Areytos or songs and ballads of the South

Simms, William Gilmore (1806-1870)

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406

SONNET.—I WILL BREATHE MUSIC.

I will breathe music in the little bell
That cups this flower, until it takes a tone
For every feeling human heart hath known:
Though hearts their secrets do not often tell,
Mine shall be charms to win them. I will wake
Strains which, though new to men, shall never fail
To make them tremulous, tearful; an old tale
Shall clothe itself with newness for your sake.
Love will I win from friendship. The old lure
Will I make fresh, and all the new insure.
Beauty shall be no serpent to beguile,
Nor faith a hollow mock; nor love a lie;
And there shall be no treachery in a smile,
And on a sweet kiss hence shall no man die!

University of Virginia Library

SONNET.—I WILL BREATHE MUSIC.