Chapter 19

[KURVENAL, _who reëntered close behind_ ISOLDA, _has remained by the entrance speechless and petrified, gazing motionless on_ TRISTAN. _From below is now heard the dull murmur of voices and the clash of weapons. The Shepherd clambers over the wall_.]

SHEPHERD (_coming hastily and softly to_ KURVENAL). Kurvenal! Hear! Another ship!

(KURVENAL _starts up in haste and looks over the rampart, whilst the Shepherd stands apart, gazing in consternation on_ TRISTAN _and_ ISOLDA.)

KURVENAL. Fiends and furies!

(_In a burst of anger_.)

All are at hand! Melot and Mark I see on the strand,-- Weapons and missiles!-- Guard we the gate!

(_He hastens with the Shepherd to the gate, which they both try quickly to barricade_.)

THE STEERSMAN (_rushing in_). Mark and his men have set on us: defence is vain! We're overpowered.

KURVENAL. Stand to and help!-- While lasts my life I'll let no foe enter here!

BRANGÆNA'S VOICE (_without, calling from below_). Isolda! Mistress!

KURVENAL. Brangæna's voice! (_Falling down_.) What want you here?

BRANGÆNA. Open, Kurvenal! Where is Isolda?

KURVENAL. With foes do you come? Woe to you, false one!

MELOT'S VOICE (_without_). Stand back, thou fool! Bar not the way!

KURVENAL (_laughing savagely_). Hurrah for the day on which I confront thee!

(MELOT, _with armed men, appears under the gateway_. KURVENAL _falls on him and cuts him down_.)

Die, damnable wretch!