"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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: WIDOW MCFARLANE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS TO KNOW IN REVERIE THE ONLY PHENOMENOLOGY OF THE ABSOLUTE by HAYDEN CARRUTH ODE TO THE BROWN PAPER BAG by JAMES GALVIN MY HAPPINESS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON GHOSTS OF THE OLD YEAR by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON |