Tannhäuser

But thou, O thou, hast risen from the deep! All mortals mourn and weep To see thee, seeing that all love must die Beside thy beauty, see thee and despair ! Deadly as thou art fair, I cry for all mankind — they are slain, even as I! \Tannliduser pauses, bends eagerly towards Venus. She smiling luxuriously, he continues. Who Cometh wanton, with long arms outspread ? Who cometh with lascivious lips aflame ? Whose eyes invite me to the naked bed Stark open to the sun, dear pride of shame? Whose face draws close and near, Filling the soul with fear. Till nameless shudders course in every limb ? Whose breath is quick and fierce ? Whose teeth are keen to pierce The arms that clasp her ? Whose the eyes that swim For dear and delicate delight? And whose The lips that halt and choose The very centre of my mouth, and meet In one supreme and conquering kiss, and cleave Unto the wound they leave, 60