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THE ORIGIN OF MUSIC

I. Spirit, whose dominion reigns Over Music’s thrilling strains, Whence may be thy distant birth? Say what tempted thee to earth?

Mortal, listen: I was born In Creation’s early years, Singing, ‘mid the stars of morn, `To the music of the spheres.

Once as, within the realms of space, I view’d this mortal planet roll, A yearning towards they hapless race, Unbidden, filled my seraph soul!

Angels, who had watched my birth, Heard me sigh to sing to earth; ‘Twas transgression ne’er forgiv’n To forget my native heav’n; So they sternly bade me go—Banish’d to the world below.

II. Exil’d here, I knew no fears; For, though darkness round me clung, Though none heard me in the spheres, Earth had listeners while I sung.

Young spirits of the Spring sweet breeze Came thronging round me, soft and coy, Light wood-nymphs sported in the trees, And laughing Echo leapt for joy!

Brooding Woe and writhing Pain Soften’d at my gentle strain; Bounding Joy, with footstep fleet, Ran to nestle at my feet; While, arous’d, delighted Love Softly kiss’d me from above!