Seems it so senseless
What I say?
Go ask himself,
our gracious host,
dare he approach my side?
No courteous heed
or loyal care
this hero t'wards
his lady turns;
but to meet her his heart is daunted,
this knight so highly vaunted!
Oh! he wots
well the cause!
To the traitor go,
bearing his lady's will!
As my servant bound,
straightway should he approach.

BRANGÆNA. Shall I beseech him
to attend thee?

ISOLDA. Nay, order him:
pray, understand it:--
I, Isolda
do command it!

[_At an imperious sign from ISOLDA BRANGÆNA withdraws and timidly
walks along the deck towards the stern, past the working sailors.
ISOLDA, following her with fixed gaze, sinks back on the couch,
where she remains seated during the following, her eyes still turned