University of Virginia Library


148

INVOCATION.

I summon thee, I summon thee,
From thy home, sweet spirit of Poesy!
Whether it be in the azure air,
'Mid the clouds that float in their beauty there;
In the lonely glen, or the greenwood bower,
With the laughing sunbeam, or blushing flower;
Or far away on thy own lov'd mountain,
By the waves of the bright Castalian fountain,
I summon thee, I summon thee,
To do my bidding, sweet Poesy!
Come, and awake with thy touch of fire,
The tones that slumber upon my lyre;

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Guide thou my fingers the chords along,
Rouse with thy presence the voice of song;
Aid me a tribute of love to pay,
A votive garland of many a lay!
I summon thee, I summon thee,
To do my bidding, sweet Poesy!
Fain would I win (love's dearest prize),
Glances of pleasure from gentle eyes;—
Weave thou the spells of thy mystic art,
A magic charm to each verse impart,
And love's best benison shall be
Thy guerdon, divinest Poesy!