I tarried on the strains to hang
Outfloating from yon ancient trees;
Strains from two airy harps, that rang
Responsive to the minstrel breeze.
One, chaunting to the wind that wooed,
Swang full on every gazer’s eye;
The other, far within the wood,
Low breathed its hermit melody.
This told a tale of nought but gladness;
Of frolic nymphs on tiptoe stealing;
And feats of wine and festive madness;
Gay Fauns that danced and Satyrs reeling.
The other sighed so sad a tone,
Methought some desolate child of air
Had made those very strings his own
To vent heart-broken anguish there.
Each harp was sweet; yet while-not vain-
Thrilled thro’ the sense the livelier din,
That other sweetest-saddest strain-
My inmost spirit drank it in.
Then deem not, deem not-Emmeline!
That Abra’s frolic glance of glee
From thee my steadfast faith can win,
From thee, my gentlest love! from thee.
E’en now when ‘mid yon blazing room
A dream of joy-she floats inspired,
I come to court the tender gloom,
Where thou dost love to sit retired;
And while she bids the rest rejoice
With winning word-with winning wile-
I turn to catch thy plaintive voice-
I flee-to win thy thoughtful smile.
Let frolic from her dark eyes peep;
Mine be the blue which tear-drops fill;
For if her charm of joy strike deep,
Thy pensive spells sink deeper still.
(John Kenyon)
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