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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AN ODE TO MUSIC: 15 by JAMES GATES PERCIVAL

First Line: STRUCK BY THY BOUNDING QUILL, A MELLOW LAY
Last Line: AND HISSED HIS PLEASURE, SHRILL AS SOUNDS THE INFANT'S WAIL.
Subject(s): MUSIC & MUSICIANS;

Struck by thy bounding quill, a mellow lay
Rang o'er the harp and softly died away:
As poured the descant in the warrior's ear,
The roar of conflict ceased along the plain,
The foes exulting trampled on the slain,
And shook in mingled dance the glimmering spear;
In listless ease reclined, the tiger lay,
And fondly sported with his bleeding prey;
At times the serpent waved his quivering tail,
Then coiled his folds and all to peace resigned,
Listened the strain that sported in the wind,
And hissed his pleasure, shrill as sounds the infant's wail.




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