Tannhäuser

Why shakes your bosom ? Why does glory flame A crown, a cincture? What befell you there? Tannhauser. I came to Rome across the winter snows Barefoot, and through the lovely watered land Rich in the sunshine—even unto Rome. There knelt I with the other sinful folk At the great chair of Peter. Sobbed they out From full repentant hearts their menial sins, And got them peace. But 1 told brutally (Cynical phrase, contempt of self and him) My sojourn in the Venusberg ; then he Rose in his wrath, and shook the barren staff Over my head, and cried— I heard his voice Most like the dweller of the hurricane Calm, small, and still, directing desolation ; Death to the world athwart its path.— So he Cried out upon me " Till this barren staff Take life, and bud, and blossom, and bear fruit, And shed sweet scent — so long God casteth thee Out from His glory !" Stricken, smitten, slain— When—one unknown, a pilgrim with the rest. Darting long rugged fingers and deep eyes. Reached to the sceptre with his word and will — Buds, roses, blossoms ! Lilies of the Light ! Bloom, bloom, the fragrance shed upon the air ! ^i7