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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE VOICE OF LOVE by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN SHADOWS O'ER THE LANDSCAPE CREEP
Last Line: THAT THE VOICE OF LOVE IS A SPELL OF POWER!
Subject(s): LOVE;

WHEN shadows o'er the landscape creep,
And twinkling stars pale vigils keep;
When flower-cups all with dew-drops gleam,
And moonshine floweth like a stream;
Then is the hour
That hearts which love no longer dream, --
Then is the hour
That the voice of love is a spell of power!

When shamefaced moonbeams kiss the lake,
And amorous leaves sweet music wake;
When slumber steals o'er every eye,
And Dian's self shines drowsily;
Then is the hour
That hearts which love with rapture sigh, --
Then is the hour
That the voice of love is a spell of power!

When surly mastiffs stint their howl,
And swathed in moonshine nods the owl;
When cottage-hearths are glimmering low,
And warder cocks forget to crow;
Then is the hour
That hearts feel passion's overflow, --
Then is the hour
That the voice of love is a spell of power!

When stilly night seems earth's vast grave,
Nor murmur comes from wood or wave;
When land and sea, in wedlock bound
By silence, sleep in bliss profound;
Then is the hour
That hearts like living well-springs sound, --
Then is the hour
That the voice of love is a spell of power!



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