Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LYRE, by CHARLES SWAIN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LYRE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A sound came floating by
Last Line: "the lyre -- the lyre -- the soul-exalting lyre!"
Subject(s): Harps; Musical Instruments; Lyres


A SOUND came floating by,
O'er the still beauty of the moonlight air;
Soft as a spirit's sigh,
Soothing the death-couch of the young and fair.

A sound came floating free,
A wild, and low, and melancholy sound;
A wandering harmony,
Haunting the slumber of the woods around.

"Whence art thou?" murmur'd I --
"Lone visitant of this deserted shrine,
Whence art thou? -- speak, reply;
Answer, thou voice, this troubled heart of mine!"

"Ere yet the shadowy woods
Waved their green honours to the breath of morn;
Ere yet the solitudes
Echo'd the song of thunders -- I was born!

"My voice was known and heard,
When Paradise grew glorious with the light
Of angels! -- and the Word
Spake 'midst the stars of first created night!

"My voice was felt, when first
The gathering murmur of the deluge woke!
When, like creation's burst,
Proud forests fell -- and giant mountains broke!

"Mine was the breath that drew
The patriot forth to guard his native shore;
When lances wildly flew --
And cities trembled to the cannon's roar!

"Upon my wings the prayer
Of countless millions sought the Saviour's throne:
My power is everywhere --
In every heart -- in every language known!

"Still askest thou what am I? --
Go, ask the bard whose visions I inspire:
And, oh! he will reply,
The lyre -- the lyre -- the soul-exalting lyre!"





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