TO MISS AUGUSTA COWELL.
[To whom I owe the popularity of some of my favourite ballads.]
WHEN thy light fingers touch th’ obedient chords,
Which, with a gentle murmur, low respond,
Waiting the measure of the coming words
From that sweet voice, so plaintive, sad, and fond,–
Say does some wing?d Ariel, hovering near,
Teach thee his island music note for note,
That thou may’st copy with an echo clear
Th’ enchanted symphonies that round thee float?
Or do all Melodies, whilst thou art playing,
(Each with the offering of some chorded sound,)
On the low slanting sunbeam earthward straying,
Like meek subservient spirits wander round;
In Harmony’s dim language asking thee
Which of them, for the hour, shall thy attendant be?
(Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton)
More Poetry from Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton:
Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems based on Topics: Sadness, Fame, Education, Harmony- As When From Dreams Awaking (Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems)
- A Voice From The Factories (Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems)
- The Child Of The Islands - Spring (Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems)
- The Undying One - Canto IV (Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems)
- The Lady Of La Garaye - Part I (Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems)
- The Lady Of La Garaye - Part IV (Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Sadness Poems, Education Poems, Fame Poems, Harmony PoemsBased on Keywords: augusta, symphonies, ballads, subservient, chorded