SCENE I.

[_In the foreground, in the garden, lies_ TRISTAN _sleeping
on a couch under the shade of a great lime-tree, stretched out as if
lifeless. At his head sits_ KURVENAL, _bending over him in grief
and anxiously listening to his breathing. From without comes the
mournful sound of a shepherd's pipe_.

_Presently the shepherd comes and looks in with interest, showing
the upper half of his body over the wall_.]

SHEPHERD. Kurvenal, ho!--
Say, Kurvenal,--
tell me, friend!
Does he still sleep?

KURVENAL (_turning a little towards him and shaking his head
sadly_). If he awoke
it would be
but for evermore to leave us,
unless we find
the lady-leech;
alone can she give help.--
See'st thou nought?
No ship yet on the sea?

SHEPHERD. Quite another ditty
then would I play