ODE TO MUSIC.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2420, 14 January 1888, Page 3

ODE TO MUSIC.

Rpspect¥UU.y dedicated to I''. H. Templer, Esq., in grateful recognition of his /.e.i'ous exertions in connection with the Hamilton Choral Society, If there be aught on earth that speaks of Heaven, 'Tis music—oarth's best, purest joy. The electric key of feeling; and, like de w To passions; quenching their fiery thirst With its calm, peaceful, soft'ning influence. The sacred hymn, the swelling anthem s strain, Floating amid the consecrated aisles. Who hath not felt beneath their moving sounds A hallow'd sense'! Oh, blessed gift divine ! Divine its origin, for angels sang And narp'd His praise ages ere worlds were ?•"•!">.>:! : And Ho on man the grateful gift conferr'd, When man from innocence and .Eden fell, To soothe his sorrows, and to lead his soul ISack to tho paths of virtue, and to wake His sadden'd spirit back to cheerfulness. A solfl.ee for our griefs, a silvr veil I'lung o'er the darksome world, e'en from th hand Which banish'd us from Eden's bliss and light. A man to supplicate, and Ilim adore ; A recreation from JCarth arduous toil. Say not I err if thus in thought I deem Music had birth within the soul ot man. List to those tones now breaking on tho ear In grand triumphant burst from tho full choir And pealing organ, filling every space! Hear the rich harmony, like blending waves, The sounds increase—one mighty billow now, The swelling concord of that glad acclaim. A pause —and melody more tender now Comes floating to the ear, more sweet and low. How exquisite, how touching is that strain, Falling upon us like a spiritual spell! Grief, passion, pride, in tears must melt away Beneath the power of such celestial 'ay. Oh, I could list for ever to such sound, t»c breathe my soul away in melody. iHfcHA.