[image]Tristan and IsoldeStella Langdale"What does this mean?" demanded the latter."It means that my doubts have been correct, your Majesty!" answered Melot. "Sir Tristan has not been as faithful a servant as you supposed!"Grief was stronger than anger in the King's heart. He had loved Tristan like a son, and had gloried in his knightly honour. He told Tristan this, in a quiet yet stern voice, and ended by banishing him from the kingdom.Tristan was almost heart-broken. He realised that his punishment had been but just, and yet he seemed as though one in a dream, powerless to stem this current which was sweeping him away. He did not answer the King, but, instead, turned to Isolde and asked her if she would go with him into exile. She replied that wherever he went, there would she go, even to death itself.At this new proof of her devotion Tristan's joy swept away all his doubts and fears. He drew her tenderly to him and turned proudly to face the King and his party."May the King and my foster-father pardon me out of his great kindness," he said in a low tone, "but Isolde has elected to follow me, and I can do nothing less than protect her. Farewell!"The King still stood a prey to conflicting emotions. But the traitor Melot, enraged at the turn of affairs, sprang forward, drawing his sword and crying, "Think not to scape so easily, villain! I will avenge the King!""Ha, it isyou, traitor, who would protect the King's honour!" said Tristan haughtily. "Defend yourself, Melot!"He drew, and the weapons clashed sharply. But only for a moment did they meet. Tristan purposely lowered his guard, and before anyone could interpose, Melot had struck him with his sword."Disarm him!" commanded the King, himself seizing Melot's arm. Tristan, sorely wounded, sank to the ground, Isolde clinging to him and supporting his head, while Kurneval strove to raise his stricken master.King Mark gave orders to certain of his attendants to wait upon Kurneval, and then strode slowly and sorrowfully away. He realised all too late the injustice he had done his nephew in sending him upon the embassy, but he could not understand this breach of faith; it was so unlike Tristan's knightly honour. It seemed to the old King that he regretted this more than the loss of his fair young bride.Kurneval lost no time in conveying his master to the ancestral home in Brittany. Tristan had become unconscious, and only the promptest care could save his life. Kurneval vainly tried to nurse him back to health, but he had made the mistake of leaving Isolde in Cornwall. For her Tristan continually called, in his delirium, and her skill and loving care would alone avail to save him. Kurneval soon realised this and sent messengers entreating her to come to Brittany; and now with the return of the next ship he expected her to arrive.On the day when the ship was looked for, Tristan who had awakened out of his fever, but was very weak, lay under a linden-tree. He had wished to look at the blue sky again, and Kurneval had carried his couch out in the courtyard. The place had long been deserted and was now overgrown with vines and bushes. The ancient tower was crumbling, and the huge drawbridge was in ruins. But to Kurneval this was home, and he hoped that the pleasant air and old surroundings would benefit his master.Tristan was more nearly himself to-day, and asked many questions about how he had come here, how long it had been, and when the Lady Isolde was coming. Kurneval told him everything, and said that the Princess was looked for, that very day.A smile broke over Tristan's face at this. "Ah! then I will live!" was all he said, and sank into slumber again.Meanwhile a shepherd played upon his pipe, on the rocks below the castle, looking out to sea. The melody was low and plaintive, and as Kurneval listened to it his heart sank; for he had posted the shepherd there and bidden him play thus sadly so long as there was no sail in sight. Now he knew that if Isolde did not come that day, the sun would set upon his master for the last time.And now, in his delirium, Tristan was telling of the ship which was bringing Isolde from Cornwall."Do you not see it?" he asked. "Look! the sails are all filled up, and the ship is steering straight for us. How high the waves pile up about the bows! There on deck isher- pavilion, just as it was on that other lonely voyage. And see! there she stands looking eagerly toward me, her hair garlanded with flowers and her arms outstretched! It is my Isolde! *Mine! She is forsaking all the world and its thrones to come to the side of a poor outcast. Ah, why is that music so sad? They should pipe merrily upon my wedding-day!"As if in answer to his last words, the shepherd on the lookout suddenly changed his tune and piped shrilly and merrily. The faithful Kurneval sprang to his feet and ran hastily to the rocks. Yes, there was a broad sail and it was heading straight for them. And on the deck stood a slender, white-robed figure that waved a scarf. Unable to restrain himself, Kurneval hastened back to the sleeping knight."My lord, my lord!" he exclaimed, shaking him gently. "Awake! a ship is sailing straight to the foot of the castle. We hope it may be the Lady Isolde!""Yes, it is my dear lady," answered Tristan, sitting up. "I saw her in my dreams. Go to her and welcome her in my stead. Hasten, good Kurneval, hasten!"Kurneval urged him to be as quiet as possible, and went to obey his commands. But Tristan could not be patient. Not knowing what he did, he rose from his couch, in his exertion tearing his bandages loose and causing his wound to bleed afresh. He staggered half-way across the courtyard, dizzy but unconscious of pain; for clear as a bell, from the rocks below, he heard his beloved's voice; "Tristan!""She is coming—my Princess!" he muttered. "That is the voice I have heard in my dream."He tried to answer her, but could not. His knees tottered beneath him and he groped blindly as if in the dark."Tristan!" called the voice, nearer this time."Isolde!" he answered softly, as he sank to the earth. But the voice, weak as it was, had reached his beloved's ears, for she was bending over him trying to raise him up and imploring him to speak to her once again."See, I am here, Tristan—my heart's delight! I came as speedily as might be, but oh! how slow the ship sailed! Did you not hear my heart calling to you, day and night, Tristan, Tristan, Tristan! Now you will get well—youmustget well—and we will be ah! so happy here in Brittany! But are you not glad to see me? Beloved, answer me!"But the voice she so longed to hear again was stilled forever. Isolde tried in vain to rouse him, then a terrible dread seizing her, she sank unconscious across his lifeless body.At this moment Kurneval was called from the pathetic sight by a great commotion outside; and the shepherd ran to him crying that a second ship had come to land and armed men were disembarking, followed by one who seemed to be a King. Kurneval's first glance told him that it was King Mark himself.. Fearing in his own wild grief that the monarch was pursuing the two lovers, he resolved to defend the castle gate to his last breath.The first man to appear was Helot. Kurneval drew his sword and rushed upon him."Back, thou cursed spy!" he exclaimed."Peace, fool!" said Melot. "Unbar the gate!""Not to such as thee!" retorted the old knight, and began to engage him fiercely."Stop them! We come in peace!" called out the voice of King Mark."Mistress! Isolde!" It was Brangeane's voice that was now heard.But the two combatants fought on. Presently Melot's sword inflicted an ugly wound."Ha, master, I will avenge you yet!" cried Kurneval. with a last mighty stroke, delivered as he sank to the ground, he gave Melot his death wound. Then the old knight crept slowly to his master's side and tried to make one last stand there, but sank back and breathed his last.Just then King Mark burst in at the gate, and paused stricken with remorse at the scene which greeted his eyes. Brangeane, sobbing aloud, ran to her mistress and tried to revive her. The maid was frantic with remorse for she felt as though this tragedy was due to her. She had confessed to the King the secret of the love potion, and he had at once set sail to assure the lovers of his pardon and affection. He understood all at last, but now it was too late.Brangeane brought her mistress to consciousness, and implored her to greet the King."He comes as your friend, and Sir Tristan's," she said; "he is here to aid you."King Mark then hastened to speak to her, gently and kindly. In his courtesy he asked her pardon for the harm he had unwittingly done.But Isolde paid no heed to his words. Her gaze was fixed upon Tristan, and when she spoke it was in praise of his constancy and truth. Then she told of a glorious land to which they both were going, where they should dwell free from sorrow and care and heartbreak."I know not where it is," she murmured, "but I know my Tristan will be there, and that will be for me a bliss supreme!"A radiant smile overspread her face as she ended, and with a soft sigh her heart broke and she sank down and nestled her head close against that of Tristan. 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[image]Tristan and IsoldeStella Langdale
[image]
[image]
Tristan and IsoldeStella Langdale
"What does this mean?" demanded the latter.
"It means that my doubts have been correct, your Majesty!" answered Melot. "Sir Tristan has not been as faithful a servant as you supposed!"
Grief was stronger than anger in the King's heart. He had loved Tristan like a son, and had gloried in his knightly honour. He told Tristan this, in a quiet yet stern voice, and ended by banishing him from the kingdom.
Tristan was almost heart-broken. He realised that his punishment had been but just, and yet he seemed as though one in a dream, powerless to stem this current which was sweeping him away. He did not answer the King, but, instead, turned to Isolde and asked her if she would go with him into exile. She replied that wherever he went, there would she go, even to death itself.
At this new proof of her devotion Tristan's joy swept away all his doubts and fears. He drew her tenderly to him and turned proudly to face the King and his party.
"May the King and my foster-father pardon me out of his great kindness," he said in a low tone, "but Isolde has elected to follow me, and I can do nothing less than protect her. Farewell!"
The King still stood a prey to conflicting emotions. But the traitor Melot, enraged at the turn of affairs, sprang forward, drawing his sword and crying, "Think not to scape so easily, villain! I will avenge the King!"
"Ha, it isyou, traitor, who would protect the King's honour!" said Tristan haughtily. "Defend yourself, Melot!"
He drew, and the weapons clashed sharply. But only for a moment did they meet. Tristan purposely lowered his guard, and before anyone could interpose, Melot had struck him with his sword.
"Disarm him!" commanded the King, himself seizing Melot's arm. Tristan, sorely wounded, sank to the ground, Isolde clinging to him and supporting his head, while Kurneval strove to raise his stricken master.
King Mark gave orders to certain of his attendants to wait upon Kurneval, and then strode slowly and sorrowfully away. He realised all too late the injustice he had done his nephew in sending him upon the embassy, but he could not understand this breach of faith; it was so unlike Tristan's knightly honour. It seemed to the old King that he regretted this more than the loss of his fair young bride.
Kurneval lost no time in conveying his master to the ancestral home in Brittany. Tristan had become unconscious, and only the promptest care could save his life. Kurneval vainly tried to nurse him back to health, but he had made the mistake of leaving Isolde in Cornwall. For her Tristan continually called, in his delirium, and her skill and loving care would alone avail to save him. Kurneval soon realised this and sent messengers entreating her to come to Brittany; and now with the return of the next ship he expected her to arrive.
On the day when the ship was looked for, Tristan who had awakened out of his fever, but was very weak, lay under a linden-tree. He had wished to look at the blue sky again, and Kurneval had carried his couch out in the courtyard. The place had long been deserted and was now overgrown with vines and bushes. The ancient tower was crumbling, and the huge drawbridge was in ruins. But to Kurneval this was home, and he hoped that the pleasant air and old surroundings would benefit his master.
Tristan was more nearly himself to-day, and asked many questions about how he had come here, how long it had been, and when the Lady Isolde was coming. Kurneval told him everything, and said that the Princess was looked for, that very day.
A smile broke over Tristan's face at this. "Ah! then I will live!" was all he said, and sank into slumber again.
Meanwhile a shepherd played upon his pipe, on the rocks below the castle, looking out to sea. The melody was low and plaintive, and as Kurneval listened to it his heart sank; for he had posted the shepherd there and bidden him play thus sadly so long as there was no sail in sight. Now he knew that if Isolde did not come that day, the sun would set upon his master for the last time.
And now, in his delirium, Tristan was telling of the ship which was bringing Isolde from Cornwall.
"Do you not see it?" he asked. "Look! the sails are all filled up, and the ship is steering straight for us. How high the waves pile up about the bows! There on deck isher- pavilion, just as it was on that other lonely voyage. And see! there she stands looking eagerly toward me, her hair garlanded with flowers and her arms outstretched! It is my Isolde! *Mine! She is forsaking all the world and its thrones to come to the side of a poor outcast. Ah, why is that music so sad? They should pipe merrily upon my wedding-day!"
As if in answer to his last words, the shepherd on the lookout suddenly changed his tune and piped shrilly and merrily. The faithful Kurneval sprang to his feet and ran hastily to the rocks. Yes, there was a broad sail and it was heading straight for them. And on the deck stood a slender, white-robed figure that waved a scarf. Unable to restrain himself, Kurneval hastened back to the sleeping knight.
"My lord, my lord!" he exclaimed, shaking him gently. "Awake! a ship is sailing straight to the foot of the castle. We hope it may be the Lady Isolde!"
"Yes, it is my dear lady," answered Tristan, sitting up. "I saw her in my dreams. Go to her and welcome her in my stead. Hasten, good Kurneval, hasten!"
Kurneval urged him to be as quiet as possible, and went to obey his commands. But Tristan could not be patient. Not knowing what he did, he rose from his couch, in his exertion tearing his bandages loose and causing his wound to bleed afresh. He staggered half-way across the courtyard, dizzy but unconscious of pain; for clear as a bell, from the rocks below, he heard his beloved's voice; "Tristan!"
"She is coming—my Princess!" he muttered. "That is the voice I have heard in my dream."
He tried to answer her, but could not. His knees tottered beneath him and he groped blindly as if in the dark.
"Tristan!" called the voice, nearer this time.
"Isolde!" he answered softly, as he sank to the earth. But the voice, weak as it was, had reached his beloved's ears, for she was bending over him trying to raise him up and imploring him to speak to her once again.
"See, I am here, Tristan—my heart's delight! I came as speedily as might be, but oh! how slow the ship sailed! Did you not hear my heart calling to you, day and night, Tristan, Tristan, Tristan! Now you will get well—youmustget well—and we will be ah! so happy here in Brittany! But are you not glad to see me? Beloved, answer me!"
But the voice she so longed to hear again was stilled forever. Isolde tried in vain to rouse him, then a terrible dread seizing her, she sank unconscious across his lifeless body.
At this moment Kurneval was called from the pathetic sight by a great commotion outside; and the shepherd ran to him crying that a second ship had come to land and armed men were disembarking, followed by one who seemed to be a King. Kurneval's first glance told him that it was King Mark himself.. Fearing in his own wild grief that the monarch was pursuing the two lovers, he resolved to defend the castle gate to his last breath.
The first man to appear was Helot. Kurneval drew his sword and rushed upon him.
"Back, thou cursed spy!" he exclaimed.
"Peace, fool!" said Melot. "Unbar the gate!"
"Not to such as thee!" retorted the old knight, and began to engage him fiercely.
"Stop them! We come in peace!" called out the voice of King Mark.
"Mistress! Isolde!" It was Brangeane's voice that was now heard.
But the two combatants fought on. Presently Melot's sword inflicted an ugly wound.
"Ha, master, I will avenge you yet!" cried Kurneval. with a last mighty stroke, delivered as he sank to the ground, he gave Melot his death wound. Then the old knight crept slowly to his master's side and tried to make one last stand there, but sank back and breathed his last.
Just then King Mark burst in at the gate, and paused stricken with remorse at the scene which greeted his eyes. Brangeane, sobbing aloud, ran to her mistress and tried to revive her. The maid was frantic with remorse for she felt as though this tragedy was due to her. She had confessed to the King the secret of the love potion, and he had at once set sail to assure the lovers of his pardon and affection. He understood all at last, but now it was too late.
Brangeane brought her mistress to consciousness, and implored her to greet the King.
"He comes as your friend, and Sir Tristan's," she said; "he is here to aid you."
King Mark then hastened to speak to her, gently and kindly. In his courtesy he asked her pardon for the harm he had unwittingly done.
But Isolde paid no heed to his words. Her gaze was fixed upon Tristan, and when she spoke it was in praise of his constancy and truth. Then she told of a glorious land to which they both were going, where they should dwell free from sorrow and care and heartbreak.
"I know not where it is," she murmured, "but I know my Tristan will be there, and that will be for me a bliss supreme!"
A radiant smile overspread her face as she ended, and with a soft sigh her heart broke and she sank down and nestled her head close against that of Tristan. And while a sunset glory shone through the trees of the old courtyard and illumined the scene, as though it were some radiant picture, those who stood by fancied they could hear strains of music. Near and yet far-off it sounded clear and sweet, rising in soft waves as though bearing the souls of these two weary pilgrims to the land of rest and eternal love.
THE END
THE RIVERSIDE PRESS LIMITED, EDINBURGH
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1. THE STORY OF HEREWARD. Retold by DOUGLAS C. STEDMAN, B.A.
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1. LEGENDS OF GREECE AND ROME.2. FAVOURITE GREEK MYTHS.3. STORIES OF ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY OUTLAWS.4. STORIES OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS.5. STORIES FROM HERODOTUS.6. STORIES FROM WAGNER.7. BRITAIN LONG AGO. Stories from Old English and Celtic Sources.8. STORIES FROM SCOTTISH HISTORY.9. STORIES FROM GREEK TRAGEDY.10. STORIES FROM DICKENS.11. STORIES FROM THE EARTHLY PARADISE.12. STORIES FROM THE ÆNEID. Retold from Virgil.13. THE BOOK OF RUSTEM. Stories of Persian Heroes.14. STORIES FROM CHAUCER.15. STORIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT.16. STORIES FROM THE ODYSSEY.17. STORIES FROM THE ILIAD.18. TOLD BY THE NORTHMEN.19. STORIES FROM DON QUIXOTE.20. THE STORY OF ROLAND AND THE PEERS OF CHARLEMAGNE.21. STORIES FROM THUCYDIDES.22. THE STORY OF HEREWARD.23. STORIES FROM THE FAERIE QUEENE.24. CUCHULAIN: THE HOUND OF ULSTER.25. STORIES FROM XENOPHON.26. OLD GREEK NATURE STORIES.27 to 30.In preparation.31. STORIES OF PENDENNIS AND THE CHARTERHOUSE.32. SIR GUY OF WARWICK.
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INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL HISTORY SERIES
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Announcement
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Upon the Use of the three Books in the Industrial and History Series. Crown 8vo, 128 pages. Price 1s. 6d. net.
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HARRAP'S DRAMATIC HISTORY READERS
(IN FIVE BOOKS)
Edited by FRED E. MELTON. Fully Illustrated
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Book I.—The Tree People to the end of the Roman Occupation. 128 pages. Illustrated, cloth limp, 6d.
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Book IV.—Edward III. to the end of the Tudors. 192 pages. Illustrated, cloth boards, 1s.
Book V.—James I. to the Reign of Queen Victoria. 224 pages. Illustrated, cloth boards, 1s. 3d.
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BIOGRAPHY
In Tudor Times
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A Series of short biographies containing graphic sketches of the leading characters of the Tudor period. The book is divided into five phases—(1) The Kingship; (2) The Church; (3) The Sea; (4) The Court; (5) The Renaissance.
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In Georgian Times
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Ancient Peoples and their Heroes
Modern Nations and their Famous Men
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INTRODUCTORY VOLUMES TOHARRAP'SSTORY OF ENGLAND SERIES
THE CAVE BOY
Of the Age of Stone. By MARGARET A. M'INTYRE.
Profusely Illustrated. 160 pp. Crown 8vo, 1s.
"The story is written simply, but it teaches a most interesting lesson in a naturally presented series of adventures which will hold the attention of a boy or girl. A short appendix explains how the ways of primitive man have been read from existing evidence; and there are practical suggestions for teachers who wish to make the most of this capital book as an introduction to a subject so suggestive along the lines, not only of social life, but of history, geography and nature study."—Education.
DAYS BEFORE HISTORY
By H. R. HALL. With numerous full-page and other Illustrations, carefully drawn from Models in the British Museum and elsewhere. 160 pp. Crown 8vo, 1s.
Professor J. J. FlNDLAY, M.A., writes in the preface:—"This story transplants the child to an epoch where men and women are themselves children—where the problems of life are the simple tasks of economic existence—food, shelter, clothing. It gives him a practical problem to achieve, to make pots for the food, to weave cloth for the tent: it gives him ideas for play, ideas that underlie all the great games in which mankind finds recreation. I heartily welcome 'Days Before History' on our children's behalf."
Professor W. BOYD DAWKINS, D.Sc., F.R.S., author of "Early Man in Britain," writes:—"The story is excellent and true to the facts. The book fills a gap in the history of Britain."
Mr J. L. PATON, M.A., High Master of the Manchester Grammar School, writes:—"I was very much pleased with it; read it every word; have already adopted it at Preparatory Schools, and it comes on next year in my own Preparatory Form at the Big School."
CAVE, LAKE, AND MOUND DWELLERS
By FLORENCE HOLBROOK, author of "The Hiawatha Primer," and "A Book of Nature Myths." With nearly 100 Illustrations. 140 pp. Crown 8vo, 1s.
This little book covers briefly the whole field of pre-historic life, and, while not written in story form, like "Days Before History," and "The Cave Boy," forms an interesting introduction to the subject for young readers.
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HARRAP'S NEW ILLUSTRATEDSTORY OF ENGLAND SERIES
In 8 Volumes. Each containing some 256 pages and about 150 Original Illustrations drawn from the museums, old MSS. and other sources. The volumes are attractively printed and bound, and the aim has been to interest as well as to instruct.
Whilst devoting considerable attention to political history, a far greater space than is usual is given to the social life of the people. Chapters are devoted to life in a monastery, life in a castle, life in the towns, and sports and pastimes are adequately treated. Costume and architecture also receive considerable attention. Whenever possible old records are quoted in the original words. and family memoirs are often drawn upon in order to make the narrative more vivid.
LIST OF THE VOLUMES
THE DAWN OF BRITISH HISTORY(350 B.C.-A.D. 450). By ALICE CORKRAN.
THE BIRTH OF ENGLAND(450-1066). By ESTELLE ROSS.
FROM CONQUEST TO CHARTER(1066-1215). BY ESTELLE ROSS.
BARONS AND KINGS(1216-1488). By ESTELLE ROSS.
TUDOR ENGLAND(1488-1603). By ADA RUSSELL.
THE STRUGGLE WITH THE CROWN(1603-1714). By E. M. WILMOT-BUXTON, F.R.Hist.S.
GEORGIAN ENGLAND(1714-1830). By SUSAN CUNNINGTON.
VICTORIAN ENGLAND(1830-1901). By ESTELLE ROSS.
For Volumes introductory to this Series see page 7.
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*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOKSTORIES FROM WAGNER***