To this clear knowledge hath my path been trod
In deepest hell—in the profoundest sky!
This knowledge—the true immortality,
I came unto through pain and tears,
Tigerish hopes, and serpent loves, and dragon fears,
Most bitter kisses, salted springs and dry;
In those deep caverns and slow-moving years,
When dwelt I, in the Mount of Venus, even I!
[The spell is broken, and uproar ensues.
Landgrave.