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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907)

First Line: WE ARE STIRRED, WE ARE THRILLED, WE ARE FIRED
Last Line: TOO HIGH, TOO DEEP FOR WORDS.

WE are stirred, we are thrilled, we are fired
By impetuous pulses of Song,
Not perceiving the Power that hurried the spirit along,
Nor the Presence that inspired,
Nor what hidden passion swells the throat
With that high-soaring note.

We are laden and sunk and opprest
By a load of despondence and dread,
Not knowing what mystical presence unseen, unconfessed,
Those deep misgivings bred,
Nor why across the mute and tuneless soul
Dumb tides of silence roll.

Ah, whether in silence or song the high music may come,
A dark hand rules the strings;
Be it Love, be it Hope, be it Faith the high melody wings,
Or Doubt which strikes it dumb,
A hidden Player sweeps the mystic chords
Too high, too deep for words.



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