"Isolde!" he answered softly, as he sank to the earth. But the voice, weak as it was, had reached his beloved's ears, for she was bending over him trying to raise him up and imploring him to speak to her once again.
"See, I am here, Tristan—my heart's delight! I came as speedily as might be, but oh! how slow the ship sailed! Did you not hear my heart calling to you, day and night, Tristan, Tristan, Tristan! Now you will get well—you must get well—and we will be ah! so happy here in Brittany! But are you not glad to see me? Beloved, answer me!"
But the voice she so longed to hear again was stilled forever. Isolde tried in vain to rouse him, then a terrible dread seizing her, she sank unconscious across his lifeless body.
At this moment Kurneval was called from the pathetic sight by a great commotion outside; and the shepherd ran to him crying that a second ship had come to land and armed men were disembarking, followed by one who seemed to be a King. Kurneval's first glance told him that it was King Mark himself.. Fearing in his own wild grief that the monarch was pursuing the two lovers, he resolved to defend the castle gate to his last breath.
The first man to appear was Helot. Kurneval drew his sword and rushed upon him.
"Back, thou cursed spy!" he exclaimed.
"Peace, fool!" said Melot. "Unbar the gate!"
"Not to such as thee!" retorted the old knight, and began to engage him fiercely.
"Stop them! We come in peace!" called out the voice of King Mark.
"Mistress! Isolde!" It was Brangeane's voice that was now heard.