completely closed_. ISOLDA _rises with a gesture of despair and
wrath_. BRANGÆNA _falls at her feet_.]

BRANGÆNA. Ah! an answer
so insulting!

ISOLDA (_checking herself on the brink of a fearful outburst_).
How now? of Tristan?
I'd know if he denies me.

BRANGÆNA. Ah! question not!

ISOLDA. Quick, say without fear!

BRANGÆNA. With courteous phrase
he foiled my will.

ISOLDA. But when you bade him hither?

BRANGÆNA. When I had straightway
bid him come,
where'er he stood,
he said to me,
he truly served but thee,
the pearl of womanhood;
if he unheeded
left the helm
how could he pilot the ship
in surety to King Mark?