asant duty
Of the head of Christendom,
To make smooth the path of lovers,
Every obstacle removing,
That true love may be victorious.
And of all the various nations,
'Tis the Germans who beyond all
Keep us busy with such matters.
So the Count of Gleichen brought here
With him a fair Turkish consort
From the Holy Land, though knowing
His own consort still was living.
And our annals make full mention
Of our predecessor's troubles
Brought about by this wild action.
So likewise the most unhappy
Of all knights came here, Tannhauser:
"'Pope Urbano, Pope Urbano,
Heal the sick man held as captive
Seven years within the mountain
Of the wicked goddess Venus!'
But to-day the case is different
And more pleasing; there is nothing
Which conflicts with any canon.
There is only a slight scruple--
If I've heard right--with the Baron.
You, my Werner, have been faithful,
But I read 'neath all this quiet
Resignation to your duty,
That reluctantly you sang here,
As a caged-up bird is singing.
Oft you've asked for your dismission,
Which I ever did deny you,
And to-day would never grant you,
If it only were the custom,
That the papal chapel-master
Could like other mortals marry.
But in Rome we must keep always,
As you know, traditions sacred;
Palestrina for this reason
Went himself to foreign lands.
"Therefore go with my full favour;
And because the lady's father
Thinks the name of Werner Kirchhof
Much too simple, so I grant you
Knighthood by my sovereign power.
You, I know, care naught about it;
For you by your art ennobled
Think such titles of no moment.
But perhaps the gracious lady
May consider it more proper,
To bestow her hand in marriage
On the Marquis Camposanto
Rather than on Master Werner.
And because I hold the power
Both to bind as well as loosen,
I now solemnly betroth you.
E'en this loveless age rejoices
At examples of devotion.
You have shown one--be then happy,
And receive my papal blessing."

This he spoke with much emotion.
And overwhelmed with grateful feelings
Werner knelt with Margaretta
Down before the Holy Fath