Classic Poem

( to arnold dolmetsch)

Long ago, my forest home forsaking,
 First I heard the harmonies of Life—
First my heart, contented silence breaking,
 Woke to sound beneath the carver's knife.

There upon the peak my spirit slumbered,
 Root-secure in that unboisterous spot;
Rain and sun went by in years unnumbered:
 I had joy of them, and knew it not.

Now for many years—years that are counted—
 I have seen the quiet hills no more,
And my soul is tremulous, thick-haunted
 With great stormy dreams undreamt before.

Long ago they cut and carved me finely;
 Since that day the soft command of song
Makes my silent heart burst out divinely
 With a comprehension full and strong.

For the Masters taught me their great passion,
 Taught me all the joys and wants of men,
Till I learnt to give, in wondrous fashion,
 All my lore in beauty back again;

All my lore of love and woe and grieving,
 All unuttered yearnings everywhere,
These I gathered and, with hope new-weaving,
 Made them magic-sweet upon the air.