How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #4
'If he loved me wickedly, you would have seen signs enough. On the contrary, by my faith, you saw that there was no hint of his coming up to kiss me or behave in an unseemly way. Surely, Tristan's love for me is blameless. Sire, if you had not seen us just now you would certainly not have believed me.' (2.58)
Here Yseut makes an argument that the narrator will reiterate a few pages later: that the signs of love are impossible to hide. This "truth" is the reason that Tristan and Yseut's affair is eventually exposed. Their inability to hide their love is proof of its depth and truth. Yet Tristan and Yseut have hidden their love from Mark, testifying to their skill at slipping easily in and out of the different roles they must perform.
Quote #5
Who can be in love for a year or two and not reveal it? For love cannot be concealed. Often one lover would wink at the other, often they would speak together both alone and in the sight of others. They could not find their pleasure everywhere and they had to meet many times. (3.60)
The narrator's certainty that "love cannot be concealed" is ironic given that Tristan and Yseut have done just that a few pages earlier. Of course, at that point the lovers were both aware of Mark's presence. It's only when they drop their guard that they reveal themselves, suggesting that they are so absorbed in their love that they don't think of anyone but themselves. That's probably why they never notice the barons watching them make out.
Quote #6
'Sir, I love Yseut so much. Because of her I cannot sleep nor even doze. My decision is soon taken: I would rather be a beggar with her and live on herbs and acorns than possess the kingdom of the rich King Otran. I beg you not to ask me to leave her, for I cannot do so.' (7.79)
Like a lot of other heroes in romance, Tristan suffers for love. Although Ogrin has counseled repentance both for the sake of God and for worldly position, Tristan appears to consider only the latter, weighing his love for Yseut against a rich worldly kingdom, rather than a heavenly one.