Classic and Contemporary Poetry
YET SPEAKETH!, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL Poet's Biography First Line: Yet speaketh!' though the voice is hushed that filled Last Line: Each word a note of joy,and shall we not 'be still?' Subject(s): Lectures; Addresses; Speaking; Public Speaking | ||||||||
'YET speaketh!' though the voice is hushed that filled Cathedral nave or choir, like clearest bell, With music of God's truth,that softly thrilled The silence of the mourner's heart,that fell So sweetly, oh, so sweetly, on the ear Of those to whom that voice was dearest of the dear. 'Yet speaketh!' For the echo lingers yet Where fifty years ago his voice was heard, And old men weep, who never can forget Their early gladness through his faithful word; O'er all the waves and storms of life between, That voice floats on for them still powerful and serene. 'Yet speaketh!' Glowing hymns, like heavenly breeze, That stir us, and our soft Hosannas lift To Hallelujahs;holy melodies, Enrobed in grand sweet harmonies, a gift Laid wholly on the altar of his God, Without one thought or care for this world's vain applaud: Deep teachings from the World he held so dear, Things new and old in that great treasure found; A valiant cry, a witness strong and clear, A trumpet with no pale, uncertain sound: These shall not die, but live; his rich bequest To that belovèd Church whose servant is at rest. 'Yet speaketh!' In the memory of those To whom he was indeed 'a living song,' The voice, that like fair morning light arose, Rings on with holy influence deep and strong; Rings on, unmingled with another sound, The sweetest, clearest still among all others found. 'Yet speaketh!' By that consecrated life, The single-hearted, noble, true, and pure, Which, lifted far above all worldly strife, Could all but sin so patiently endure. O eloquence! by this he speaketh yet; For who that knew and loved could evermore forget? 'Yet speaketh!' E'en the shadow, poor and dim, Of sun-traced portrait, and the cold, white stone (All that the stranger-artist guessed of him), Speak to our hearts in gentle spirit-tone, Vocal with messages of faith and love, And burning thoughts that fall like swift stars from above. 'Yet speaketh!' There was no last word of love, So suddenly on us the sorrow fell; His bright translation to the home above Was clouded with no shadow of farewell; His last Lent evening closed with praise and prayer, And then began the songs of endless Easter there. 'Yet speaketh!" O my father, now more dear Than ever, I have cried'Oh, speak to me Only once more, once more!' But now I hear The far-off whisper of thy melody; Thou art 'yet speaking' on the heavenly hill, Each word a note of joy,and shall we not 'be still?' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...KRYCEK: THE CONFESSION by SUSAN WHEELER EFFECT OF ORATORY UPON A MULTITUDE by GEORGE CROLY THE BOY IN ARMOR; HE SPEAKS TO THE GATHERED NATIONS by HERMANN HAGEDORN AFTER IKKYU: 31 by JAMES HARRISON THE BLEEDING MIND by JAMES TATE A REQUISITION TO THE QUEEN by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL LINES IN MEMORIAM REGARDING THE ENTERTAINMENT I GAVE ON THE 31ST MARCH by WILLIAM MCGONAGALL OUR BOB by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE THE LECTURE by EDWARD BLISS REED CONSECRATION HYMN by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL I DID THIS FOR THEE! WHAT HAST THOU DONE FOR ME? by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL A BIRTHDAY GREETING TO MY FATHER, 1860 by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL |
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