ODE VI. THE CHARM OF MUSIC.
WRITTEN IN WORCESTERSHIRE.
To two Ladies playing on a Forte Piano, and singing by turns,
to sooth their friend in pain, the author going to pay a last
visit to an esteemed friend before her death.
Yes, Ladies, Handel's notes and Shakspeare's strains,
And Milton's magic song,
To voices gay, or soft, or strong,
Attun'd with powers,
So sweetly varied as yours,
Might hold Attention mute, and charm the demon, Pain.
For oft, 'tis said, the Passions flock around,
Joy, Hope, and Love, and Fear,
With Beings of some other sphere,
In airy mien;
Unheard they hear, and see unseen,
Captiv'd, tho' not of earth, with airs of earthly sound.
But I must go where music could not please,
Unless I sometimes steal
To where Echo, to conceal
Herself, may love;
In winding vale or vocal grove,
Talking like Dian chaste, to rocks and hills and trees.
And should she, Ladies kind, e'er bring to me,
As probably she may,
For I have woo'd her many a day,
One note of yours,
I'll bless her fairy-winged powers:
And I will cease to sigh, and think awhile of you.
And when at still of eve you sooth your friend,
Striking by turns the keys,
In rivalry, who most shall please;
Oh! then will I
The dove-like, meek ey'd sympathy,
My humble courier, to share your feelings send.
