Keen on my spirit
; as if all I sought
In Thine own symbol, Beauty, were concealed
Under her brows —how wider than
the air !
How deeper than
the sea I
How radiant
Beyond the fire !
Venus.
O shun her devilish lures !
That Beauty is the sole detested fear
That can annul our conquests,
and arouse
Our rapt dream-kisses.
Tannhauser.
That is my intent.
It is the spiritual life of things
I seek —Thou knowest
!
Venus.
Oh, I did not mean
!
Remember my dilemma!
Hear me speak
The story of her.
She is a wicked witch
That seeketh to delude thy sleepy sense
In vicious purpose and malignant hope
To ape my Godhead.
{Thunder.
Tannhauser.
Thunder rolls again.
I am uneasy.
46