Presently the shepherd comes and looks in with interest, showing the upper half of his body over the wall.]
SHEPHERD. Kurvenal, ho!—
Say, Kurvenal,—
tell me, friend!
Does he still sleep?
KURVENAL (turning a little towards him and shaking his head sadly). If he awoke
it would be
but for evermore to leave us,
unless we find
the lady-leech;
alone can she give help.—
See'st thou nought?
No ship yet on the sea?
SHEPHERD. Quite another ditty
then would I play
as merry as ever I may.
But tell me truly,
trusty friend,
why languishes our lord?
KURVENAL. Do not ask me;—
for I can give no answer.
Watch the sea,
if sails come in sight
a sprightly melody play.
SHEPHERD (turns round and scans the horizon, shading his eyes with his hand).
Blank appears the sea!
(He puts the reed pipe to his mouth and withdraws, playing.)
TRISTAN (motionless—faintly).
The tune so well known—
why wake to that?
(opens his eyes and slightly turns his head).