Classic Poem

I see her still with her attendant train—
The fairest she amid so many fair.
Aloof in hesitation I remain,
For with the very sun she could compare.
Voluptuous tremors all my being filled
Beneath the focus of her magic fire;
Then, all at once, with wingèd rapture thrilled,
My yearning fingers swept the soothing lyre.

What thoughts into that moment were compressed
I know not, I forget what words I sang.
A new-born power rose within my breast
And all my heart with deep emotion rang.
It was my Soul, which, long in shackles bound,
With sudden burst its fetters cast away;
And in its newly probed recesses found
A note divine which unsuspected lay.

And when the tuneful melody was hushed,
My soul returned from its unconscious flight:
I marked how her seraphic features blushed,
Saw Love with bashful modesty unite;
In Heavenly Spheres methought I seemed to fly
When flattered by her gentle gracious tone;
'Mid the angelic choirs above the sky
Such tones are heard, and surely there alone.

That faithful heart, pining in blank despair,
And yet too modest to articulate—
I of its hidden merits am aware,
And will safeguard it 'gainst too hard a fate.
The needy shall the richest prize receive,
Love's flowers may be plucked by Love alone.
That heart the fairest treasure shall achieve
Which feels, and speaks in most responsive tone.