Wagner

O strange awakening to a world of gloom, And baffled moonbeams and delirious stars, Of souls that moan behind forbidden bars, And waving forests swept by wings of doom; Of heroes falling in unhappy fight, And winged messengers from eyries dim; And mountains ringed with flame, and shapes that swim In the deep river’s green translucent night.

O restless soul, for ever seeking bliss, Thirsty for ever and unsatisfied, Whether the woodland starts to the echoing horn, Or dying Tristram moans by shores forlorn, Or Siegfried rides through fire to wake his bride, And shakes the whirling planets with a kiss.