Tannhäuser

The great cross-hilt, or watching how the steel Outshone the jewelled scabbard when you drew (You would not let me touch) the delicate blade Half out : and also fingering your harp, Picking child's tunes out, while you curled my hair Between two fingers, dreamily enough ! Then, too, you went away out of my life ! You see the symbol you have been to me ? The swift high mind, the heart of gold and fire. The living purpose and the mystic life Of lonely seeking for the Grail of God ! I—call you husband ? When I said your name, It was to set the task impossible :— Had they but known it —just as one should say : " Bring down St Michael : let me marry him ! " They knew the angels were too pure ; but you, They guessed not how exalted were your hopes ; How utterly unselfish, pure, and true, Your great heart beat ! TannhAuser {with bitterness). I hardly knew, myself! {Aside.) Here is the virgin insight of the truth ! Or—cannot purity be brought to know Aught but itself? Some poets tell us that ! {Aloud.) I am unworthy even to speak to you. 96