ISOLDA. While knowing not
what my demand is,
wert thou afraid
still to fulfil it,
fleeing my presence thus?
TRISTAN. Honor
Held me in awe.
ISOLDA. Scant honor hast thou
shown unto me;
for, unabashed,
withheldest thou
obedience unto my call.
TRISTAN. Obedience 'twas
forbade me to come.
ISOLDA. But little I owe
thy lord, methinks,
if he allows
ill manners
unto his own promised bride.
TRISTAN. In our land
it is the law
that he who fetches
home the bride
should stay afar from her.
ISOLDA. On what account?
TRISTAN. 'Tis the custom.
ISOLDA. Being so careful,
my lord Tristan,
another custom
can you not learn?
Of enemies friends make:
for evil acts amends make.
TRISTAN. Who is my foe?