The Every-day Book and Table Book, v. 1 (of 3) / or Everlasting Calendar of Popular Amusements, Sports, Pastimes, Ceremonies, Manners, Customs and Events, Incident to Each of the Three Hundred and Sixty-five Days, in past and Present Times; Forming a Complete History of the Year, Month, and Seasons, and a Perpetual Key to the Almanac

by William Hone

August 26.

St. Zephyrinus, Pope, A. D. 219. St. Genesius, a Comedian, A. D. 303. St. Gelasinus, a Comedian at Heliopolis, A. D. 297. St. Genesius, of Arles, about the 4th Cent.

MUSIC.

“Il cantar, che nel’ animosi sente.”

Nay, tell me not of lordly halls!
My minstrels are the trees,
The moss and the rock are my tapestried walls,
Earth’s sounds my symphonies.

There’s music sweeter to my soul
In the weed by the wild wind fanned—
In the heave of the surge, than ever stole
From mortal minstrel’s hand.

There’s mighty music in the roar
Of the oaks on the mountain’s side,
When the whirlwind bursts on their foreheads hoar,
And the lightnings flash blue and wide.

There’s mighty music in the swell
Of winter’s midnight wave—
When all above is the thunder peal,
And all below is the grave.

There’s music in the city’s hum,
Heard in the noontide glare,
When its thousand mingling voices come
On the breast of the sultry air.

There’s music in the mournful swing
Of the lonely village bell—
And think of the spirit upon the wing,
Releas’d by its solemn knell.