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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
VIRTUOSA, by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND First Line: As by the instrument she took her place Last Line: A slave her touch could quicken or benumb. Alternate Author Name(s): Xariffa | |||
As by the instrument she took her place, The expectant people, breathing sigh nor word, Sat hushed, while o'er the waiting ivory stirred Her supple hands with their suggestive grace. With sweet notes they began to interlace, And then with lofty strains their skill to gird, Then loftier still, till all the echoes heard Entrancing harmonies float into space. She paused, and gaily trifled with the keys Until they laughed in wild delirium, Then, with rebuking fingers, from their glees She led them one by one till all grew dumb, And music seemed to sink upon its knees, A slave her touch could quicken or benumb. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A WOMAN'S WISH by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND AT SET OF SUN by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND DOWN THE BAYOU by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND EMBRYO by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND HER HOROSCOPE by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND RESERVE by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND THE CREED by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND THE DEAD SINGER by MARY ASHLEY TOWNSEND IN EQUAL SACRIFICE by ROBERT FROST AN INSINCERE WISH ADDRESSED TO A BEGGAR by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE |
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