Elizabeth.
Oh no!
Grant
me one boon—the one that I shall ask
Ever in this world
!
Promise
me!
Tannhauser.
Alas!
One promise gave I once
to woman — that
Drove me to this illusion of your love,
And broke your heart.
Elizabeth.
Oh no,
I shall not die.
Have I not Mary and the angels yet
.''
Tannhauser.
You are so pure,
so pitiful —your word
Cannot bring evil.
Yes,
I
promise you
!
Elizabeth.
Go then the bitter pilgrimage
to Rome,
Gain absolution for this piteous past
From him that owns the twin all-opening
keys
That bar your infinite on either side.
Then
!
look with freshness,
hope, and fortitude
Still to the summit— the ideal God.
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