17.12.2012, 13:02
If a jewel were own'd of richest worth
By one unknowing its value, — a star
Presenting to the faded vision, earth
Has living resemblances, not afar ;
One is possess'd of nobly-volumed tones,
But cannot fill them with expressive mind,
Beauty with some, its radiance not enthrones,
For that is in the spirit's depths enshrined,
The form is there — actual, not the power ; —
Music perchance from art's direction gives
What is ne'er its favour'd votary's dower,
Dies on the instant, nor in mem'ry lives,
One cause existing — genius is away
Which lights the faintest gift with potent ray.
By one unknowing its value, — a star
Presenting to the faded vision, earth
Has living resemblances, not afar ;
One is possess'd of nobly-volumed tones,
But cannot fill them with expressive mind,
Beauty with some, its radiance not enthrones,
For that is in the spirit's depths enshrined,
The form is there — actual, not the power ; —
Music perchance from art's direction gives
What is ne'er its favour'd votary's dower,
Dies on the instant, nor in mem'ry lives,
One cause existing — genius is away
Which lights the faintest gift with potent ray.