Tannhäuser

" Thus," riddled he, " thy heart shall know its Peace ! " Let be ! I ride upon the sand instead, Look to the Cross, whereon I take mine ease ! Let be ! Just so the Roman soldier said. Esaias ? He is dead— as I am dead ! What was his symbol and his riddle's key ? Go, seek the stars and count them and explore! Go, sift the sands beyond a starless sea ! So, find an answer where the dismal shore Of time beats back eternity ! No more ! Let me ride on more hastily than this. That so my body may be tired of me. And fling me to the old forgetful kiss. Sleep's, when my mind goes, riderless and free. Into some corner of eternity. Alas ! that mind returns from its abode With newer problems, fiercer thoughts ! But stay ! Suppose it came not ? It must be with God !— Then this dull house of gold and iron and clay Is happy also— 'tis an easy way ! 24