LIGHT sounds the Harp when the combat is over, When heroes are resting, and Joy is in bloom; When laurels hang loose from the brow of the lover, And Cupid makes wings of the warrior's plume. But when the foe returns, Again the hero burns. High flames the sword in his hand once more; The clang of mingling arms, Is then the sound that charms, And brazen notes of war, by thousand trumpets sung, Oh! then comes the Harp, when the combat is over, When heroes are resting, and Joy is in bloom; When laurels hang loose from the brow of the lover, And Cupid makes wings of the warrior's plume. Light went the Harp, when the War-God reclining Lay lull'd on the white arm of Beauty to rest; When round his rich armour the myrtle hung twining, And flights of young doves made his helmet their rest. But when the battle came, The hero's eye breathed flame; Soon from his neck the white arm was flung; While to his wakening ear, No other sounds were dear, But the brazen notes of war, by thousand trumpets sung. But then came the light Harp, when danger was ended, And Beauty once more lull'd the War-God to rest; When tresses of gold with his laurels lay blended, And flights of young doves made his helmet their rest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LEAVES OF THE TREE HIDE THE SUN by DAVID IGNATOW IN THE HOME STRETCH by ROBERT FROST JEALOUS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE PHANTOM KISS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR GO DOWN DEATH; A FUNERAL SERMON by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON |