Elizabeth monologue (Act 4) — Tannhäuser : $b A story of all time

I heard, I pure, I virginal, your song; The shameful story of your intercourse With—fiend or woman? And your burning will. Even in that horror, to the Highest; at last Your choice of me—the middle course of them, Pure human love? And, if your song be true, As I, who heard the voice, the earnestness, Saw the deep eyes, and truth aflame in them, Know—then the choice be Mary’s and not mine! I love you better, were that possible; Will make you a true wife, and lead your hand, Or be led by you, in the pleasant path. For me, I enter not—Blesséd be God!— In those dark problems that disturb your soul. Mine is the simple nature. Look at me!