Isolda has been wedded to King Mark, but holds stolen interviews with Tristan, during one of which they are surprised, for Tristan has been betrayed by a jealous friend, Melot. Touched by King Mark's bitter reproaches, Tristan provokes Melot to fight and suffers himself to be mortally wounded.
ACT III
Tristan's faithful servant, Kurvenal, has carried his wounded master to his native home in Brittany, where he is carefully tended. Isolda has also been sent for, as being skilled above all others in the healing art. The excitement of her approach only hastens Tristan's death, and he breathes his last sigh in her arms. Mark has followed Isolda; he has had matters explained, and is prepared to reunite the lovers, but it is too late. Isolda utters her lament over the body of her lover, and her heart breaks: in death alone are they united.
| DRAMATIS PERSONÆ | ||
| TRISTAN | MELOT | |
| KING MARK | BRANGÆNA | |
| ISOLDA | A SHEPHERD | |
| KURVENAL | A STEERSMAN | |
| SAILORS, KNIGHTS, AND ESQUIRES | ||
TRISTAN AND ISOLDA.
ACT I.
[A pavilion erected on the deck of a ship, richly hung with tapestry, quite closed in at back at first. A narrow hatchway at one side leads below into the cabin.]