Elizabeth.
I heard,
I pure, I virginal,
your song ;
The shameful story of your intercourse
With —fiend or woman ?
And your burning
will,
Even in that horror,
to the Highest ;
at last
Your choice of me— the middle course of them,
Pure human love ?
And, if your song be true.
As I, who heard the voice, the earnestness,
Saw the deep
eyes, and truth aflame
in them.
Know—then
the choice be Mary's
and not mine !
I love you better, were that possible ;
Will make you a true wife,
and lead your hand.
Or be led by you, in the pleasant path.
For me, I enter not— Blessed be God !—
In those dark problems that disturb your soul.
Mine
is the simple nature.
Look at me !
TannhAuser.
Lady pure, miracle of true love,
1 have
a bitter word and
harsh
to say.
This is my curse —no sooner do I speak,
Or formulate my mind in iron words.
That my mind grows, o'erleaps the limit set,
And
I perceive the truth that lies beyond—
One further step into a new-fallen night.
Hear then — I hate
to hurt your perfect soul ;
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