English poem
Why, Minstrel, These Untuneful Murmurings
Composed 1827.--Published 1827
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.
"Why, Minstrel, these untuneful murmurings-- Dull, flagging notes that with each other jar?" "Think, gentle Lady, of a Harp so far From its own country, and forgive the strings." A simple answer! but even so forth springs, From the Castalian fountain of the heart, The Poetry of Life, and all that Art Divine of words quickening insensate things. From the submissive necks of guiltless men Stretched on the block, the glittering axe recoils; Sun, moon, and stars, all struggle in the toils Of mortal sympathy; what wonder then That the poor Harp distempered music yields To its sad Lord, far from his native fields?
More by William Wordsworth
- While Anna'S Peers And Early Playmates Tread
- Who Fancied What A Pretty Sight
- Who Swerves From Innocence, Who Makes Divorce
- Why Should The Enthusiast, Journeying Through This Isle
- With Ships The Sea Was Sprinkled Far And Nigh
- Yes, It Was The Mountain Echo
- 'Tis Said, That Some Have Died For Love
- (A Feeder Of The Annan)