The Romance of Tristan Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)

Quote #10

'She could soon cure my sickness just by calling me her love. I am a lover, so is she. Our love is not equally divided: I suffer doubly, but she has no pity for me. I have suffered many hardships, hunger and thirst, rough places to sleep, and the deep grief that I bear in my heart. [...] May God inspire her to rid me of this madness.' (18.159)

Continuing to describe his love for Yseut in the traditional manner of French courtly poetry, Tristan holds out the return of his lady's love as the only "cure" for his "sickness" and "madness." This figure resonates with the story of Tristan and Yseut specifically because Yseut has healed Tristan of actual life-threatening wounds twice now.