University of Virginia Library

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Original, serious, and religious poetry

by the Rev. Richard Cobbold

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 I. 
 II. 
 III. 
 IV. 
 V. 
REFLECTION V.
 VI. 
  
 VII. 
  
 VIII. 
 IX. 
 X. 
 XI. 
  
 XII. 
  
  
 XIII. 
 XIV. 
  
 XV. 
 XVI. 
  
 XVII. 
  
  
  
  
 XVIII. 
  
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 XX. 
 XXI. 
  
  
 XXII. 
  
 XXIII. 
  
 XXIV. 
  
  
  
 XXV. 
  
  
  
  
  
 XXVI. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  


14

REFLECTION V.

The chords of music deeply touch the soul
Of thoughtful beings: as the volumes roll
In sounds of pleasure o'er the human ear,
Sweet thoughts arise, more grateful than the dear
Enchanting dreams of happiness and love;
Sweet thoughts of purity in realms above.
Sounds sweet and lasting, tremble as they fly,
And leave impression as they hasten by;
The soul receives the concord of the sound,
And spirit takes the rapture in its bound;
The secret breathing elevates the mind,
And leaves the world and vices far behind.

15

If ought disgusts or shocks my soul with pain
When woman sings, 'tis when the vicious stain
Of well known character destroys the zest,
Of song most lovely from the female chest.
But nought is charming, when a woman's tongue,
One moment vicious, sings an angel's song.
As bird of night, or early bird of morn
Their thrilling notes emit, the tones are borne
With innocent impression to the heart;
And there the influence of peace impart.
So woman's voice, when woman's virtues live,
Transcendant pleasure to our senses give.