 | Songs in many keys |  |
80
II.
Cries one, “Ye minor singers, stay your verse;
The right of song is theirs who from the lyre
Draw thrilling strains that kindle hearts to fire,
Who charm a rapt and listening universe,
As noble thoughts all grandly they rehearse,
And unto lofty heights of song aspire,
On pinions strong that soaring never tire;
The rest must take their feebleness for curse.”
The right of song is theirs who from the lyre
Draw thrilling strains that kindle hearts to fire,
Who charm a rapt and listening universe,
As noble thoughts all grandly they rehearse,
And unto lofty heights of song aspire,
On pinions strong that soaring never tire;
The rest must take their feebleness for curse.”
Ah! men and critics, say must this be so?
As well hold that the stars should stay their light
Because they are not suns. A taper's glow
Guides some poor wanderer homeward through the night.
From Campbell's reed shall no sweet music flow
For that he cannot Shakespeare's trumpet blow?
As well hold that the stars should stay their light
Because they are not suns. A taper's glow
Guides some poor wanderer homeward through the night.
From Campbell's reed shall no sweet music flow
For that he cannot Shakespeare's trumpet blow?
| Songs in many keys | |