Forever

From Painting by H. Schmalz

O, lull me, lull me, charming air!
My senses rock with wonder sweet;
Like snow on wool thy fallings are;
Soft like a spirit's are thy feet!
Grief who needs fear

That hath an ear?

Down let him lie,

And slumbering die,

And change his soul for harmony.

William Strode.

MUSIC

Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
I've read that things inanimate have moved,
And, as with living souls, have been informed
By magic numbers and persuasive sound.
William Congreve.

LOVE AND MUSIC

I listened to the music broad and deep-
I heard the tenor in an ecstasy

Touch the sweet, distant goal; I heard the

cry

Of prayer and passion, and I heard the sweep Of mighty wings, that in their waving keep The music that the spheres make endlessly; Then my cheek shivered, tears made blind mine eye,

As flame to flame I felt the quick blood leap, And, through the tides and moonlit winds of sound

To me love's passionate voice grew audible. Again I felt thy heart to my heart bound,

Then silence on the viols and voices fell; But, like the still, small voice within a shell, I heard Love thrilling through the void profound.

Philip Bourke Marston.

MUSIC AND MEMORY

Enchantress, touch no more that strain!
I know not what it may contain,

But in my breast such mood it wakes
My very spirit almost breaks.

Thoughts come from out some hidden realm

Whose dim memorials overwhelm,

Still bring not back the things I lost,

Still bringing all the pain they cost.

John Albee.