In sight of the Spires, All alive with the fires Of the Sun going down to his rest, In the broad open eye of the solitary sky, They dance, there are three, as jocund as free, While they dance on the calm river's breast. Man and Maidens wheel, They themselves make the Reel, And their Music's a prey which they seize; It plays not for them, - what matter? 'tis theirs ; And if they had care, it has scattered their cares, While they dance, crying, "Long as ye please!" They dance not for me, Yet mine is their glee! Thus pleasure is spread through the earth In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find; Thus a rich loving-kindness, redundantly kind, Moves all nature to gladness and mirth. The Showers of the Spring Rouse the Birds, and they sing ; If the Wind do but stir for his proper delight, Each Leaf, that and this, his neighbour will kiss; Each Wave, one and t'other, speeds after his brother; They are happy, for that is their right! XXV. ON SEEING A NEEDLECASE IN THE FORM OF A HARP, THE WORK OF E. M. S. FROWNS are on every Muse's face, A very Harp in all but size! Needles for strings in apt gradation! Minerva's self would stigmatize The unclassic profanation. Even her own Needle that subdued Arachne's rival spirit, Though wrought in Vulcan's happiest mood, Like station could not merit. And this, too, from the Laureate's Child, A living Lord of melody! How will her Sire be reconciled To the refined indignity? I spake, when whispered a low voice, "Bard! moderate your ire; "Spirits of all degrees rejoice "In presence of the Lyre. "The Minstrels of Pygmean bands, "Dwarf Genii, moonlight-loving Fays, "Have shells to fit their tiny hands "And suit their slender lays. "Some, still more delicate of ear, "Gay Sylphs this Miniature will court, "Made vocal by their brushing wings, "And sullen Gnomes will learn to sport "Around its polished strings; "Whence strains to love-sick Maiden dear, 66 "Trust, angry Bard! a knowing Sprite, "Nor think the Harp her lot deplores; "Though mid the stars the Lyre shines bright, "Love stoops as fondly as he soars." |