Read The Romance of Tristan: The Tale of Tristan's Madness (Classics) for Free Online Page A

told and his suspicions immediately increased. The dwarf swore that he could
     demonstrate the lovers’ guilt and, acting on the dwarf’s advice,
     Mark climbed one night into the branches of a tree near the spring, meaning to
     eavesdrop on their conversation
.
    When Tristan came to the spring he was able, in the moonlight, to see a reflection
     of the king’s shadow. Yseut came into the orchard and also saw the
     king’s shadow, much to her surprise; but she took care
    that she gave no sign ofthis. As she drew near to her
     lover, hear how she forestalled him:
    ‘Tristan, for God’s sake, it is very wrong of you to send for me
     at such a time!’ Then she pretended to weep. [‘If the king were
     ever to hear of this meeting, I am sure he would kill me.] For the sake of the Lord
     who created all things, never send for me again. I am sorry to say this, Tristan,
     but I am sure I should not dare to come. The king thinks that I have been wicked
     enough to love you. But before God I swear I have been loyal: may He scourge me if
     anyone has ever had my love except the man who had me as a maiden. There are
     villains in this kingdom – and it was for their sake that you once fought
     and killed Morholt – who are making the king believe, so it seems to me,
     that you and I love each other. But you have no desire for this; nor have I, by
     Almighty God, any mind for a love which turns to sin. I would rather be burned and
     have my ashes scattered to the winds any day of my life than love someone who was
     not my rightful lord. But, my God, he will not believe me! How little he thinks of
     me now. Solomon was right when he said a thief never likes the man who rescues him
     from the gallows. If the villains in this land [remembered how much they owe you,
     they would not talk of their suspicions about us, they would conceal them]. You had
     to endure great pain from the wound my uncle gave you in battle. I cured you: no
     wonder if you loved me for this! And they have told the king you love me wickedly.
     Let them go to heaven and God would turn his back on them! Tristan, take care never
     to send for me anywhere for anything; I should not dare to come. I have alreadystayed here too long, without a word of a lie. If the king ever
     knew of this he would have me torn to pieces; it would be a horrible mistake, but I
     know he would kill me. Tristan, I am sure the king does not realize that I have
     loved you for his sake; I loved you because we were related. I used to think that my
     mother dearly loved my father’s family, and she said that a wife who does
     not do so does not love her lord: I am certain this was right. I have loved you
     because of him and by doing this I have lost all his, good will.’
    [‘Certainly, he has shown that he suspects us.] His men have made him
     believe their lies about us.’
    ‘Tristan, what do you mean? My lord the king is an honourable man: the idea
     that you and I have had wicked thoughts never came from him. But men can be led
     astray and made to forget good and do evil. This is what has happened to my lord.
     Tristan, I am going, I have stayed too long.’
    ‘For God’s sake, my lady! I asked you to come, and now that you
     are here I beg you to listen to what I have to say. I have always held you so
     dear.’
    When he had heard his beloved speaking he knew that she had seen Mark. He thanked God
     for this, now that he was sure everything would go well.
    ‘Ah, Yseut, you are a noble, honourable and loyal daughter of a king!
     Several times I have asked to see you since your room was forbidden to me and I
     could not speak to you. My lady, I want to beg your mercy on this poor wretch living
     in sorrow and hardship. That the king should ever think ill of me on your account
     grieves me so much that I think I shall die. It is hard for me[to
     bear these thoughts. He is doing me a great injustice. Alas, if only he knew my
     mind, he would know the truth straight away and] he