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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AN ODE TO MUSIC: 16 by JAMES GATES PERCIVAL

First Line: AT LAST A MURMUR TREMBLED ON THE LYRE
Last Line: AND KISSED THE TREMBLING CHORD THAT BREATHED THE SOOTHING STRAIN.
Subject(s): MUSIC & MUSICIANS;

At last a murmur trembled on the lyre,
Soft as the dirge that echoes o'er the bier:
Robbed of his spirit bold, his daring fire --
The vanquished warrior dropped a tender tear,
Leant on his bloody sword and breathed a sigh;
And as the tiger spread his claws of gold,
Fawned round thy form and purred his ecstasy --
His emerald eyes in languid softness rolled;
The serpent falling gently from his spire,
Glided with easy sweep along the plain,
In graceful windings wantoned round thy lyre,
And kissed the trembling chord that breathed the soothing strain.




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