Time brings to thee from out his storehouse old
Another year, which graciously awaits
Thy fair soul's bidding, as it estimates
The wealth the parting year has left untold.
Clothed in chameleon garments, which unfold
The fresh new days thine eye ne'er underrates,
It brings continued hope of life that dates
Man's finest being. Thou its secrets hold!
Are not such birthdays restful stepping stones,
To aid the growing soul pick out the way
To life eternal? Not earth's bitterest moans
Or wildest joys can man's true progress stay,
If, in these pauses, he but hear the tones
Of immortality's soothing, deathless lay.
1887.
[JOSEF HOFMANN.]
(After hearing him play at Boston Music Hall in 1888.)
O marvellous child, a temple where in ease
Expectant Genius dwells, while lingering here
On earth to fit us for the heavenly sphere,
Dost feel awe-struck to know thou hast the keys
To new and wondrous unheard harmonies?
O favored boy, marked out to be the peer
Of those who in all ages God's voice hear,
Hushed are our souls before what thy soul sees!
Guard tenderly, O earth, O sky, O fates,
This precious earthly temple of Art's shrine!
May chilling poverty, or sin that dates
Soul loss, ne'er hinder Genius' wise design
To have full sway—as she anticipates—
In working out, in time, her laws divine.