University of Virginia Library


247

SONNET.

A STILL PLACE.

Under what beechen shade, or silent oak,
Lies the mute sylvan now,—mysterious Pan?
Once (while rich Peneus and Ilissus ran
Clear from their fountains)—as the morning broke,
'Tis said, the Satyr with Apollo spoke,
And to harmonious strife, with his wild reed,
Challenged the God, whose music was indeed
Divine, and fit for Heaven.—Each play'd, and woke
Beautiful sounds to life, deep melodies:
One blew his pastoral pipe with such nice care,
That flocks and birds all answer'd him; and one
Shook his immortal showers upon the air.
That music hath ascended to the sun;
But where the other?—Speak! ye dells and trees!