KURVENAL (springing joyously up).
O rapture! Transport!
(He rushes to the watch-tower and looks out.)
Ha! the ship!
From northward it is nearing.
TRISTAN. So I knew,
so I said!
Yes, she yet lives,
and life to me gives.
How could Isold'
from this world be free,
which only holds
Isolda for me?
KURVENAL (shouting). Ahoy! Ahoy!
See her bravely tacking!
How full the canvas is filled!
How she darts! how she flies!
TRISTAN. The pennon? the pennon?
KURVENAL. A flag is floating at mast-head,
joyous and bright.
TRISTAN. Aha! what joy!
Now through the daylight
comes my Isolda.
Isolda, oh come!
See'st thou herself?
KURVENAL. The ship is shut
from me by rocks.
TRISTAN. Behind the reef?
Is there not risk!
Those dangerous breakers
ships have oft shattered.—
Who steereth the helm?