Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE VENUSBERG, by JACQUES ANATOLE FRANCOIS THIBAULT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE VENUSBERG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I have burned my garments of gold, and my violin
Last Line: There'll be no one to sing in paradise.
Alternate Author Name(s): France, Anatole
Subject(s): Religion; Repentance; Sin; Theology; Penitence


"I have burned my garments of gold, and my violin.
While the brazier of repentance shines on me
I shall seek the Pope to wash away my sin.

"O Holy Father, hear with clemency
By what rare sins and demon joy thereof,
Remote from Jesus, I was blind to his decree.

"In the enchanted city, all other peaks above,
With beauteous Venus I dwelt seven years.
Absolve me now, by Jesus whom we love."

The cross of the Holy Father, as he hears,
Trembles: "Your frightful sins the Lord will pardon
When leaf or flower on his cross appears!"

Tears do the gallant's heavy spirit harden.
"Since, Madame Virgin, I no more may yearn
To tend the flowers of your heavenly garden,

"Nor as a shining taper for you burn,
The tender Lady Venus will comfort me:
Never to leave her more, I now return!"

"In very truth I'm glad, yes, glad, to see
Thee, Knight; sit down and drink, I pray.
A long time, Tannhäuser, I have longed for thee."

The cross having blossomed on the third day,
The Holy Father sent a post full speed
To seek Tannhäuser up hill and away.

With Venus, he was drinking mellow mead,—
And there will linger, while marriage songs are played,
Until the Angel's trump to Judgment lead.

Not thus should man's bright soul be overlaid:
If they are damned who love the brave device
Of the clear word and the clear smile of a maid

There'll be no one to sing in Paradise.





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