Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
LOVE'S MINSTREL.
I
Once a sage with cold displeasure,Thus reproved a child of song:—
“Cease, oh! cease that trifling measure,
“Love has been your theme too long!
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“Free from vows, and tears, and sighs;—
“Sing of hope—of war—of glory:
“Sing no more of lips and eyes!”
II
Soon the Bard obeyed, combiningBolder notes and nobler words,
Loudly touched his harp, resigning
All the sweetness of its chords!
Once his tale of love and beauty
With a poet's warmth was told;
Now the task, imposed by duty,
Seems alas but dull and cold!
III
“Oh!” he cries, “forgive me, Father,“All my lofty flights are vain.
“Keep your laurels—I had rather
“Wear Love's myrtle wreath again.
“Why should I profane the pages
“Some have touched with so much skill!
“Sense I leave to sober sages,
“I'll be Love's wild minstrel still!”
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |