And awful silence seemed to own,
Throughout the world, its wizard tone,
I’ve stood and wildly wished to float
Into that music’s liquid strain—
Oh! heavenly as its sweetest note—
Nor ever walk the earth again.
What change is this? Hate, fiercest Hate,
Where once these angel-yearnings burned
Like torches set by Heaven’s bright gate,
Hath all to deadly poison turned.