or my heart will choke!
Open! open there wide!

(BRANGÆNA _hastily draws the centre curtains apart_.)


SCENE II.

[_The whole length of the ship is now seen, down to the stern, with
the sea and horizon beyond. Round the mainmast sailors are ensconced,
busied with ropes; beyond them in the stern are groups of knights and
attendants, also seated; a little apart stands_ TRISTAN_ folding
his arms and thoughtfully gazing out to sea; at his feet_ KURVENAL
_reclines carelessly. From the mast-head above is once more heard
the voice of the young sailor_.]

THE YOUNG SAILOR (_at the mast-head invisible_).
The wind so wild
blows homewards now;
my Irish child,
where waitest thou?
Say, must our sails be weighted,
filled by thy sighs unbated?
Waft us, wind strong and wild!
Woe, ah woe for my child!

ISOLDA (_whose eyes have at once sought_ TRISTAN _and fixed
stonily on him--gloomily_). Once beloved--
now removed--
brave and bright,