Play o’er his faded cheek awhile,
When breathes his minstrel boy a strain
Of power to lull all earthly pain—
So wildly sweet, its notes might seem
Th’ ethereal music of a dream,
A spirit’s voice from worlds unknown,
Deep thrilling power in every tone!
Sweet is that lay! and yet its flow
Hath language only given to woe;
And if at times its wakening swell