Tristram

Tristram, blank‐verse dramatic narrative by E.A. Robinson, published in 1927 and awarded a Pulitzer Prize. It belongs with Lancelot and Merlin in the author's Arthurian trilogy.

Prince Tristram of Lyonesse, wounded in combat in Ireland, is nursed to health by Princess Isolt. He tells his uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, of Isolt's beauty, and Mark sends him to bring her to be his queen. During the return voyage, Tristram falls in love with Isolt, but feels honor bound to carry out his mission. He contemplates suicide and refuses to attend the marriage feast. Three messengers are sent to persuade him: Gouvernail, his friend and counselor; Queen Morgan, who attempts to renew her former hold on him; and Brangwaine, Isolt's attendant. All fail, and Isolt herself comes. Their farewell embrace is spied by his treacherous cousin Andred, whom Tristram wounds. For this act Mark exiles Tristram, and Gouvernail follows him, rescuing Tristram when a fever overcomes him. While he is recuperating, Morgan tries to make him love her. He goes with Gouvernail to Brittany, where another Isolt—Isolt of the White Hands—daughter of King Howel, counters his indifference with her passionate love, and he marries her. Later he becomes a knight of Arthur's Round Table, and, when Mark is imprisoned for opposing the papal government, Tristram and Isolt of Ireland spend a blissful time together in Joyous Gard. Mark is released and takes his queen back to Cornwall. She is dying, and Mark, resigned and generous, allows Tristram to attend her. The final embrace of the lovers is interrupted by Andred, who brings about the death of Tristram and Isolt in each other's arms.