Sappho A Lyrical Drama in Three Acts |
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| 5. | SCENE V. |
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 | Sappho |  |
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SCENE V.
SAPPHO.
Ah, I have heard enough! he loves another;
And she (as needs she must; so absolute
His beauty's sov'reignty) returns his passion.
I look'd for this; and therefore did I bring,
Lodg'd in my bark, the vestments of a shepherd,
In these I'll veil my sex; adieu my lyre!
Tho' sweeter than the harp, than gold more dear,
Awhile must I resign thee; and inform
The liquid languor of Sicilian reed
To breathe as I inspire! Yet if the powers,
That Phœbus gives me, like their Author prove,
With this I'll woo; I'll win my rival's love.
And she (as needs she must; so absolute
His beauty's sov'reignty) returns his passion.
I look'd for this; and therefore did I bring,
Lodg'd in my bark, the vestments of a shepherd,
In these I'll veil my sex; adieu my lyre!
Tho' sweeter than the harp, than gold more dear,
Awhile must I resign thee; and inform
The liquid languor of Sicilian reed
To breathe as I inspire! Yet if the powers,
That Phœbus gives me, like their Author prove,
With this I'll woo; I'll win my rival's love.
Parent of Harmony descend!
The Muse's and the Lover's friend;
Thro' melody's meand'ring tide
Let sense and sound united glide;
Link in thy sympathetic chain
The tend'rest thought, the softest strain,
And lead the touching tones along
Thro' ev'ry melting mood of song;
So shall the tuneful contest prove,
That Music rules the realms of Love.
The Muse's and the Lover's friend;
Thro' melody's meand'ring tide
Let sense and sound united glide;
Link in thy sympathetic chain
The tend'rest thought, the softest strain,
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Thro' ev'ry melting mood of song;
So shall the tuneful contest prove,
That Music rules the realms of Love.
[Exit Sappho.
| Sappho | |