Classic Poem

Song should breathe of scents and flowers;
Song should like a river flow;
Song should bring back scenes and hours
That we loved — ah, long ago!

Song from baser thoughts should win us;
Song should charm us out of woe;
Song should stir the heart within us,
Like a patriot's friendly blow.

Pains and pleasures, all man doeth,
War and peace, and ill and wrong —
All things that the Soul subdueth
Should be vanquished, too, by Song.

Song should spur the mind to duty;
Nerve the weak, and stir the strong;
Every deed of truth and beauty,
Should be crowned by starry Song!