University of Virginia Library


63

TO THE HARP.

I

Jewel! that lay before the heart
Of some romantic boy,
And startled music in her home,
Of mystery and joy!

II

The image of his love was there;
And, with her golden wings,
She swept their tone of sorrow from
Thy melancholy strings!

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III

We drew thee, as an orphan one,
From waters that had cast
No music round thee, as they went
In their pale beauty past.

IV

No music but the changeless sigh—
That murmur of their own,
That loves not blending in the thrill
Of thine aerial tone.

V

The girl that slumbers at our side
Will dream how they are bent,
That love her even as they love
Thy blessed instrument.

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VI

And music, like a flood, will break
Upon the fairy throne
Of her pure heart, all glowing, like
A morning star, alone!

VII

Alone, but for the song of him
That waketh by her side,
And strikes thy chords of silver to
His fair and sea-borne bride.

VIII

Jewel! that hung before the heart
Of some romantic boy;
Like him, I sweep thee with a storm
Of music and of joy!