Tannhäuser

That if man lack not purpose, but succeed, Reaching in very deed Impersonal existence; — Lo ! Man is made one with God, an equal soul. For he shall know The harmony, the oneness of the Whole. This was my purpose. Vain, Ah vain ! The Star of the Unconquered Will Centred its vehemence and light, to stain In one successful strain, The stainless sphere of the unchangeable. With its own passionate, desperate breath Ever confronting the dark gate of Death. I passed that gate ! O pitiful ! The same Mystery holds me, and the flame Of Life stands up, unbroken citadel. Beyond my sight, vague, far, intangible. Broken are will, and witchery, and prayer. Remains the life of earth, which is but hell. Destiny's web, and my immense despair. Landgrave. Your words are terrible ! We knew them true Even while you sang. But see ! the light of day ! Beauty in all things and—for you—true love ! I 12