Collected Works (Vol. I)

248 TANNHAUSER 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, Ifad 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 (w¢7th bitterness). I hardly knew, myself! (Aszde.) Here is the virgin insight of the truth | Or—cannot purity be brought to know Aught but itself? Some poets tell us that ! (Aloud.) JT am unworthy even to speak to you. ELIZABETH, The proof! The proof! Dear God, how true it Is That such high worthiness sees nothing there In his own heart (save what is very Christ) .But wickedness ! TANNHAUSER (aside). This is my punishment ! This faith, this hope, this love—to me—to me! ELIZABETH. Yet, once my word went forth into the world, Suddenly came the fear that you were still Accessible to men—might hear, might come ! The kind, grave face of you—that light out- shone The mystical ideal. Therefore too I minded me cf our old baby-love, And—marriages are made in heaven, you know! Besides—Our Lady showed me in a dream How you would come. TANNHAUSER. And now? So sure are you The loving word you spoke an hour ago Came from the heart—who called me by mistake ? ELIZABETH. So sure? You want me to confess again The deep pure love, the love indicible. TANNIAUSER (¢o himself), Words, thoughts, that fail her? How should acts exceed? (Aloud.) Better sit thus and read each other’s thoughts— I in the blue eyes, in the hazel you! Then, bending, I may touch my lips upon Sweet thoughtful brows. ELIZABETH. Your kisses move my soul. Strange thoughts and unimagined destinies Take ship, and harbour in the heart of me. TANNHAUSER. Words mean too much, and never mean enough. Look, only look ! ELIZABETH. I am so happy—so! SCENE II. Court assembled in the Great Hall. LANDGRAVE enthroned, ELIZABETH by his side. Facing them are the competing minstrels. Around, courtiers and fair ladtes. The - LANDGRAVE, Welcome all minstrels! Let us celebrate In the old fashion, dear to Germany, My child’s betrothal to this noble youth,