Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE ORIGIN OF THE HARP, by THOMAS MOORE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE ORIGIN OF THE HARP, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis believed that this harp, which I wake now for thee
Last Line: To speak love when I'm near thee, and grief when away!
Alternate Author Name(s): Little, Thomas
Subject(s): Harps; Musical Instruments; Lyres


'T IS believed that this Harp, which I wake now for thee,
Was a Siren of old, who sung under the sea;
And who often, at eve, through the bright waters roved,
To meet on the green shore a youth whom she loved.

But she loved him in vain, for he left her to weep,
And in tears, all the night, her gold tresses to steep,
Till Heaven look'd with pity on true love so warm,
And changed to this soft Harp the sea-maiden's form.

Still her bosom rose fair -- still her cheeks smiled the same --
While her sea-beauties gracefully form'd the light frame;
And her hair, as, let loose, o'er her white arm it fell,
Was changed to bright chords, uttering melody's spell.

Hence it came, that this soft Harp so long hath been known
To mingle love's language with sorrow's sad tone;
Till thou didst divide them, and teach the fond lay,
To speak love when I'm near thee, and grief when away!





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