This prelude o'er, a solemn strain arose, As strayed thy fingers slowly o'er the wire; How grand the diapason -- and its close, As when to Heaven the organ notes aspire, And through the gloomy aisle, the lofty nave, Swell out the anthem pealing o'er the grave -- Low muttering thunders seemed to roar around, And rising whirlwinds whispered in the ear; The warrior started at the solemn sound, Half drew his sword and slowly shook his spear; The tiger couched and gazed with burning eye, In horror growled, and lashed his waving tail; The serpent rustled like the dying gale, And bade his tongue in purple ardor fly, Quivering like lurid flames beneath the midnight sky. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MERSA by KEITH CASTELLAINE DOUGLAS ODE FOR MEMORIAL DAY by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 71. THE CHOICE (1) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI THE TRANCE by LASCELLES ABERCROMBIE MISPLACED SYMPATHY by CHARLES FOLLEN ADAMS VACANT STALL by ELIZABETH WILCOX BEASLEY ROMAN ANEMONES by MATHILDE BLIND |