“Tannhäuser” by Richard Wagner libretto (English)
 Print-frendly
Contents: Characters; Act One; Act Two; Act Three
Characters

Hermann - Bass
Tannhäuser - Tenor
Wolfram von Eschenbach - Baritone
Walther von der Vogelweide - Tenor
Biterolf - Bass
Heinrich der Schreiber - Tenor
Reinmar von Zweter - Bass
Elisabeth - Soprano
Venus - Soprano
A young Shepherd - Soprano
Four Pages - Soprano And Alto

Thuringian knights. Counts and noblemen. Noblewomen. Older pilgrims. Younger pilgrims. Sirens. Naiads. Nymphs. Bacchantes

Time: At the beginning of the thirteenth century

Act One: The interior of the Hörselberg near Eisenach; A valley below the Wartburg
Act Two: On the Wartburg
Act Three: Valley below the Wartburg
ACT ONE

SCENE ONE
The interior of the Venusberg (the Hörselberg, near Eisenach). A wide grotto which, as it curves towards the right in the background, seems to be prolonged till the eye loses it in the distance. From an opening in the rocks, through which the daylight filters dimly, a greenish waterfall plunges down the whole height of the grotto, foaming wildly over the rocks; out of the basin that receives the water a brook flows to the further background; it there forms into a lake, in which Naiads are seen bathing, while Sirens recline on its banks. - On both sides of the grotto are projecting cliffs, of irregular form, covered with wonderful, coral-like tropical growths. In front of an opening in the grotto, stretching upwards to the left, through which comes a soft roseate half-light, Venus reclines in the foreground on a rich couch; before her, his head in her lap, his harp by his side, is Tannhäuser, half-kneeling. The Three Graces, charmingly entwined, recline about the couch. At the side of and behind the couch are numerous sleeping Cupids, huddled together in a confused tangle, like children who, tired after play, have fallen asleep. The whole of the foreground is illuminated from below, by a magical rosy light, through which the emerald-green of the waterfall and the white foam of its waves break in strong contrast. A clear blue vapour envelopes the far background, with the banks of the lake, in a kind of moonlight. When the curtain rises, the youths, holding goblets in their hands, are still reclining on the cliffs; now, in response to the alluring signs of the Nymphs, they hasten down to these; the Nymphs have already begun, round the foaming basin of the waterfall, the inviting dance that is meant to draw the youths to them. The two groups mix together in pairs; pursuits, flights and alluring coquetries enliven the dance. From the far background comes a swarm of Bacchantes, who break through the ranks of the amorous couples, inciting them to wilder delights. By gestures of exalted intoxication the Bacchantes urge on the lovers to further abandonment. The revellers embrace each other with the most ardent passion. Satyrs and Fauns emerge from the clefts in the rocks, and thrust themselves with their dance between the Bacchantes and the pairs of lovers. They increase the confusion by chasing the Nymphs; the general tumult rises to the maddest climax. At the outburst of the greatest delirium, the three Graces rise to their feet, horror-stricken. They try to restrain the furious groups and drive them off. Impotent against them, they fear that they themselves will be drawn into the whirl; they turn to the sleeping Cupids flutter upwards and in different directions like a flock of birds, and, drawn up as it were in battle array on the heights, and commanding the whole cavern, they rain down a ceaseless shower of arrows on the tumult beneath. The wounded, seized by a powerful yearning for love, quit the mad dance and sink down in exhaustion; the Graces take possession of the wounded, and try, by disposing the revellers in pairs, to disperse them with gentle force towards the background; there the Bacchantes, Fauns, Satyrs, Nymphs and Youths withdraw, pursued in by Cupids from the heights. A rosy mist comes down, growing thicker and thicker as it descends. In it the Cupids first disappear; then it envelops the whole background, so that finally, beside Venus and Tannhäuser, only the three Graces remain visible. These now return towards the foreground; gracefully interlocked they drawn near to Venus, and apparently tell her of the victory they have won over the mad passions of the subjects of her realm. Venus gives them a grateful glance. (The thick mist in the background dissolves, revealing a cloud-picture of the Rape of Europa; she is being carried across the blue sea on the back of the garlanded white bull, escorted by Tritons and Nereids)

CHOIR OF SIRENS

Draw near the stand!
Approach the land,
where, in the arms
of glowing love,
let blissful warmth
content your desires!
(The rosy mist gathers again, obliterating the picture, and the Graces interpret in a graceful dance the mystic meaning of the picture as a work of love. Once more the mist dissolves. In the soft half-light of the moon, Leda is seen reclining on the banks of a woodland lake. The swan swims up to her and fawningly lays his head upon her bosom)

CHOIR OF SIRENS
Draw near the strand!
Approach the land!
This picture also gradually fades away. At last the mist wholly disappears, showing the entire grotto lonely and still. The Graces smilingly make obeisance to Venus and slowly move off the grotto of love. Deepest quiet. Venus and Tannhäuser mantain their attitudes unchanged

SCENE TWO
(Tannhäuser lifts up his head suddenly, as if starting from a dream. - Venus draws him back again caressingly)  

VENUS

Tell me, beloved, of what are you thinking?

TANNHÄUSER

Too much! Too much!

Oh, that I now might awake!

VENUS

Tell me what ails you.

TANNHÄUSER
In dreams, it was as if I heard -
a sound long stranger to my ears -
as if I heard the joyful peal of bells!
Oh, tell me! How long is it since I heard them?

VENUS

What is it holds you in thrall?
Where are you straying?

TANNHÄUSER

The time I have sojourned here
I cannot measure.
Days, moons - mean nothing to me any more,
for I no longer see the sun,
nor the friendly stars of heaven;
I see no more the blades of grass, which, turning freshly green,
bring the new summer in;
the nightingale that foretells me the spring,
I hear no more.
Shall I never hear it, never behold it more?

VENUS

Ha! What do I hear? What foolish complaining?
Are you so soon wearied of the sweet wonder
my love devises for you?
Or what? Can you so greatly regret being a god?
Have you so soon forgot how once
you suffered, whilst now you delight in pleasure here?

Come, my Singer,

up and grasp your lyre!
Celebrate love, which you extol so marvellously in song,
that you won the goddess of love herself for yours!
Celebrate love, for its highest prize has become yours!
TANNHÄUSER
(takes up his lyre)

Let your praises ring out! Let the marvel
your might created for me, fortunate as I am, be extolled!
May the sweet delight, sprung from your favour,
raise my song up in a loud cry of jubilation!
My heart yearned, oh my senses thirsted
after pleasure, after delicious gratification:
that which once you rendered to gods alone
you graciously bestowed upon me, a mortal.
But mortal, oh, I have remained
and your loving is too huge for me.
Though a god may incessantly savour enjoyment,
I am subject to change:
not pleasure alone lies close to my heart -
in the midst of joy I crave after pain.
From your kingdom I must fly -
O queen,
goddess, let me go!

VENUS

What's this I must harken to? What kind of singing is that?
Into what doleful strain has your song lapsed?
Whither has that inspiration flown,
which once prompted songs of delight alone from you?
What is it? Wherein has my love proved wanting?
Beloved, with what do you reproach me?

TANNHÄUSER
Thanks be to your favour! May your loving be extolled!
Fortunate forever the man who has tarried with you!
Forever envied he who, with ardent passion,
has shared the godlike glow in your embrace!
Entrancing are the marvels of your kingdom,
I breathe the magic of all pleasure here;
no country on the broad earth offers the like,
what they possess you can easily spare.
But amid these rosy perfumes
I long for the woodland breezes,
for the clear blue of our skies,
for the fresh green of our meadows,
for the sweet song of our little birds,
for the dear sound of our bells.
From your kingdom I must fly -
O queen,
goddess, let me go!

VENUS

Faithless man! Alas! What is that you say?
You dare scorn my love?
You praise it, yet would fly from it?
Are you surfeited with my charms?

TANNHÄUSER
Oh lovely goddess, do not be angry with me!

VENUS
Are you surfeited with my charms?

TANNHÄUSER
Your overwhelming charm it is I flee from.

VENUS
Woe to you, traitor! Hypocrite! Ungrateful man!
I will not let you go! You may not go from me!

TANNHÄUSER
Never was my love greater, never truer,
than now, when I must fly from you for ever!
(At a sign from Venus a magic grotto is revealed)

VENUS

Come, beloved, see yonder grotto,
filled with rosy fragrance gently wafting!
That abode of sweetest delight would offer
enchantment even to a god.
Lulled on the downiest of cushions
let every hurt fly from your limbs,
let coolness fan your burning brow,
blissful ardour swell heart.

Come, sweet love, come, follow me! Come!

CHOIR OF SIRENS

Draw near the strand!

VENUS
From the pleasant distance, sweet sound usage
my arm to enfold you in closest embrace:
from my lips, my gaze,
you sip nectar divine,
the reward of love sparkles for you:
a feast of delight shall arise from our union.
Let us joyfully celebrate the festival of love!
You must not dedicate a timid offering to it -
revel in union with the goddess of love!
Say, sweet friend, tell me, my beloved -
would you fly?

TANNHÄUSER

For you alone my song shall ever ring out!
Your praise alone be loudly sung by me!
Your lovely fascination is the fount of all beauty,
and every sweet wonder stems from you.
The glow you shed in my heart
blazes bright as flame for you alone!
Yes, against the whole eorld, then, untiring,
for henceforth your bold champion I will be!
Yet, I must go from hence to the world of earth;
if I remain with you, I can only be a slave.
For freedom, then, I long,
for freedom, freedom, do I thirst;
for struggle and strife I will stand,
though it be, too, for destruction and death:
from your kingdom, therefore, I must fly -
Oh queen,
goddess, let me go!  
VENUS

Begone, madman, begone!
Go! Traitor, see, I am not stopping you!
Fly! I set you free!
Begone hence! Deluded mortal,
let that which you long for be your lot!
Begone! Begone!
Fly hence to frigid men,
before whose timid, cheerless fancy
we gods of delight have escaped
deep into the warm womb of earth.
Begone, deluded mortal, seek your salvation,
seek your salvation - and find it never!
Beg those for pardon now, whom once,
when victorious, in exultant mood
you derided and scorned; in those quarters you disdained,
cry out now for favour!
Let your infamy shine forth, then!
Their derision, then will be your utter shame!
Banished, accursed, oh, how well I see you
approach me already, your head bowed down to earth:
"Oh, if only you might find her again,
she who once smiled upon you!
Oh, that the portals of her delight
might once more open for you!"
On the threshold, see there -
he lies now, stretched full length,
there where once delight engulfed him!
Imploring, he begs for pity, not for love!
Back! Be off, beggar!
To heroes alone, to menials never, does my kingdom open!

TANNHÄUSER
No! My pride will spare you the complaining;
ever again to appear before you would degrade me!
He who parts from you today, oh goddess,
will never return to you again!

VENUS

Ha! You will never return?
What have I said?
Ha! What has he said?
Never to return to me!
What am I to think?
Now understand it?
My beloved leave me for ever?

How could I have deserved that?
How incurred such censure,
as would rob me of the pleasure
of forgiving my dear one?
To the queen of love,
to the goddess of all grace,
alone, should offering
her friend comfort be denied?
Smiling through tears, how once
I listened to you, yearning
to hear the proud song
that has been silent around me for so long!
Oh say, how could you ever suppose
I might remain unmoved if, some time,
your soul's sighing were to urge me,
if I were to hear your cry?
That in your arms supreme comfort I have found,
oh, for that, do not let me suffer.
Do not you one day scorn my solace!

If you do not return to me,
a curse, then, upon the whole wide world,
and may that from which the goddess withdraws
be for ever waste!

Oh, come, come back again!
Trust my favour, my love!

TANNHÄUSER
He who flies from you, goddess, flies from all favour for ever!

VENUS
Do not resist your longing from pride,
if it draw you back to me!

TANNHÄUSER
My longing urges me to combat;
I do not seek pleasure and rapture!
Oh, if you could understand it, goddess!
Hence, to the death I seek!
I am drawn to death!

VENUS
Return, when death itself flies from you,
when the grave itself closes before you.

TANNHÄUSER
I carry death and the grave here in my heart,
through repentance and atonement I will find myself repose!

VENUS
Repose will never be your lot,
neither will you find peace!
Come again to me, if, some time, you should seek your salvation!

TANNHÄUSER
Goddess of pleasure and delight, no!
Oh, not in you shall I find peace and repose!
My salvation lies in Mary!
(Venus vanishes. - The scene is changed quickly)

SCENE THREE

A green valley stretching between the Hörselberg and the Wartburg. Blue sky, bright sun. In the foreground is a shrine to the Virgin. A Shepherd Boy is blowing his pipe and singing. Sleep bells tinkle.

SHEPHERD
Dame Holda's come out of the mountain
to roam through field and meadow;
my ear caught a sound there so sweet,
m'eye longed to behold.

There I dreamt many a sweet dream,
and my eyes had scarcely opened when
there the sun shone warm.
May, May had come!
Now I gaily play my pipe.
May is here, the lovely May!
(From the direction of the Wartburg, a band of Pilgrims approaches, singing)

OLDER PILGRIMS
To Thee do I journey, Lord Jesus Christ,
for Thou art the pilgrims' hope!
Praise be to thee, Virgin sweet and pure.
Grant that our pilgrimage may prove propitious!

Alas, the burden of my sins weighs me down.
I can endure it no longer;
I will know neither sleep nor rest therefore
and gladly choose toil and vexation.
At the sublime feast of clemency and grace
I will atone for my sins in humility;
blessed is he who truly belives:
he shall be saved through penitence and repentance.

SHEPHERD

God speed! God speed to Rome!
Pray for my poor soul! (Tannhäuser falls to his knees, deeply moved)

TANNHÄUSER
Glory be to Thee, Almighty God!
Great are the marvels of Thy grace.  

OLDER PILGRIMS
To Thee do I journey, Lord Jesus Christ,
for Thou art the pilgrims' hope!

Praise be to thee, Virgin sweet and pure.
Grant that our pilgrimage may prove propitious!

TANNHÄUSER

Alas, the burden of my sins weighs me down,
I can endure it no longer;
I will know neither sleep nor rest therefore
and gladly choose toil and vexation.  

PILGRIMS

At the sublime feast of clemency and grace,
I will atone for my sins in humility;

blessed is he who truly belives.    

SCENE FOUR

LANDGRAVE
(catches sight of Tannhäuser)

Who is that man yonder, sunk in fervent prayer?

WALTHER
A penitent surely.

BITEROLF
By his garb a knight.

WOLFRAM

It is he!

WALTHER, HEINRICH DER SCHREIBER, BITEROLF, REINMAR
Henry! Henry! Do I see aright?  

LANDGRAF
Is it really you? Have you returned to the circle you
forsook in haughty arrogance?

BITEROLF
Say, what does your return signify for us?

LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS
Tell us what!

BITEROLF
Reconciliation? Or does it betoken renewed strife?

WALTHER
Do you approach us as friend or foe?

SINGERS
except
WOLFRAM
As foe?

WOLFRAM
Oh, do not ask! Is this the bearing of arrogance?

(to Tannhäuser)

Be welcome, you valiant Singer,
who have been, oh, so long absent from our midst!

WALTHER
Welcome, if you come in peace!

BITEROLF
Welcome, if you call us friends!
Welcome! Welcome! We greet you!

THE OTHER SINGERS
except
WOLFRAM
Welcome! Welcome! We greet you!

LANDGRAVE
Be welcome then to me as well!
Tell us - where have you tarried so long?

TANNHÄUSER
I have journeyed in far-distant realms -
there where I never found response nor rest.
Do not ask! I did not come hither to contend with you.
Be reconciled with me and let me go on further!

LANDGRAVE
Not so! You have become one of us once more.

WALTHER
You may not go away.

BITEROLF
We will not let you go.

LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS
except
BITEROLF
Stay with us!

TANNHÄUSER
Let me be! Delay avails me naught,
and never can I stop to rest!
My way bids me only hasten onward,
and never may I cast a backward glance!

LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS
Oh, stay! You shall tarry with us,
we will not let you go from us!
you have sought us out, why hurry away
after so short a reunion?

TANNHÄUSER

Away, away from here!

SINGERS
Stay, stay by us!

WOLFRAM

Stay by Elizabeth!

TANNHÄUSER
Elizabeth! - Oh heavenly powers,
do you cry out that sweet name to me?

WOLFRAM
You shall not rebuke me as enemy, for that I have spoken it!
(to the Landgrave)
Do you permit me, sir, to be
herald of his good fortune to him?

LANDGRAVE
Tell him of the spell he has wrought,
and God grant him virtue,
that he may undo it aright.

WOLFRAM
When you strove with us in blithe song,
sometimes victorious against our lays,
anon defeated through our art,
one prze there was that you alone succided in winning.
Was it by magic or by oure might
that you achieved the miracle
or captivating the most virtuous of maids
by your singing filled with joy and sorrow?
For, when, in haughtiness, you left us,
her heart closed to our song;
we saw her cheeks grow pale,
she ever shunned our circle.
Oh, return, you valiant Singer,
let not your song be far from ours.
Let her no longer be absent from our festivals,
let her star shine on us once more!

SINGERS
except
WOLFRAM

Be one of us, Henry, return to us!
Have one with dissension and strife!
Let our lays ring out in unison,
and brothers let us call ourselves from henceforth.

WOLFRAM
Oh, return, you valiant Singer!
Oh, return!
Let our lays ring out in unison,
and brothers let us call ourselves from henceforth.

LANDGRAVE
Oh, return, you valiant Singer!
Have done with dissension and strife!  

TANNHÄUSER
To her! To her! oh, lead me to her!
Ha, how I recognize it again,
the lovely world that I renounced!
The heavens look down upon me,
the meadows sparkle, richly-decked!
The spring, the spring
with a thousand lovely sounds
has entered into my soul, rejoicing!
In sweet impetuous urgency
my heart cries aloud:
To her, to her!
Lead me to her!  
LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS
He, whom we had lost, is remaining!
A miracle has brought him hither!
Glory be to the sweet power
that has charmed his arrogance away!
Now may the high-born lady's ear
once more harken to our lays!
In joyous animated tones
the song goes up from every breast! (The whole valley fills with huntsmen)
(The Landgrave sounds his horn and is answered by loud blasts from every side. The curtain falls)
ACT TWO

INTRODUCTION

SCENE ONE
(The Singers' Hall in the Wartburg)

ELISABETH
Dear hall, I greet thee once again,
joyfully I greet thee, beloved place!
In thee his lays awake
and waken me from gloomy dreams.
When he departed from thee,
how desolate thou didst appear to me!
Peace forsook me,
joy took leave of thee.
How strongly now my heart is leaping;
to me now thou dost appear exalted and sublime.
He who thus revives both me and thee,
tarries afar no more.
I greet thee!
I greet thee!
Thou precious hall,
receive my greeting!
(Tannhäser and Wolfram appear in the background)

SCENE TWO
(Elisabeth sees Tannhäuser)

WOLFRAM
(to Tannhäuser)
There she is; approach her without fear.
(He remains in the background)

TANNHÄUSER
(throws himself at Elisabeth's feet)

Oh princess!

ELISABETH

Heavens! Rise! Leave me!
I may not see you here!

TANNHÄUSER
You may! Oh, stay and let me
remain at your feet!

ELISABETH

Stand up then!
You shall not kneel here, for this hall
is your kingdom. Oh, rise!
Receive my thanks for your return!
Where did you tarry so long?

TANNHÄUSER
Far from here
in broad and distant lands. Deep forgetfulness
has descended betwixt today and yesterday.
All my remembrance has vanished in a trice,
and one thing only must I recall,
that I never more hoped to greet you,
nor ever raise my eyes to you.

ELISABETH
What was it then that brought you back?

TANNHÄUSER
It was a miracle,
an unbelievably sublime miracle!

ELISABETH
I praise this miracle
from the bottom of my heart!

Forgive me if I do not know what I am about.
I am in a dream, and foolish as a child,
surrendered, powerless, into the power of the miracle.
I scarcely know myself more; oh, help me
unravel my heart's enigma!
To the Singers' skilful lays
I used to listen often with great pleasure.
Their singing and their praise
seemed to me a pleasant show.
But what a strange new life your song
conjured up in my breast!
Now it would thrill through me like pain,
now penetrate me like sudden joy.
Emotions I had never experienced!
Longings I had never known!
That which once was dear to me vanished
before a bliss nameless heretofore!
And when you left us then,
peace and joy were gone from me.
The melodies the Singers sang
appeared insipid to me, melancholy their temper.
Dreaming, I experienced heavy sorrow,
my waking hours became a troubled delusion,
joy fled from my heart -
Henry! Henry! What had you done to me?

TANNHÄUSER

You must praise the god of love -
he plucked the strings for me,
he spoke to you in my lays -
he has led me to you!

ELISABETH
Praised be the hour,
praised be the power
that has brought me such sweet tidings
of your presence!
Encompassed about with radiant bliss,
sunshine smiles upon me;
awakened to new life,
I call happiness mine!

TANNHÄUSER
Praised be the hour,
praised be the power
that has brought me such sweet tidings
from your lips.
To the newly-perceived life
I may bravely turn;
aquiver with joy, I call
its fairest wonder mine!

WOLFRAM
(in the background)
Thus vanishes, for this life,
my every gleam of hope!    

SCENE THREE

(The Landgrave now enters and addresses Elisabeth)

LANDGRAVE
Do I meet you here in this hall you shunned for so long?
Does a festival of singing of our preparing attracct you then at last?

ELISABETH
Uncle! Oh my kindest of fathers!

LANDGRAVE
Do you wish
at last to open your heart to me?

ELISABETH
See in my eyes! I cannot speak!

LANDGRAVE
For a short while still, then,
let your sweet secret remain unspoken;
the spell remain unbroken
till you are mistress of its loosing.
So be it! That which his song so marvellously awoke
and stimulated, he shall reveal today
and crown with fulfilment.
Now the gracious art will come to fruition!

(Trumpets are heared from the background
as if from the courtyard of the castle)

The nobles of my land whom I have invited here
to a rare festival are approaching now;
they come more numerous than of wont, for they
have heard you are to be the festival's queen.

SCENE FOUR

(The Landgrave and Elisabeth ascend the balcony to watch the arrival of the guests; they are announced by the four noble pages, who receive from the Landgrave directions as to their reception)
(The Knights and Counts enter, one by one, with their ladies and their retinue. The latter remain in the background; the others are received by the Landgrave and Elisabeth)

KNIGHTS AND NOBLES
Joyfully we greet the noble hall,
where may art and peace alone linger ever,
and the joyous cry long ring out:
To the Prince of Thuringia, Count Hermann, hail!

LADIES
Joyfully we greet the noble hall,
where may art and peace alone linger ever,
and the joyous cry long ring out:
To the Prince of Thuringia, Count Hermann, hail!
(The assembled guests have now all taken their seats. The Landgrave and Elisabeth occupy seats of honour under a canopy, in the foreground)
(The Singers step forward and greet the assembly with dignified bows. They then take their seats, which are disposed in a narrow semicircle in the centre of the hall)
(The Landgrave rises)

LANDGRAVE
A great deal, much of great beauty, has been sung already
here in this hall by you, esteemed Singers,
in sage mysteries and gladsome songs alike
you have rejoiced our hearts equally ingeniously.
If our swords in battles grim and bloody
did battle for the majesty of the German realm,
if we withstood the furious Guelphs
and averted ruinous dissention,
then no less a prize was carried off by you.
By your art you won
for grace and gracious custom,
for virtue and true belief,
wholly sublime, magnificent and glorious victory.
Then, prepare for us today a festival -
today when the valiant Singer, whom we have grievously
missed for so long, has returned to us.
That which brought him back again among us,
appears to me a wondrous mystery;
through the art of song you shall reveal it to us.
Therefore I put the question to you now:
Could you fathom the true essence of love for me?
To the man who can do it, to him who celebrates
it most worthily in song, let Elisabeth present the prize,
let him claim it, exalted and bold as he will -
I will see she shall bestow it.
Up, beloved Singers! Pluck the strings!
The task is set! Compete for the prize
and receive in advance all our thanks.  

CHOIR
Hail! Hail! Hail to Thuringia's Prince!
Hail to the protector of the gracious art! Hail! Hail!
(All sit down)
(The four noble pages come forward and collect from each Singer, in a golden bowl, a small roll of paper bearing his name; they present the bowl to Elisabeth, who takes out one of the papers and hands it back to the pages. These read the name, and advance cerimoniously into the middle of the hall)

FOUR PAGES
Wolfram von Eschenbach, begin!
(Wolfram rises. Tannhäuser leans upon his harp, seemingly lost in dreams)  

SINGING COMPETITION

WOLFRAM
When I cast my eye around this noble circle,
what a sublime spectacle makes my heart glow!
So many heroes, valiant, upright and judicious,
a forest of proud oaks, magnificent, fresh and green.
And ladies I behold, charming and virtuous,
a richly-perfumed garland of lovely blooms.
My glance becomes enraptured at the sight,
my song mute in face of such radiant loveliness.
I lift my eyes up yonder to one star
which stands fast in the firmament and dazzles me:
my spirit draws comfort from that distance,
my soul devoutly sinks in prayer.
And behold! Before me a miraculous spring appears,
which my spirit glimpses, filled with wonder!
From it, it draws bliss, rich in grace,
through which, ineffably, it revives my heart.
And never would I sully this fount,
nor taint the spring in wanton mood:
I would practise myself in devotion, sacrificing,
gladly shed my heart's last drop of blood.
You noble ones may gather from these words
how I do apprehend love's purest essence to be!

(He sits down)

KNIGHTS AND LADIES

Tis so! Tis so! Praised be your song! (Tannhäuser seems to awaken from a dream: his haughty mien now changes to an expression of ecstasy. He stares fixedly at nothing. A slight trembling of the hand - which has unconsciously sought the strings of the harp - and an uneasy smile indicate that a strange magic has taken possession of him. Then, as if awakened, he sweeps the harp string energically, his whole demeanour showing that he hardly knows now where he is, and that he is especially oblivious of Elisabeth)

TANNHÄUSER
Oh Wolfram, you who have sung thus,
have woefully misrepresented love!
If you languish so fearfully,
the world would come to an end, forsooth!
To praise God in the sublime and lofty distance,
raise your eyes to heaven, look up to His stars!
Worship is due to such marvels,
for one should not aspire to touch them!
But that which inclines to touch,
lies near the heart and senses,
that which, conceived of the selfsame stuff
in weaker mould, nestles to one -
I do boldly approach that fount of delight
with which no fear is ever mixed,
for the fount is inexhaustible,
as my longing is unquenchable!
That my desire may ever burn
I will ever refresh myself at the source!
Then know, Wolfram, thus do I conceive
love's truest essence to be!
(General consternation; Elisabeth is a prey to conflicting emotions of rapture and anxious astonishment)  

BITEROLF
Outside to fight us all!
Who could remain calm, when he hears you?
If it please your arrogance,
then harken, now, to me, too, blasphemer!
When sublime love inspires me,
it tempers my weapon with courage;
that it may remain forever unshamed,
I would proudly shed my last drop of blood.
For women's honour and highest virtue
as a knight I wield my sword;
but that which indulgence offers your youth
is cheap and not worth a blow.

KNIGHTS AND LADIES

Hail, Biterolf! Here are our swords!

TANNHÄUSER

Ha, foolish boaster Biterolf!
Do you sing of love, surely wolf?
It's certain you cannot have meant
that which seems fraught with delight to me!
Poor thing! What, then, have you enjoyed?
Your life has not been rich in love
and that which gave rise to pleasure in you
is truly not worth a blow!

KNIGHTS

Don't let him finish! Put a stop to his audacity!

LANDGRAVE
(to Biterolf, who has drawn his sward)
Up with your sword! Keep the peace, you Singers!

WOLFRAM
(rises. A profound quiet ensues)

Now, oh heaven, be moved by my entreaty!
Grant my song the gift of divine inspiration!
Let me see sin banished from
this noble and unpollucted circle!
To thee, sublime love, that hast
penetrated in angelic beauty
deep into my heart,
may my song ring out inspired!
Thou dost approach like a messenger of God,
I follow thee from the fair distance -
thou leadest thus into the lands
where thy star ever shineth.

TANNHÄUSER

To thee, goddess of love, shall my song ring our!
Now let thy praise be sung aloud by me!
Thy honeyed fascination is fount of all beauty,
and every sweet wonder stems from thee!
That man who has held thee locked in passionate embrace,
knows what love is, and he alone.
Poor creatures, who have never enjoyed her love,
fare hence, fare hence into the Venusberg!  

LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS
Ha, the villain! Fly from him!
Hear it! He has been in the Venusberg!

KNIGHTS AND LADIES
Ha, der Verruchte! Fliehet ihn!
Hört es! Er war im Venusberg!
Away! Away out of his presence!
(The Ladies retire horrified, Elisabeth alone remaining)

LANDGRAVE. SINGERS. KNIGHTS

You heard it! His wicked lips
have made horrible confession of his sin.
He has shared in hellish delights,
he has sojourned in the Venusberg!
Frightful! Revolting! Damnable!
Steep your swords in his blood!
Sent back to the bottomless pit,
let him be condamned, let him be banished!
(They threaten Tannhäuser with drawn swords; Elisabeth throws herself between them)

ELISABETH
Hold!  

LANDGRAVE. SINGERS. KNIGHTS
What do I hear? What's this? What do I see? Elizabeth!
The chaste maid siding with the sinner!

ELISABETH

Back! I take no heed else of death!
What is the wound dealt by your swords
to the death blow I received from him!

LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS
Elisabeth! What am I obliged to hear?
How can your heart allow you to be so infatuated,
as to exorcise punishment from the man
who has so shamefully betrayed you?

KNIGHTS
Elisabeth!How can you be so infatuated,
as to exorcise punishment from the man
who has so shamefully betrayed you?

ELISABETH
What do I matter? But he - his salvation!
Would you rob him of his eternal salvation?

LANDGRAVE. SINGERS. KNIGHTS

He has cast away his every hope,
never will he win salvation!
The curse of heaven has fallen upon him,

let him go hence in his sin!

ELISABETH
Away from him! You are not his judges!
Inhuman wretches, throw your furious swords from you
and give heed to the pure maid's words!
Learn from me what is God's will!
Why should the unhappy man,
whom a fearful mighty magic
holds captive, not attain salvation
through repentance and atonement in this world?
Do you who are so strong in true belief
thus misconstrue the counsel of the Highest?
If you would rob a sinner of hope, then say,
what harm has he done you?
Behold me, the maid whom he destroyed
with one swift blow in the flower of her youth,
who loved him deep in her soul,
and whose heart he pierced, exulting!
I pray for him, I pray for his life,
may he turn his step penitently towards atonement!
May the spirit of belief he granted him anew
since for him, too, the Saviour suffered once!

TANNHÄUSER

Woe, woe is me, unhappy mortal!

LANDGRAVE AND SINGERS

An angel has descended from the shining firmament
to make God's holy counsel known. See there, you infamous betrayer,
acknowledge your misdeed!
You dealt her death, she begs for your life -
Who could remain stern when he hears the angel's prayer?
Though I may not forgive the culprit
yet I cannot oppose heaven's command.

KNIGHTS
See there! See there, you infamous betrayer!
Look upon her!
You dealt her death, she begs for your life -
Who could remain stern when he hears the angel's prayer?
Though I may not forgive the culprit
yet I cannot oppose heaven's command.

TANNHÄUSER
To lead the sinner to salvation
God's messenger drew near me!
But, oh, to touch her wantonly
I raised my dissolute gaze to her!
Oh Thou, high above this land of earth,
Who sent the angel of my salvation to me,
have mercy on me who, oh, so deep in sin,
shamefully failed to recognize heaven's mediator!
Have mercy on me! Have mercy on me!
Oh, have mercy on me!

ELISABETH
I pray for him, I pray for his life!
May the spirit of belief he granted him anew
since for him, too, the Saviour suffered once!  

LANDGRAVE
A fearful wrong has been committed.
With dissembling mask, the accursed
son of sin came crawling to us.
We cast you out from among us: with us
you may not tarry; our hearth is stained with shame
through you, and heaven itself looks threateningly
upon this roof, which has sheltered you too long already.
However, a way to deliverance from eternal damnation
stands open before you: rejecting you,
I point it out to you. Make use of it for your salvation!
Gathered together on my lands
is a great concourse of pilgrim penitents.
The older ones have gone on before already,
the younger are still resting in the valley.
Trifling though their transgressions be,
their hearts will give them no rest;
to still the devout distress of repentance
they are marching towards Rome for the feast of grace.

LANDGRAVE. SINGERS. KNIGHTS
You must go along with them on pilgrimage
to the city of clemency and grace,
in the dust there to fall prostrate
and atone for your sin!
Before him who pronounces the sentence
of God, cast yourself down;
but nevermore return,
if you do not receive his blessing! Though our anger has been forced to soften,
because an angel checked it,
this sword will despatch you,
if you linger in sin and disgrace!

ELISABETH
Let him journey to thee,
Thou God of clemency and grace!
Forgive him, who has fallen so low,
the guilt of his sin!
For him only will I pray,
may my life be prayer;
grant that he may see Thy light,
before he is lost in night!
In joyful trepidation,
let a sacrifice be dedicated to Thee!
Take, oh, take my life:
I no longer call it mine!

TANNHÄUSER
How shall I find pardon?
How atone for my guilt?
My salvation I have seen vanish,
haven's favour flies from me.
Yet I will travel repentant,
beat my breast,
fall prostrate in the dust -
contrition be my chosen lot.
Oh, that the angel of my hour of need
who, though so insolently mocked by me,
yet offered herself for me as sacrifice
might be reconciled with me!

YOUNGER PILGRIMS

At the sublime festival of clemency and grace.
I will atone for my sin in humility.
Blessed is he who truly belives!
He shall be saved through penitence and repentance.  

TANNHÄUSER
(throws himself with convulsive
impetuosity at Elisabeth's feet,
kisses precipitately and
ardently the hem of her garment,
and then rises
in the utmost agitation)

To Rome!

ALL

To Rome!

(The curtain falls)
ACT THREE

INTRODUCTION

TANNHÄUSER'S PILGRIMAGE

(The Valley of the Wartburg as in Scene Two of Act One. It is autumn. Evening is falling. Elisabeth is praying before the shrine of the Blessed Virgin)

SCENE ONE

WOLFRAM
I knew full well I'd find her here in prayer,
as I so often find her, when, down from
the wooded heights, I stray in the valley alone.
The death he dealt her buried deep
in her heart in searing smart,
she prays for his salvation day and night -
oh, eternal might of holy love!
She awaits the return of the pilgrims from Rome.
The leaves are falling already, their return is imminent.
Will he come back with the pardoned?
This is her question, this is her prayer -
You Saints in heaven, may she see it consummated!
Though the wound remain unhealed,
oh, that relief, at least, might be granted her!

THE OLDER PILGRIMS

Blest, I may now look on thee, oh, my native land,
and gladly greet thy pleasant pastures;
now I lay my pilgrim's staff aside to rest,
because, faithful to God, I have completed my pilgrimage!

ELISABETH

That is their song! It is they! They are returning home!
You saints in heaven, show me now my task,
that I may fulfil it worthily!

WOLFRAM
It is the pilgrims. - It is the pious lay
that tells of the salvation of pardon received!
Oh heaven, strengthen now her heart
to meet the crucial moment of her life!

THE OLDER PILGRIMS

Through penance and repentance I have propitiated
the Lord, Whom my heart serves,
Who crowns my repentance with blessing,
the Lord to Whom my song goes up!

The salvation of pardon is granted the penitent,
in days to come he will walk in the peace of the blessed!

Hell and death do not appal him,
therefore will I praise God my life long.

Alleluia! Alleluia in eternity!

ELISABETH
(who has been anxiously
looking for Tannhäuser
among the moving Pilgrims,
sorrowfully but composedly)

He has not returned!

PILGRIMS

Blest, I may now look on thee, oh, my native land,
and gladly greet thy pleasant pastures;
now I lay my pilgrim's staff aside to rest.
(The Pilgrims' voices die away little by little in the distance)

ELISABETH
(sinks to her knees)
Almighty Virgin, hear my prayer!
I cry to thee, All-glorious!
Let me perish in the dust before thee,

oh, take me from this earth!
Make me, pure and angel-like,
enter into my blessed realm!
If ever, engrossed in foolish fancies,
my heart did stray from thee,
if ever a sinful longing,
a worldly yearning did spring up within me,
I wrestled then beneath a thousand smarts,
to kill it in my heart!
But if I could not atone for every fault -
yet receive me of thy grace,
that, as a worthy maid, I may
draw near thee in humble greeting,
only to implore the richest favour
of thy mercy for his sin!
(She remains for a long time in devout rapture; as she rises slowly she perceives Wolfram, who is approaching to speak to her)
(She entreats him, by a gesture, not to speak to her)

WOLFRAM
Elisabeth, might I not bear you company?
(Elisabeth assures him, by her gestures, that she thanks him from her heart for his faithful affection, but that her path leads to heaven, where she has a lofty duty to fulfil; he must therefore let her go alone and must not follow her)
(She ascends half-way up the height and gradually disappears along the footpath leading to the Wartburg, after her form has long been visible in the distance)
(Wolfram, who has followed Elisabeth with his eyes, seats himself down and begins to play upon his harp)

SCENE TWO

WOLFRAM
Like a presentiment of death, twilight covers the land
and shrouds the valley in sombre raiment;
the soul that yearns for heaven's heights
is fearful before its flight through night and horror.
There thou shinest, oh loveliest of stars!
Thy sweet light thou dost send into the far-off distance,
thy dear beam pierces the evening twilight,
and, in friendly fashion, thou dost point the way out of the valley.
Oh thou, my gracious evening star,
how gladly have I always greeted thee;
from a heart that she never betrayed
salute her as she passes by thee,
as she soars from this earthly vale,
to become a blessed angel yonder.  

SCENE THREE

(It is now quite dark. A lone figure, clad in rags, enters. It is Tannhäuser)

TANNHÄUSER

I heard the strains of a harp - how melancholy it sounded -
It surely did not come from her!

WOLFRAM
Who are you, pilgrim,
that you journey all alone?

TANNHÄUSER
Who am I?
I know you, however, very well! - you are Wolfram,

the Singer of great skill!

WOLFRAM

Henry! Is it you?
What brings you to this parts? Tell me!
Do you dare, still unpardoned,
to turn your step hitherward?

TANNHÄUSER
Never fear, my good Singer,
I do not seek to join you, nor your kindred!

But I seek someone who will show me the way
which once I found so wondrous easily.

WOLFRAM
And which way is that?

TANNHÄUSER
The way to the Venusberg!

WOLFRAM
Dreadful man! Do not profane my ear!
Are you drawn to that?

TANNHÄUSER

Do you know the way, then?

WOLFRAM
Madman! Horror seizes upon me, when I hear you!
Where have you been? Did you then not tread the road to Rome?

TANNHÄUSER

Speak not of Rome to me!

WOLFRAM
Were you not at the holy feast?

TANNHÄUSER
Speak not of it to me!

WOLFRAM
You weren't there, then?
Speak, I implore you!

TANNHÄUSER

Indeed I was in Rome!

WOLFRAM
Then speak! Tell me about it, unhappy man!
I feel profound pity for you!  

TANNHÄUSER

What do you say, Wolfram? Are you then not my enemy?

WOLFRAM
Nor ever was, whilst I believed you devout!
Speak, therefore, did you go on pilgrimage to Rome?

TANNHÄUSER
Well then!
Listen! You shall hear all, Wolfram.

(He seats himself wearily
upon a rock. Wolfram
goes to sit beside him)

Keep away! The place where I rest me is accursed!

Hear me, Wolfram, hear me!
With such devotion in my heart as no penitent
has ever felt before, I sought the path to Rome.
An angel had, oh, wrenched the sinful pride
from out my arrogant being;
for her I wished to expiate my fault in humility,
implore the salvation that was denied me,
in order to sweeten for her the tears
she had once shed over me, a sinner!
The manner in which the heaviest-laden pilgrim beside me
took his way appeared to me too easy.
When his foot trod the soft sward of the meadows,
I sought thorn and stone for my bare feet;
when at the spring he would allow his lips to taste refreshment,
I would imbibe the scorching glow of the sun;
when he devoutly offered up his prayers to heaven,
I would shed my blood to the glory of the Almighty;
when the weary pilgrim would refresh himself at the hospice,
I would bed down my limbs in snow and ice.
With eyes fast shut, their beauty not to see,
I dragged myself, blind, through Italy's fair pastures,
I did it, because, filled with remorse, I wished to atone,
in order to sweeten my angel's tears!
I came thus to Rome, to the holy see,
lay prostrate, praying, at the threshold to the sanctuary.
Day dawned; bells rang out,
heavenly anthems came floating down,
then rose exultantly in a fervent shout of joy,
for they promised pardon and salvation to the multitude.
Then I saw him through whom God proclaims himself -
all men prostrated themself before him in the dust.
And he bestowed grace on thousands, pardoned,
thousands he commanded joyfully to rise.
Then I, too, drew near - my head bowed down to earth -
with sorely grieving mien, myself I accused
of the sinful delights my senses had experienced,
of the longings no penance had yet cooled;
and for deliverance from the searing bonds,
shot through with savage pain, I implored him.
And he whom I so begged began: -
"If you have enjoyed such sinful delights
and enflamed your passions at the fires of hell,
if you have sojourned in the Venusberg,
then, now from henceforth, you are eternally damned!
As this staff in my hand
no longer bedecks itself in fresh green,
so from the burning brands of hell
deliverance can never blossom for you!"
Then I sank, annihilated, speechless, to the ground;
I fainted clean away.
When I woke, night brooded over the deserted square,
from afar off echoed glad songs of grace:
the sweet singing sickened me!
From the false sound of promise
which, icy-cold, pierced my soul,
shuddering horror forced me away with wildly staggering step!
It drove me there where I had enjoyed so much delight
and pleasure on her warm breast!

To you, dame Venus, do I return,
into thy magic's sweet night;
to your court do I descend,
where your alluring charm will smile upon me now for always!

WOLFRAM
Hold! Hold, unhappy man!

TANNHÄUSER
Oh, let me not seek in vain!
How easily did I find you once!

WOLFRAM
Hold, wretched man!

TANNHÄUSER
You hear men curse me
guide me now, sweet goddess!
(A vaporous mist gradually fills the darkness)

WOLFRAM
(shudders with horror)
Madman, whom do you call?

TANNHÄUSER
Ha! Do you not feel gentle airs?

WOLFRAM
Come to me! You are lost!

TANNHÄUSER
And do you not breathe sweet perfumes?
(The mists begin to glow
with rosy light)
Do you not hear sounds of rejoicing?

WOLFRAM
My heart beats madly in dread!

TANNHÄUSER

It is the dancing horde of nymphs!
Come on, come here to rapture and delight!
(A confused whirl of dancing shapes can be faintly distinguished)

WOLFRAM
Alas, evil magic is abroad!
Hell is approaching in wild career.

TANNHÄUSER
Rapture thrills my every sense,
when I perceive this glimmering dawn;
this is the magic realm of love -

we have forced our way into the Venusberg!
(Venus appears, reclining seductively upon her couch)

VENUS
Welcome fickle man!
Did the world strike you with ostracism and excommunication?
And, finding nowhere pity,
do you now seek love in my arms?

TANNHÄUSER
Dame Venus, oh, truly merciful,
to you, to you am I driven!

WOLFRAM
Magic of hell, turn aside, withdraw!
Do not bewitch the chaste man's senses!

VENUS
If you approach my threshold once again,
let your arrogance be pardoned,
the fount of delight flow for ever for you,
and never must you fly from me more!

TANNHÄUSER

My salvation, my salvation I have lost, now let the pleasures of hell be my choice!

WOLFRAM
Almighty God, stand by the devout man!

Henry! One word, it will set you free!
Your salvation!

VENUS

Oh, come! Oh, come! Now be for ever mine!

TANNHÄUSER
(to Wolfram)
Have done! Let me be!

WOLFRAM
You may yet achieve salvation, sinner!  

VENUS
Oh, come!

TANNHÄUSER
Never. Wolfram, never! I must away there!

WOLFRAM
An angel prayed for you upon earth,
soon she will soar above you, blessing;

VENUS
Come, oh, come! To me! To me!

TANNHÄUSER
Leave me!

WOLFRAM
Elisabeth!

TANNHAUSER

Elisabeth!
(The vapours darken and the gleam of approaching torches shines through them)

WALTHER, HEINRICH DER SCHREIRER, BITEROLF, REINMAR, MEN
Hail to the soul that is now fled
from the pious martyr's body!

WOLFRAM

Your angel is praying for you at the throne of God,
she has been heard: - Henry, you are saved!

VENUS

Lost to me, alas!
(Venus vanishes. The day dawns, as a funeral procession leaves the Wartburg and approaches)

WALTHER, HEINRICH DER SCHREIRER, BITEROLF, REINMAR, MEN

Hers is now the angel's blessed recompense,
the supreme prize of celestial bliss!

WOLFRAM
(to Tannhäuser)
And do you hear the chant?

TANNHÄUSER
I do!
(The funeral procession now reaches the open stage. It comprises, first, the Older Pilgrims, then the Singers bearing Elisabeth's body on an open bier, then the Landgrave, his Knights and Nobles)

MEN
Holy the pure maid who now united with
the heavenly host, stands in the presence of the Everlasting!

Blessed the sinner for whom she wept,
for whom she implores salvation of heaven!
(Wolfram leads Tannhäuser to the bier bearing Elisabeth's body. He sinks slowly to the ground)

TANNHÄUSER
Holy Elisabeth, pray for me!
(He dies. The scene is flooded by the red glow of dawn)

YOUNGER PILGRIMS

(bearing a staff covered
in fresh green leaves)

Hail! Hail! Hail to the miracle of mercy!
Redemption is conferred upon the world.
It came to pass in the holy hour of night,
the Lord manifested Himself in a miracle.
The barren staff in a priest's hand
He decked with fresh green:
for the sinner in the fires of hell
redemption shall blossom thus afresh!
Throughout all lands let it be proclaimed to him
who has found forgiveness by this miracle!
High above all the world is God,
and His Mercy is no mockery!

WALTHER, HEINRICH DER SCHREIRER, WOLFRAM, BITEROLF, REINNAR, LANDGRAVE, KNIGHTS AND OLDER PILGRIMS

The salvation of grace is the penitent's reward,
now he attains the peace of the blessed!

YOUNGER PILGRIMS
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(The curtain falls)