(He hastens with the Shepherd to the gate, which they both try quickly to barricade.)
THE STEERSMAN (rushing in).
Mark and his men
have set on us:
defence is vain!
We're overpowered.
KURVENAL. Stand to and help!—
While lasts my life
I'll let no foe enter here!
BRANGÆNA'S VOICE (without, calling from below).
Isolda! Mistress!
KURVENAL. Brangæna's voice! (Falling down.)
What want you here?
BRANGÆNA. Open, Kurvenal!
Where is Isolda?
KURVENAL. With foes do you come?
Woe to you, false one!
MELOT'S VOICE (without). Stand back, thou fool!
Bar not the way!
KURVENAL (laughing savagely). Hurrah for the day
on which I confront thee!
(MELOT, with armed men, appears under the gateway. KURVENAL falls on him and cuts him down.)