he is a mild, noble and benign old man; in theotHeFHeii^ base, craf tyi f alse^hearted^ndjchsBt ing cowardTlThe conception of King Mark's charac- ter iTthe moral necessity that determines whether the passion of the lovei^shall be guilty and secret or fearless an3 avowe3.^]^I have builded on Mallory, who tells how, wearied in the struggle against Mark's unremitting treachery. Sir Tristram after the vile betrayal and battle behind the chapel on the rocks, in which he came so near to losing his life, bore Queen Isoult into Launcelot's country and there lived with her in the castle of Joyous Garde. 6 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Thus I have found in the Mallorean text my in- stance of Queen Isoult sending Tristram to the tourney at the great feast of Pentecost. "Sir, said Isoult, and it please you I will not be there, for through me ye be marked of many good knights, and that causeth you to have much more labour for my sake than needeth you. Then will I not be there, said Sir Tristram, but if ye be there. Not so, said Belle Isoult, for then shall I be spoken of shame among all queens and ladies of estate, for ye that are called one of the noblest knights of the world, and ye a knight of the Round Table, how may ye be missed at that feast? What shall be said among all knights? See how Sir Tristram hunteth, and hawketh and cowereth within a castle with his lady, and forsaketh your worship. Alas, shall some say, it is pity that ever he was made knight or that ever he should have the love of a lady. Also what shall queens and ladies say of me? It is pity that I have my life that I will hold so noble a knight as ye are from his worship." There also it is written that he returned again to his own country to become its defender in its need ; when Fate, who had let these two lives a brief space out of her hand, gathered their threads once more to the waiting shears. For the rest I have used what freedom I chose, in that privilege of each to draw the thing as he sees it ; for the story is legend and has not the constraining fixity of historical fact. Martha W. Austin. New Orleans, March 13th. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Part I Scene I. {A room in Arthur's palace at Camelot. On a latticed balcony at back, some ladies of the court gaily dressed. Enter from balcony Queen Guinevere and the Queen La Belle Isoult.) Guinevere Ma Belle Isoult, here have you watched, unseen, The prowess of your knight — the brittle spears Went down before him as when Winter breathes Upon the mailed boughs. Isoult To see his joy When I have told him that I saw him joust! He never jousts so well, he says, as ^hen Beneath my eyes, and loath was he to come Without me, till I urged — "The world will say Thou art to deeds grown dull, and dead to fame. Thy days all passed in harping, or the hunt. Or worse yet, by thy lady's side. Go — ^but I will not go with thee, for fear that thou Be known, and all the knights bear down at once. Keen for that glory, Tristram overborne." No sooner was he gone than we took horse, Brangwane, Sir Dinadin, and I ; and all The way from Joyous Garde to Camelot We followed scarce a mile behind his heels ! {Cries without on balcony, enter Brangwane.) 7 8 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Brangivane The green knight rides away and none knows whith- er! The people shout for him. Isoult Ah, well I know He rides to Joyous Garde to seek Isoult. What ill may happen, if he miss me thence! Go, Brangwane, take this ring to Launcelot, Tell him that stranger knight who hath this day Been victor here, is Tristram, who returns To Joyous Garde. Bid him acquaint my lord I am with Guinevere. {Exit Brangwane.) Guinevere Ah, my Isoult, How have I envied thee thy Joyous Garde, Where thou hast fled from Mark and all his court, And lived with Tristram these two happy years. For there thou hadst no need to hold a hand Curved round the flame to hide it from men's eyes. But ours close-covered in the dark must burn. And still, although the light men cannot see. It seems they feel the warmth. There have been I hints — Always some mockery on Gawaine's lips. Mordred suspects. When Launcelot is here, I feel them watching us. I fear, Isoult. Suspicion grows; at times I turn, arrest The glance swift-travelling behind my back. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 9 To see it on a sudden sink to still Submission on the floor. My ears are strained To whispers — all eyes are watchmen, all tongues Are witnesses. We princes lift tall heads, The winds of rumor blowing over us Scatter the seeds of action through the land. And I, rank weed, oh, what an evil crop Through all my lord's wide acres shall I sow! The woman in me was not born a queen. Subject to duty from her very birth! They should have led me straight from tutory Unto the throne, letting mine eyes not once Stray to the simple happy world without. I am raised up too high, and in my search For Nature's common level, fall too low. Arfhiir T sr^rrf dfi think nn as a mfwr, "Rut moulded of the .e ssence-of'a King. I look at him and know his diadem Circles no thought outside its kingly round. My brow should match his; in its golden orb Strait as the forehead of some saint that shines Out of the altar galaxy full-sunned. Yet with a look of mundane matters, made .Majestical. Alas, this crown of mine jSheddeth its splendor to light up my shame — f\ baleful beacon guiding every eye *^-\ -4 To settle on me and to eat me through — J ;- Through all the shams and secrets, to the soul! Oh, take away the ermine, tissues, pearls. And purples — give me back my one bare shift. My maid's shift of white chastity ! Isoult Not so I Feel I. I put my love on like a crown. To wear it in men's sight. 'Tis Tristram makes 10 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Me queen — not Mark. Guinevere Yet hadst thou wedded been To one like Arthur — Isoult /Aye, the cause lies thert. been to one like Mark! I And hadst thou wedded be Yet not alone in this our fates diverge — It was not sin, when I loved Tristram first. Under a false name's shield he came to us, Wounded and weak, to ask my mother's skill. I did not know him for my uncle's slayer, — I must have held him guiltless, had I known — Since he for Cornwall fought, serving his king, His country, even as Marhaus fought for Ireland. I dreamed not then what stream of kinsman's blood Between us flowed. While strength came slow to him, We were together. In long eventides. As restless little stars will drop away, To leave the heavens lonely to the moon. The thousand little cares of day slipped out Of sight; and left large space for love. Then he Would take his harp and sing me Cornish lays. Or tell me stories of King Arthur's court. And we were happy, till one dreadful day My mother, seeking, found his broken sword. And struck by the strange work and diapered Design, fitted into the jagged blade The piece that had from Marhaus' wound been tak- en. And which in hope of vengeance still she kept. Sudden as if the sword itself had turned, TRISTRAM AND ISOULT ii Conscious its point upon her, passed the truth Into her breast. She sped unto my father Urgent of her revenge. "And knowest thou, King Anguish, whom thou harbourest? This Tris- tram Is Cornish robber of Sir Marhaus' life. He Cometh here for leech-craft as the bitten Desireth the dog's hair upon the bite. Or as we bind the adder on the part I Its fang envenomed." This Brangwane o'erheard And I so warned, sent Tristram safely thence. Thus fell the end. Never until that hour Were we aware of love. And fearfully In agony our passion came to birth, In throes of parting. But though Joy, its mother. Died in the moment, looking on its face. Love lived. Guinevere Whither fled Tristram then ? Isoult To Cornwall. Guinevere Was love begun so long ago? Isoult Aye, even Bo long ago. Yet ere he came again ■Three years had passed, and then he came to take (His uncle Mark a bride. I — I must go, Must close the breach between estranged kings, 12 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT And range me with the marble women who Forever prop the roofs of palaces With their numbed arms. I went — and all the rest Is known to thee. See, Guinevere, this ring — On that wild night of parting Tristram placed It there. Dost wonder that my marriage band Looked but a pale usurper by its side? Guinevere I wonder not. Thou hast not wronged the highest, Nor daily undermined his builded hope, Nor known thyself the worm that eats the heart Of a whole realm, and makes it at the core One rottenness ! Would I were dead ! I weary Of love's unrest : I think of convent halls, I Those long, cool corridors that lead the way 'To the low door of Death. Love has no peace. I dread that Launcelot of straining up May tire, to reach the joys forever out Of reach, and take some nestling happiness. That is not noble but is near. Isoult I, too. Have had that fear, but I have lost it, now. Guinevere When hadst thou it ? When Tristram to Isoult Blanche Mains of Brittany, was wed? Isoult Aye, then. The bitterness of then ! I hated him. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 13 And Oh, to hate what thou hast loved ! To touch Some flower-thought thou hast been wont to wear Upon thy breast, and feel instead the bee ! To wander from the garden of old hours Shut out, and see a face, a woman's face. Look on thee from the places that were thine! To waken in the night and know his kiss. Now dry upon thy lips is fresh on hers ! But let me not renew that ancient pang. All that is past — long past. And he is now The surelier — surelier — ^mine — ^mine — mine ! Guinevere King Howell made that marriage. But, Isoult, There is another thief, worse than sweet eyes For in the end he steals the sweet eyes too. And that is Time — dull Time — I dread that love Shall age, — that its gray ghost with gibbering lips. Too pale for kisses, shall walk in the room 'Of this bright vision with the sun-gold hair. Then will regret be deeper than remorse Is with me now. For if I fear to keep This love of Launcelot's, I fear to lose It more. The faultless goodness of the King Sometimes the chief of my reproach, again Is my guilt's plea. Though great in our regard. Goodness fills not the place of love. Had I But met my Arthur ere he was the king, All had been changed, perchance. Could he have been My lover for a little while, not first I And last the full-blown husband! Would we wish The wide, unfolded green and drowsy peace Of a midsummer's day, unless there came, Fore-running sharpness of keen April's joy. And what would be the dawn, were there no flush. 14 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT No faint, cold fears, and tremblings of the earth. No wet of tears upon her virgin face? (Enter Tristram.) Tristram Pardon, this is the rash, emboldened man Who stumbles on the counsel of two Queens, — But Launcelot rode after me in haste With word I must come back — She waited here Whose eyes would know me when I should be hid From God on High. Guinevere And thou wouldst ride away And not divulge thee even to Launcelot's self? Oh Truant! Is it then Sir Tristram's use To fight and flee ? Hast thou yet seen the King ? Tristram Madam, not yet, but I will go to him. He hath had news that gravely doth concern Myself, and Launcelot saith he had a mind To send to Joyous Garde and summon me. Guinevere I will go say thou'lt shortly come to him. Construe meanwhile my welcome not amiss, If I should leave thee with this lady here Awhile. Methinks you will not find yourselves At loss for speech. (Exit Guinevere.) TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 15 Isoult Tristram ! Trastram {Catching her in his arms) . Isoult! Isoult! To think that thou wast here and saw it all ! This was thy plan! Isoult We followed on thy trail, Brangwane and I. Dinadan rode with us. I must be here to take thee in my arms, The glow still on thee, ere the glory fade, Or thou cool from the anvil of the strife Where thou wast hammered hot with many blows, While I, the woman, catch reflected fire As doth some little cloud that flieth far Upon the outer edges of the storm. Would it were so ! I but a cloud to bear High in the heavens and in all men's sight Thy glory burning on my brow, my feet. My breast! It Tristram The wish is needless, thou shalt bear t on thy bosom as thou art. Thus! Thus! (He throws the ruby carcanet over her neck). Isoult The carcanet! The carcanet! The prize, The tourney's prize! And won by thee! i6 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Tristram And won For thee! Isoult I shall not envy Guinevere Her diamonds now. Tristram Her jewels? Envy! Thou enviest Isoult Nay, but every diamond there Stands for a joust and flashes forth the fame Of Launcelot. Tristram Her diamonds suit well That April Queen. Her variable mood Doth come and go in their illumined depths. Their purity troubled with changeful fire, Symbols the shaken soul of Guinevere. But these are thine, these flaming, vermeil drops — Isoult Heart-shaped, hearKolored, — 'tis the rosary Of loving hearts, whereon we'll tell the names Of those who for love's sake have greatly lived And died. This Hero's heart, and this the heart Of that Egyptian Queen — TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 17 Tristram This of Isoult — Isoult And this of Guinevere. You know her not How she loves Launcelot. Tristram Half heartedly — Queen first and lover last. April is she , A pettish April — thou art Autumn ripe, The glooming AutufflfTTJf'oia '"forests dark — Autumn that loves on in the grasp of death. And gives herself unto the asking winds. Something of sadness and of fear is wrought In with thy spell. I knew thee fatal when I saw thee first. Thy deep eyes were the gates To mystery opening back; thy whiteness shone And glimmered as it belonged to dim sea-depths ; And shadow undispelled dwelt on thy hair. Thy spirit stirred me like a wind that passed — Thy beauty tossed me with a wild unrest. Thou art a doom half dread, — ^yet, Oh, my Queen, A thousand lilies pale and opening buds Of maids, would I forego for one full breath \ Of thee, thou passion-flower of Love! Isoult Tell me. Is it not worth all pain that we have known? i8 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Tristram And all that is to come. Isoult What meanest thou? What pain ? What is to come ? Ah, thou wilt go Upon this quest, this new quest of the Grail? Tristram That is for Galahad and the rest, but I Have found my Grail; the cup from Brangwane's breast We took upon the ship, after the storm , That night — I drank of it, and in mine ears I A strain of music, and through all my blood » The splendor streamed. Isoult Oh, but not then, not then. For the first time! You loved me long before. Tristram I loved thee 'neath the king thy father's roof, That day, thou didst with healing fingers search My wound. My life was dying in dull smoke And fever-fume of dreams, when in the dimness Thy face first bent on me, breathed on the spark. And it sprang up and flowered in live flame. Isoult Oh, and that night of Mark's great hunt when thou TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 19 Hadst stolen back. The hoary-forest sprang \ Above our heads; its arches hollowed out Of darkness ; — faint we heard the sobbing horns As moonlight weave their cold thin silver through The shades — ^the hunt of life passed by — far, like A dream — the baying pack of tongues — ^the stroke Of swift-struck death — what were they then to us? Spectral the clamorous chase of all the world / Unreal life — unreal death — to us Who had found love! Tristram To us who have found love ! Isoult Put me not off, not even with words like these. What fresh pain waits for us? Tristram If we must part? Isoult Must part? Why, what can part us now? Tristram Cornwall Sends word. Sessions invades the realm, whom Mark Can ill afford to match, and Arthur fears — Isoult Arthur! 'Tis Arthur, then, sets thee this task! 20 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Tristram It is my native land ; the charge devolves On me alone. Isoult Then I foresee the end — The end of all — all happiness, all peace. No thought for me! Arthur has but to speak Some bloodless sermon ; for the cold king lets A many-rooted duty overrun His soul, as ivy o'erruns marble — {Re-enter Guinevere followed by Arthur and Laun- celot. ) Guinevere Tristram, The king, eager to praise thy lady's act. No longer would delay. King Arthur. Madam, I hear How love hath shielded him. Indeed 'twere best He were not known, — our knights grow envious; It is too much — so great a fortune both In love and war. The chiefest fortune this. That when of courage confident that needs No proof, he would have stayed from these last jousts, Isoult, for honor jealous, sent him hither. Was not this well done, Launcelot? TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 21 Launcelot My liege, Most nobly done. King Arthur The love that unto duty — Isoult To what new duty must love yield ? I see Behind thy words' cautious, contrived screen, Some lurking motive stand. King Arthur Hath Tristram told Thee then? Isoult Of what? Arthur To Cornwall and King Mark. Isoult Of peril imminent 'Tis like that I Should care for peril to King Mark, himself The very worst of perils unto me. Arthur To Cornwall then. 22 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Isoult And Cornwall a huge trap Ready to spring on me; it's only good, That the green Irish sea washes its shores. Arthur 'Tis Tristram's land ; to him all Cornwall looks. His to redeem this canker of his race, From the same blood — ^poison and antidote. Launcelot His Uncle Mark already asks his aid, The fox begins to need the lion's paw. Isoult And art thou too against me, Launcelot? Launcelot Never, my Queen — Arthur Who is against La Belle Isoult, unless it be herself? The self, For honor eager to a tourney's gain, Would have him now a recreant to his king? And to his country false? I know that Mark Hath plotted, prisoned, and betrayed — I know His guile — yet in these tangled lives we lead It sometimes happens public faith goes hand In hand with private feud. So at this hour. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 23 Tristram Listen, Isoult — Isoult I will not hear thee plead With them, opposing me ! Arthur Whilst he is gone. At Camelot remain with Guinevere. Guinevere Yes, stay with me. Isoult And he with Mark? No, no — I must be there to watch. Always the going, — Forever do I flutter on as doth A bird in fear of him that foUoweth. Oh, to drop down upon some spot of shelter And fold the wings. Sir Launcelot — Launcelot Madam? Isoult For Joyous Garde I give thee many thanks; I have been happy there. I 24 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Launcelot And will return To happiness again. Isoult To Joyous Garde No more. Not joy shall guard me after this, But doubt and dread shall keep unwearied ward •The joy no more was mine than was the castle, 1 1 was the guest of Joy, and here I take My leave. Anguish of Ireland is my father, i Tristram my love — I that am born of Anguish, And wedded unto Sorrow, may not dwell With Joy. Launcelot, if passing the great hall Some night when the full moon doth mist her light Down through the mullion to the floor, and makes All dim as dreams; if thou, I say, shouldst see Two figures, gray and carven as of stone, He leaning on a harp, she on his breast, And at their feet a hound that couches stark And still — the moonlight weaves this vision ; wipe It from thine eyes: and if a strain should haunt Thee like a harp — the wind alone thou hearest ; For when I die my spirit shall set up Its ghostly monument forever, there. At Joyous Garde — at Joyous Garde! Farewell. (£*iV Isoult.) TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 25 Part II Scene I. (A tower of King Mark's castle of Tintagil. A wide view of river, valley, and distant sea. Queen Isoult sitting at tambour frame, her women at work around her — all except Blanchelys, who leans over the low parapet.) Blanchelys Ah, see the circling swallows, how they play — Swim round and round the tower in the air. Until my head swims, too, merely to watch. Linette That is because thou art so feather-brained. Blanchelys What color! Ah, what color! purple backs Like to the sea, breasts tawny as sea-sands. How their forked tails like scissors shear the air ! They chase the evening gnats — Oh Swallow, Swal- low, I'd live forever in the sea and sky If I were thou, and never drop to earth. Isoult (Sea-Swallow was the name of that good ship On which we sailed from Ireland hither. Linette When Sir Tristram brought you home? Tell us the story. 26 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT The story of the voyage and the storm. Isoult No, no, my heart is heavy, 'tis the hour That I was wont to wait, at Joyous Garde, His weary coming home from the long hunt. At sunset would I mount the castle wall. And set the bugle to my lips, and hear Its voice forlornly wander, silver-sad. Like a blown question seeking in the wood 'Till far away, from out the golden west Came answer — ^Tristram's horn. Blanchelys Oh, those old days At Joyous Garde — Would now that we were there ! Isoult Name them no more, Blanchelys, their memory Strikes me too deep. Brangwane 'Tis time Sir Tristram came. We know the battle hath been fought and won. And Sessions sent to mark submission here. And to King Mark swear oath of fealty. Colombe He little thought when Cornwall he invaded, Tristram of Lyonesse would take the field. {Blanchelys who has meanwhile gone out, returns.) TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 27 Blanchelys Madam, the King comes hither; he would speak With you. I soul t Tell him that he may come, Blanchelys. {She signs to her women to withdraw. Enter King Mark). Mark // ' My feet a little stumbled at this stair So seldom worn with them. You find the air Here pure — the prospect broad ? Does any come Speeding across the plain, he is from these High towers visible, and thou canst watch The winking speck grow to the mailed man. {Isoult makes no answer; the king with a bitter smile). For such rewarding sight, even now no doubt We wait. Be comforted, thou hast not long, Tristram returns to-day. Isoult Aye, so I know. Mark (bitterly) I know thou knowest. Did I lack the news, For its procurance I should send to thee. 'Twas usher to thy presence, that was all. To smile me into favor with its use. No phrase so fair that it may stand my friend. For still my tongue must make its music rough. 28 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Who hath more cause for gladness than ourself, Is not our nephew come victorious home, And from our quarrel? Isoult True, he hath once more Redeemed thy realm. Three times for Cornwall hath I He fought — ^with Marhaus first, and out of that Grew all our story — next — Mark (^interrupting) He is the sword I draw against my foes. I need his edge, Yet grudge its dazzle in men's eyes. 'Tis well To have him where my hand can reach him down. But not hooked to my side and clanging round My step. Isoult You love not ringing souls that make Clear, warlike music ; but some dagger's stealth That slips in silence from his sheath, and back. To muffle murder in a velvet cloak. If Tristram's presence irk thee, then unloose The silver cord that holds him to thy side. Mark The silver chord unloose — that were thyself — / Not so the Psalmist meant to use the words. How if I take his meaning, and unloose The twisted strands of being — wouldst thou part With life? TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 29 Isoult It were a way to part with thee. Mark Nay, I must follow soon, or else thy hell \ Were not complete. Isoult I We shall not meet in Hell. Where the lean flame drips red along its blade As if with blood, thou scarcely shalt be found. The coward hath a hell unto himself, Where very fire looks white and licks blue lips. Crouches and creeps and cowers on the ground ; , Threatens the death it dare not deal, and burns Not, though it blackeneth. Mark If that be so, Isoult, and we meet not in Hell, I'll keep Thee longer on this earth; here shalt thou sit In this same tower thou lovest, day by day, And hold thy vigil o'er the vacant plain For one banished in far off Brittany. Isoult Banished ! It is so old a tale. Hast thou Forgot the time of his first banishment. When thy knights rose and forced thee bring him back? 30 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Mark Now hath he fewer friends; Lamorak is dead, Palomides follows the Questing Beast, Gareth is gone on distant vow. Isoult Yet Arthur, The first of friends and fearless king, remains. Mark Not strange that he should stir in each a cause. The king who keepeth Launcelot in hall. Nor it is strange that she, the crowned Lie, Should plead for thee. Isoult What mean you, Guinevere? Mark 'Tis known the Queen and Launcelot live in sin. Yet has she shame to hide it; thou dost flaunt Thy guilt. Did'st thou not send to her this word — "There be four lovers in the world — Launcelot And Guinevere and Tristram and Isoult?" Isoult "There be four lovers in the world — Launcelot And Guinevere and Tristram and Isoult!" Aye, true, by Lamorak I sent. How heard'st Thou that? Thy spies are evers^where — ^what room Is left in thee for thine own thoughts, that art So keen for those of other men ? All eye TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 31 And ear ! Well, let it be thy part to lie, Watch dog, and look and listen with ears pricked Outside Love's chamber door. Mark Beware, the dog Feigns sleep, and thou wilt feel his teeth, one day. hoult 'I care not. I have lost the dread of death; I walk upon its brink and am not dizzied. I am so high I stand on mountain tops And see Death's river in the Vale of Life Far at my feet in silver quiet shine. Here on love's height it seems that if I die I shall not taste the coldness of the stream, I shall but step into a nearer glory. Oh, Mark, how shouldst thou know what love like ours Can be. Man thinks to mate, and in the first Fair face his wish is met. The maid that lifts Meek eyes to some strong knight fresh from the lists And shining in his steel, will see fulfilled Her convent dream. But not like these we love. Oh, not like these ! On summer evenings thou Hast seen a meteor fall. We have a belief 'Tis then a soul is bom — such souls as mine And his, brands from the burning caught, and flung All burning from the hand of God. For us There was not choice from many loves, but one — Each unto each, although the world be set , Blazing upon our track! Mart Oh rare, rare souls! 32 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT IsOttlt Aye, rare is he despite thy sneer. And this Doth most beget thy hate. But wherefore, Mark? Were there no Tristram wouldst thou be the first? When lions perish doth the snake come next? Mark Snake? Darest thou? Isoult 'Tis so men speak of thee, And in the face of his great openness Thy cunning shows, as snake-slime in the sun. Mark Too far, at last thou'rt gone too far, I think! So safe in thy great beauty dost thou feel — No man would dare to touch the perfect flesh — And yet I hate thy beauty — ^hate, hate, hate (He seizes her by the wrists, shaking her as he ut- ters these words full of compressed fury). Thy beauty and his strength. I'll tear this cur- tain Of flesh God hangs before thy soul to cheat Men's eyes. I'll strip thee of this insolence. I hate thy moonlight face, thy midnight hair, Thy red, red lips that look as if they had Not yet had time to pale since his last kiss. {He forces her slowly back towards the parapet). Isoult I do not fear thee — No, I do not fear. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 33 Thou canst hot make me fear. Take thy hands off! Mark This flesh thou never givest me to touch By night nor day, I have it now ; I hold It in my clutch — the wan-white skin. The blood Sits throned in purple at thy heart and will Not come and go at bidding as it doth In meaner veins. White, white, like purity Proclaimed. Look down — think what a bleeding pulp Would lie upon those stones ! Art thou upon The verge of death undizzied still ? {A noise unheeded by Mark is heard in the court- yard below). Where is Thy Tristram now ? Cry out and he will hear — Wilt thou not cry? Not even on God's help ? {Isoult hangs upon the edge without sound or sign. She smiles into his face). Thou wouldst look up out of the flames of Hell And smile defiance in the face of God. Methinks I see thee there like a tall lily Midst of a bed of red — or like a white, Indomitable star, that in the fierce And burning glory of the West shows through Unquenched. (Releases her) There! I release thee. I will wait — For God will not endure a pride that shakes His own Omnipotence. I cannot teach Thee fear. Isoult Not though thou lessonest in what 34 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Thou hast been mastered well. Was it thy thought Thou couldst beget in me a whimpering fear, A puling, crying fear — the child of thee — White-livered, watery-veined? Thy hands have touched My throat and left disgust, or I could laugh. Brangwane {rushing in). Madam Isoult, dear lady — he is come. Isoult Tristram? Hath Tristram come? Brangwane. This moment. Mark Ha! Yet had he been too late. Isoult Go bring him here. {Mark gOK out). 1 Still am I standing, though I swayed but now Within the circle of enarming death Like poppies in the crescent of the scythe. Oh, but I know that soon, soon must he mow Us down. It cannot last long. We have lived. Let it come when it will. I feel the event Now set in motion moving toward me slow. I wait for it, and cannot be surprised. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 35 Part II Scene II. ( The great hall in the palace of Tintagil. A banqueting table in the midst — at one side a raised dais with two throne chairs under canopy. On the right at foot of throne is another chair, garlanded with green. Garlands of flowers are twined in the railing of the gallery which overhangs the hall. The lintel posts, wreathed with roses, are crowned with lighted torches, and clustered torches are at in- tervals around the hall. Mullioned windows at back of hall and of gallery. A harper sings in the gal- lery). His falcon stoops above the wood, His grayhound courseth as it should, His hounds make music bold and clear, A-chasing fleet the flying deer His horn it hath a clarion call, His harp sings soft in bower and hall. Who is he — canst thou guess? Tristram of Lyonesse, Tristram of Lyonesse. His clean sword doth not gather rust. His lance it biteth to the dust. E'er ready is his restless blade, To draw for king and country's aid, And ne'er shall king or country fall, While still he fighteth for Cornwall. Who doth our wrong redress ? Tristram of Lyonesse, Tristram of Lyonesse. {Blanchelys, Linette, Colombe, Ettarde, and others busied in binding the lintel posts). 36 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Blanchelys Do you recall, Linette, the banquets once We had at Joyous Garde — ^where was less state, But we were far more blithe of heart. Here near The roof a grayness gathers o'er our heads; The banner of the empire of the dark. And see these tapers dim and sputtering. Almost you'd think the little ghosts of moths They had consumed came back and that way took A faint revenge. Linette ? The tapers. Indeed ! Upon this place. Sir Andred Of what doth Blanchelys talk, Linette Of moths we cannot see, that dull Sir Andred Ghosts of butterflies ? Light talk Blanchelys I say there always seems a gloom Sir Andred The shade of the gray Mark, He hangs like fog to thicken every breath, A dank rot to our lungs. Faugh, what a court! TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 37 Colombe I've watched and have made sure he hates the Queen ; But if he hate her, why must she stay here? You'd think he'd wish her from his sight, and give Us leave to go. Sir Andred She is the wound that itches — Itches! He cannot keep his fingers ofE. I wonder not, when I look on the Queen, — To have that woman ever near, yet scorned From touching her. 'Twould madden me — I could Not let her live. Colombe Thou wouldst not let her live! The let of that proud life could no more lie With thee than now it doth with Mark. For shame ! To speak thus of the Queen ! Blanchelys Her scorn is noble. Her nature lieth open to the sun. Extreme in hate and love, in hot and cold, Like the unscreened desert of white noon And icy night. Sir Andred Aye, thou art right enough. Hot noon with Tristram maketh a cold night For Mark. 38 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Linette I hear voices and laughter — Haste Make haste, Ettarde, I think they're coming now, Are your wreathes ready? Catch this garland's end. Blanchelys (tossing garland) And this. Colombe And this — Ettarde She will be beautiful Tonight, and proud. Linette And wear the carcanet Of rubies that Sir Tristram gave — Colombe They're here! {Enter King Mark and I soul t, Tristram walking alone behind them followed by a train of knights and ladies. Mark sits on dais, Isoult behind him, Tristram in chair at right). Mark Tristram, wilt thou not let them fetch the harp For thee to sing. The ladies would elect A love-song, and the knights a battle-lay, TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 39 Perchance, or the bold music of the hunt, But choose thou what thou wilt. Tristram Nay, if I sing It shall be none of these. There is a song Yet warming in my breast and newly made — A song of the rough sea. Will you hear that? A theme not strange to any here in old Tintagil, where beneath these castle walls The sea doth build himself a dwelling-place To mock our majesty. We hear the wild White workmen of the waves, the wind doth lash, Hammer the roofs and sculpture columns vast For him whose state is many-hailed — who hath A thousand palaces where he may spread His purple on the floor and dream away His summer rest. Not he — he is a king That never taketh ease. My childhood nights With the great voice like an unresting God's Were filled — that slumbered not nor slept. If still I move from task to task, it is the voice I think, urging me on. Some sleepless salt That stings the sluggish tides within my veins. This is the song. {He sings). As some sea-mew that 's blown By the wild gust alone From the salt strand Far inward o'er the land Goes crying in its pain Lamenting the waste main; So calls my heart in me Still yearning for the sea. 40 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Give me the sea again, Give me the sea ! Or some white fleck of foam Torn from its ocean home, As the v^ave flies, Falls shoreward then and dies, Waif of the storm's free reign Fretting the lawless plain; So dies my life in me Set burning for the sea. Give me the sea again, Give me the sea ! Isoult Give me the sea ! Thou canst not ask it more Than I. For it was round my childhood close As round thine own. My land is the sea's lover Not fronting him with a bleak rock-bound coast But low and green and woman-like she lieth Encompassed and encircled by the main. In her its changeful emerald has been fixed, And made green constancy. Mark Dost thou not keep The sea in sight, likewise, in Brittany, Tristram ? Tristram We do, my Liege. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 41 Mark 'Tis fortunate. And the word Brittany doth bring to mind One thing tonight Is wanting to our joy ; The hero of the feast must sit alone, His triumph all unshared by her who waits In Brittany — Isoult of the White Hands. Tristram ' Uncle, I wedded at her father's wish Isoult of Brittany. 'Twas known to him That on the morrow I must ride away. I scarce do know my wife — that love of ours Was as a gleam of winter sun — hath made No change in the white silence of her life; The frosty seal that locks the crystal source Of her young soul, is still unthawed; no wreath Nor garland of her virgin snow, hath yet As by a breath been stirred. Mark Tristram Doth she not fret? She lives in quiet. Mine were a rude life To share. Mark 'Tis true, 'tis true — the fault is ours, To lay our burdens on thy back and leave No time of ease. Henceforward shalt thou rest. And since we know thou tak'st no thought for self 42 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Nor sparest toil, but would be ever gone On some hard quest, we must, under the guise Of an ingratitude, hide our right wish ; Command thy absence, banish to Bretagne And exile thee to love; punish with peace. Those two white hands will cool with their soft snow The newer wounds — and children come to bless. So now, — be witness. Friends, — ^Tristram from Cornwall Is banished for the term of ten round years. And none shall harbour him, and none entreat His stay beneath their roof, save they themselves Incur like penalty. But as we part In love, help me to show it this last night. This night of parting fill with revel, wine, {rises) And song. Come, let us start the cup. I give Ye for a pledge, Tristram of Lyonesse And his Isoult — Isoult of the White IJands ! Sir Andred Tristram of Lyonesse and his Isoult! {He lifts his goblet to the Queen. The knights and ladies who have been looking on each other with glances of surprise and consternation, all follow his example and cry "Tristram of Lyonesse and his Isoult," leaving off the words "of the White Hands," and many cups are lifted toward the Queen), Tristram (rises) And is there none to help me thank the king? His guerdon for his battles I have won. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 43 To banish me the soil for which I fought ! Now I have served his need he shakes me off. I go to Brittany — but not for peace. Look on this sword — this hacked, hewn warrior That bought the freedom from the Irish tax; That hath saved Cornwall from her enemies ; Hath slain them singly one by one; or piled The field with mounded heaps. Now, in its prime Are age and rust to come on it? Is it In dark oblivion, in its narrow bed To turn and sleep ? No, it hath dreamed too long Of glory — to the world made real that dream. Tristram, thou, crafty Mark, canst banish — never Tristram's good sword. For that can carve its way. Can split the fine hair of the law's decrees; Can rip thy realm in long red, running furrows And sow them with the white seed of the slain. I bear the load of Cornwall on my back I shake my shoulders, and thy sceptre sways. Thus, did I choose to pluck down what I built ! But no, with my obedience I cement The structure I have raised. Sustain my work And set the seal of patience on the end Which has had force and violence for means. I then, obey, — I go to Brittany. It is not far, and soon I may return. But be you wise and give no cause for that ! 44 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Part II Scene HI. {The same hall later. The garlands are withered, the wine cups on table overturned. The only light the moonlight which streams through large windows at back. Tristram and Isoult stand together at the casement and Tristram opens a lat- tice on the rose garden without. Beyond moon- light shining on the sea) . Tristram Look out, my Love, all night the sleepless sea Aching with anguish for the moon, hath tossed. All night desire hath burned in a white flame Her image in his breast. All night the wake Of her illusive promise on the wave Lay unredeemed. But yonder, now, at last The slow Queen cometh, stooping to his arms As thou to mine. Isoult The torches all are quenched; Faded to smoke and gone. The garlands, too. Are drooped. Scents of dead roses haunt the air With perfume grown more poignant than a pain. Joy as it withers pierces all the sense With unrecoverable sweet. To-night I am but the stripped stalk that stands above The ruin of the rose. Tristram Silence — not now! To-morrow_must we speak of banishment TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 45 And parting; not to-night — to-night we'll keep Perfect. Isoult Canst thou hold sorrow at arm's length? I cannot, Tristram. Oh, I fear, I fear! Tristram What dost thou fear? Isoult That being far away, Thou wilt forget. Tristram Forget! I go from thee Into the void of absence, like a star Thrust from his sphere, that spills his heart in fire Along the way. Isoult I stay, a rooted star. That burns fixed in one place. It is not all My fear. Tristram What other, then? 46 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Isoult That meek Isoult To whom thou goest — Tristram Is that doubt not laid? Knowledge of thee, my Queen, does put her off As the long, flaming sunset of the North Doth hold against the moon the evening sky. Isoult My very name she seemeth to usurp. Tristram Nay, is thy echo. Isoult Echo mocks me then. Tristram Thou knowest the story well. She tending me While I lay ailing of my wound, I called "Isoult," and yet again, "Isoult," as men Delight to get the well-beloved name Even from the empty air. Until at last By much most vain imagining, she came To seem some part of thee. When thou hadst sunk Below the blank horizon of my life. Lost to mine eyes; she cheated them, as some Mirage — a thing of light and painted mist, That imaged thee. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 47 Isoult But she — doth she love thee? Tristram 'Tis possible. I So few men hath she seen — It were not strange. At times I think — and yet I cannot tell. Her soul hath built its nest Like some wild sea-bird in the unclimbed cleft; And there the white thing broods. But for the world — The naked rock and lone depth of green wave, Depth as the depth of those sea-water eyes. Isoult I had not heard before of these strange eyes. Her hands — now — ^Tell me, are her hands indeed So beautiful? Tristram Her snowdrop hands! Isoult Of the White Hands, that ^ways idly droop. Or that hang folded just below her breast. Or often have I seen them lie palm laid To palm, halves of a shell that hold a pearl, The pale, pure pearl of Peace. And when her hands Unclasp, open and flutter — then the doves Of Peace are in the air. One fettered, bound To me, while mine are free to swing the sword, To thrust the lance, to close and crush thine own : — Thy hands that are so strong, so lithe and live. Thy hands — those half-blown buds upon the stalk Which thy face crowneth as the perfect flower — 48 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Hers are but marble feebly come to life. I have gone to her, when at touch of those Cold finger-tips my blood was chilled, and sullen Returned unto its seat. Her hands are fair, (Yet were they made for telling beads ; to hold (Tapers as waxen as themselves. Thine count Love's rosary and in these taper ends Love's red flame burns. What tell they of the Grail ? An angel tall the veiled chalice bears, A crimson splendor, mystic rose of light, Intolerable, which men may not behold : Be thou my angel of the Grail — lift thou My cup of life on high — let it shine thro' Thy hands, thy blessed hands, with love's intense Own consecrated light — none holier — While I kneel on before thee — ^Thus ! (In the exaltation of passion he catches her hands up into the attitude of the Angel of the Grail). Isoult Tristram ! Oh, say no more, 'tis too near blasphemy ! Tristram Give me thy hands, both, both to hold! Ah, hands Thrilling and pregnant with the pulse of blood My kiss makes quick: — the talking blood that speaks From the mere finger-tips when lips are mute. Isoult Read yoa their message now? Not hers, Isoult Of Brittany's, nor marble's self, more cold. That word that lies like death upon my heart — TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 49 Is in them — that farewell. If they speak now It is of one last pressure — then apart, Apart and empty, evermore ! Oh, God, I Why hast thou made so vain the love Thou didst f Foredoom ? This was no chance — it was to be. Some wind of Destiny, ere we were born. Filled up the spirit's sail. Across the waste, Untraversed sea of life, on which no paths Are charted down, we near and nearer drew Unto each other. Why heed you this decree? He cannot fasten his weak will on us. We are above his bidding — ^Let us go ! Tristram Where shall we go? Isoult Bear me to Joyous Grarde Or some strong castle of thy holding, South. Once there — Tristram And undo all I came to do? My banishment was public, — did I fail In this obedience, what subject would Remain to Cornwall's law? Isoult Care you for that? Tristram Thou art the queenly head, Isoult, that crowns so TRISTRAM AND ISOULT The prow — and I the steerer of the ship; Thou must look majesty, I keep afloat The rotten realm; — else would it sink. Isoult Then let It sink. Tristram So heedless, love? Isoult Of all but thee! Thou art my law — my realm is in thy heart. Tristram Oh, silence, for thou temptest me to dream Once more that younger dream which cannot be. Not twice a man surprises unarmed Fate. Not twice youth overrideth all the sage. Calm wisdom of the world, and, sets its pulse Abeating to his own hot blood's wild tune. And if we came again to Joyous Garde Can we be sure to find it still the spring? Would not the ghosts of those dead, happy hours, Make rustling Autumn round re-entering feet, Though they were golden yet? Isoult The doubt reminds Me of thy song. How go the words — Is't thus? {She hums). TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 51 Life runneth forward, though too oft its face It turneth back, For it hath set its feet unto the race Along Time's track. No joy retumeth that hath once been born, Into Hope's womb; No day shall live to see a second dawn, Springing from gloom . No May reneweth twice the self -same year Its leafy screen. Though Autumn dreameth, 'midst her gold and sere. Of its young green. The ancient paths are closed to thee and me, Through joy and pain. And nevermore what hath been shall it be, For us again. Then let us kiss this moment, lip and brow (So brief is bliss). Too soon the Never cometh, this is Now, Then let us kiss. Tristram Then let us kiss ! The night grows late. Come to thy chamber, love Of old hath consecrated to itself. Isoult Ah, not to-night! 52 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Tristram To-morrow must I go. Isoult I would thou wert already gone. Tristram Wherefore? Isoult Oh, I who never fear, am now afraid! Lay thy hand here. All beatings of this heart Are known to thee — wild captive in the keep That knocks its message through the prison wall — All, from its leap to meet thee, to the swift Sustained pulse of passion and high hope. In anger hast thou heard it beat as strong As if it rained its blows upon the foe; But never with this duU and failing stroke. What is there in the world to work this change? To work Queen Isoult's fear? All dangers that Can come have I looked on. But this — it seems To have no feature and no form — and yet It hath presence that I feel — I feel ! Tristram What dost thou dread ? It were a strange new fear The fear of Mark (he laughs). Leave that to him whose life Is one long cowardice, and we will laugh At him — ^at fear — at fate — at Death. TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 53 Mark {As from the shadows behind he passes his sword through Tristram's back). Laugh now! No laughter? Then I laugh for thee. Ha, ha! {^Echoes in the roof repeat ha, ha, ha hal) {Brangwane rushes wildly down from gallery above, in which she has kept watch for the lovers). Brangwane I heard a laugh — th& devils laughed all round Me in the air. Oh Mark! This is thy work ! Part III Scene I. {A chamber in King Howell's castle in Brittany. On a couch covered with a bearskin, the wounded Tristram, weak and spent, is lying. A fire burning in the huge chimney, Isoult La Blanche Mains in a corner where the gathering twilight is deepest, seated at the harp. She sings). Tristram Isoult ! Isoult ! Isoult Blanche Mains Is it for me he calls? Tristram Isoult ! Isoult ! Not Mark's Isoult, but mine ! 54 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Isoult Blanche Mains {Starting up in joy). "Not Mark's Isoult — but mine!" Oh, is it true, At last? He said — "Not Mark's Isoult, but mine." So often have I heard him call on her I had almost resigned my name — but now, 'Tis I am wanted, I ! Tristram {Aloud — his mind, in his weakness, wandering dreamily). Not ever Mark's, But mine, mine always, from the first! Isoult Blanche Mains {Covers her face with her hands) Alas, I might have known! Tristram {With difficulty raising himself on his elbow to look out upon the sea. The sunset light falls on his face). How endless is this day! Not yet hath it all vanished — that long strand Of yonder gold along the lone sea marge As if Night, grieving, held within his hand One golden tress of the lost Day. But look, A single sail ! See, see, how fast it comes ! {Isoult Blanche Mains rises in sudden agitation). TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 55 Isoult Blanche Mains A sail ! It is too soon — ^it cannot be. {She stands behind the couch watching the sea). Tristram The cupped sail holds the last red light, as wine Is held in the the hand's hollow. All the rest The many, many sails, which lying here I have seen pass, fixed, silent, sad and slow As destiny, held to their course. But this So live, determined, swift — What quick import Strengthens the pinions of its winged rush ! Isoult Blanche Mains It heads for here and comes straight toward us — Straight! Tristram What were her words? Some wind ere we were born Filled up the spirit's sail ? Ah, I forget When, where she said it — Strange, I once could count Each crimson hour that hath for us unfolded. But now the rose of memory shattereth And sheds its scattered petals on my heart. ( The last light dies out) . Doth the room darken all at once ? Who's there ? {Isoult Blanche Mains comes toward him out of the shadows — he starts wildly^ then recovering himself) . Ah, it is thou, my patient, poor Isoult, / 56 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Some stirring shadow, fpld of drapery, Mocked me. Isoult Blanche Mains The casement — ^wilt thou have it closed ? Tristram Nay, let it stay, I fain would see the stars And feel the fitful, faint, salt-breathing airs. My spirit is so still I know that Death Hath come. I am too weak for pain or love. The wind of Destiny drops to a calm. What are we but a column of towering dust Raised by a breath of passion in the waste. And when the wind hath passed we fall to dust Again . . . Think you, Isoult, I might be helped Into the air, forth on the battlements? Isoult Blanche Mains I'll call thy men and they shall carry thee. {,She calls without) Brian — Boris — Uwaine — Meliot ! {Enter four retainers. They support Tristram from the room. He leans heavily on them. Isoult Blanche Mains goes to the window and looks out). It hath grown dark, I can no longer see. The moon will be to-night — she steps from out The middle sea and stands a moment-long Still on the threshold of the world : the world That empty seems of any save of her. The air is full of her, as one we love When he is near will fill the room, until TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 57 We scarce draw breath for his mere presence. So The moon fills all ; and then she walks the path Straight o'er the sea, and all the little waves Jump us to kiss her silver feet. {She takes up the harp that leans against the case- ment sweeping it with her fingers). Last night I heard the sea-wind sighing in the strings As if a sorrow audible did haunt, For hands that ne'er shall touch its soul again. My harp, those songs of his live in thee still. {She sings) Sea-Swallow that didst bear her on thy wings To old Tintagil, hold of Cornish kings, Sea-Swallow bring her thence again to me, We will take refuge now, we driven three, We will take refuge with the friendly sea, Sea-Swallow. Sea-Swallow, bear us from the king-owned earth To those wild realms unruled that gave us birth, To the waste regions of the restless brine. Whose life and freedom will I claim for mine. Whose life and freedom shalt thbu claim for thine, Sea-Swallow. Sea-Swallow her sole throne shall be thy prow, The blowing spray shall crown Queen Isoult's brow. The warming East shall find her morning's guest. The sunset leave us loitering to the West, The sunset leave thee to thy starry quest, Sea-Swallow. Sea-Swallow, hasten ere it be too late. The Queen^is wearied of her empty state, / 58 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Come let us lay our lives in the winds' hand For mine is wasting in the woeful land, And thine is wasting on the idle strand, Sea-Swallow. (As the last chords die out Isoult Blanche Mains looks up and sees La Belle Isoult standing on the threshold. For a moment, in silence the two steadfastly regard each other). Queen Isoult I heard the harp — I thought that it was he — Where is he? Isoult Blanche Mains On the battlements, without — Yet stay an instant. It was I who sent For thee. Queen Isoult How good — how generous — thou art! Complete thy goodness — lead me to him — quick ! Isoult Blanche Mains I ask one grace — that thou wilt stand there still. And let me look at thee. For I must see What power is in thee to eat men's hearts And leave the husks. Thou'rt very beautiful, Yet other women have some beauty, too — But none those eyes that say — "Within me is Some dread, sweet mystery. Wilt thou not seek And find it out?" And at the summons, men Plunge in and tread thy spirit's labyrinth With tenuous clue — nor ever reach the heart TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 59 Of it — of thee — save one — ^Tristram. What found He there ? For he has never since come back. Something there is unseized, unseizable Men die to win. My husband didst thou take, vAnd my young brother died for love of thee, ^hen with my lord he went unto thy court And came too near the passion of you twain ; — Died of that nearness, scorched by the great fire That could not give him warmth. That tender slip Of youth transplanted, withered at thy sun. And yet, and yet, in spite of all my wrong. Facing thee thus, as I stand here, I do Not hate. Queen Isoult Thou canst not hate the wretched, dear Isoult. Oh, pity me. instead! Isoult Blanche Mains And I Do pity thee. For thou hast suffered much. (Sounds of steps without) . Isoult Ah Grod, beyond thy power to know how much! And may it ever be beyond thy power. No knowledge of such suffering for thee ! Isoult Blanche Mains Oh but I know, I know! Isoult But not the pain. Which naught can ease unless to take thy heart 6o TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Out of thy breast, and hold it in thy hand, And dig thy nails down into it for hate! Isoult Blanche Mains Aye, that. Or not to dig my nails, but leave My bosom empty to a little rest. Isoult Poor child! Have I done this? But no — ah no! Mine was he long before. You came between, And crossed our Fate and drew it after you. What noise is that? Isoult Blanche Mains 'Tis he. They bring him here Let him not see thee suddenly. (La Belle Isoult withdraws into the shadow. En- ter Tristram supported as before. He seems more exhausted, and his eyes are partly closed. Hs is placed on a couch. Isoult Blanche Mains bends over him). Art faint? Doth the wound pain ? What wilt thou have ? ( Tristram, opens his eyes, they rest upon the Queen. He raises himself on one arm, gazing fixedly at her). Tristram So Death himself is pitiful — and shapes Out of his very shadows, thee — unto My failing eyes. Thou art her spirit come. Drawn by my longing. Thou wilt go with me TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 6i A little of the road ; until we reach The shadow-country's border vast and dim, Where ghosts of lovers thicken all the air As ashes of dead fires fanned by the wind. Thou must turn back too soon — ere thou art missed In old Tintagil's hall. What boots the torch And swinging cresset if thy gaze be dark, Dark and deserted of the wandering soul? I know they hold a revel there to-night, I seem to hear the music — see the lights — Queen Isoult {Rushing to him). Tristram ! Tristram ! {Isoult Blanche Mains goes out). Tristram Art thou the waking Truth ? I have had dreams that had these hands, this hair. Queen Isoult I came as fast as sails could draw. Isoult It was who sent for me. Oh, evermore, Will those white hands two serving angels seem. That wait on her pure thoughts! Tristram Isoult! She hath Not stayed for thanks. Queen Isoult Ah, she hath slipped away. 62 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT Tristram Isoult the meek! How doth she think of thee? As the still-hearted pool, that the wild sea Invades at last. Queen Isoult Am I the sea? Tristram The sea! The flood that lifts my soul against the stars — Yet now — ^yet now — I sink — I am dashed down — Dazed, dizzy, drowned and dark! I cannot see — All swims — ^Ah, what is this — Queen Isoult Tristram ! Not now — Thou wilt not leave me — I am come — we are Together — Oh, not now! Tristram Lo, it is death! {He sinks back, Isoult throws herself with a cry upon his breast. After a long while she rises and stands before the body). Queen Isoult Tristram, dost thou recall the cup — that cup, Of a strange magic by my mother mixed That should have bound my love to Mark, — I chanced / TRISTRAM AND ISOULT 63 To find ? Ah, I remember that we stood Seeing the flacket curiously wrought, And turned it round and all unconsciously We gazed into its black-red depths; nor dreamed rLove's was the flame there, Death's the drowsy dark. It was the sunset hour, the sea was wine And brimmed bright purple to its fine, far edge Of gold. And at the chalice rim had Night The dusk-browed set her lips, and Day's bright head Drooped langorous for one last parting draught. Thus touched and pledged at brim the lips of Day And Night — sea-chalice for their loving cup. And we drank also. (She takes a small covered -flacket from her breast) . Oh, as a cordial. Death .. I drink thee that art but the wine of love '(Distilled too deep — the ruby grown too red, f^ The rapture made too strong. How should it end But thus with the wild hearts that strain them- selves To silence — Thus! We who have known all life f/^hat is there after love left us to prove ut death ? We who have felt a thirst that life eft quenchless — fill us. Death, with thy sage draught, Mingling immortal coolness in our veins. Look Tristram, look! In my two hands I hold The Grail — as once thou saidst. The purple blood Our passion in its agony hath bled. The vision that moved through our lives in light In music and in splendor — Lo, again I fling my soul with thine into the bowl I drink the marriage of dissolveless Fates In death — as life — (She drinks) 64 TRISTRAM AND ISOULT The cup is empty, God. (Falls on Tristram's body) {Sounds of tumult are suddenly heard without. Enter in desperate haste Isoult de La Blanche Mains — she strains frantically at the great doors, striving to close them). Isoult Blanche Mains Help, help, Isoult! Help me to shut the doors! Quick, ere they come! They are close, close be- hind — Mark and his men. Help me for Tristram's sake ! (She struggles with the doors). Isoult, Isoult, dost thou not hear ? Come quick I (She turns, sees the bodies of Tristram and Isoult, comes slowly down, and stands looking on them in silence. Mark appears in the door- way, his men crowding behind him). Mark Is the sick lion cowered in his den ? And our fair Queen, the true, the chaste? Ha, ha! Isoult Blanche Mains (Pointing to the dead) . Here are they. See, we had no power on them I Nor thou nor I. Love such as theirs, I think That God himself will scarcely dare to touch.