VIOLIN.

GENTLY, beneath her perfect rounded chin,

The instrument is clasped, as mothers hold

Across their hearts a much-loved child, to fold

It from the world of misery and sin.

She draws the bow across the strings to win

To life the tones now soft, now strong and bold,

(But ever breathing some grand truth untold)

That dormant lie within the violin.

O, mystery of music, wondrous art!