Venus monologue (Act 3) — Tannhäuser : $b A story of all time

Gone to his Goddess! the poor worm’s asleep. And yet—I cannot follow him. Not even Into the dreamland that these mortals use. There, I am barred. The flaming sword of Light Is set against me, and new pangs consume This nest of scorpions where my heart once was. Yet to my fearful task of hate I set No faltering bosom. I will have this man, His life, his strength; and live a little more. Life—shall I ever reach the splendid sword Of womanhood, and gird it, gain my will, A human soul, and from that altitude Renew the terrible war against the Gods? I have called Chronos the devouring God My father—shall his desolating reign Never return? Ay me! this heart of hate, Loathing the man, takes comfort in the beast, And gloats on the new garbage for an hour. So, Sin, embrace me! Watch; he moves again, Transfigured by the dream: slow rapture steals Over his face. Mere godhead could not bring That human light and living! I will win. He must have banished Her—and dreams of me.