Page:The marshlands; and, The trail of the tide. -- by Herbin, John Frederic.djvu/64

RETURN.

Hath ever man sung as you sing, eagerly mellow and

splendid,

Yet singing alone for the singing, unconscious how sweet

and strong ?

Uttering unconscious of rhythm, in waves of inspiration,

Full of the passion that guides and bids the song to swell ;

Seeking no lover to listen to pleasure's pure elation ;

Seeking the whole true song, unknowing how ill or how

well.

Here is our dearest theme where skies are blue and brightest,

To sing a single song in places that love it best ;

Freighting the happy breeze when snowy clouds are lightest.

Making a song to cease not when the singer is dumb in

rest.

Flooding the loveless heart with a strange and unknown

fire;

Warmth, and the passion to live making deep the theme

of the song —

This is thy mission, sweet singer, so speak to the strings

of my lyre ;

Dull and untuned is my heart till its music be awakened

and strong.

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