| "Sing," says Adolphus, and the minstrel
sings. The soldiers barely lift their gloomy eyes. But soon the magic voice and wizard strings, Re-arm defeat with hopes of fresh emprise. "Amazing!" cried the king, "in vain I sought To move my men as you their zeal inspire Accept this jewel, with a kingdom bought, And yet scarce meet for one of Heaven's choir. "Sing, mighty minstrel, thine enraptured voice Should rouse the heavy hearted far and near. Let sorrow 'neath thy soothing spell rejoice, And let despair make way for hope and cheer." Again the singer raised his voice to sing, Again pealed forth the strains surpassing sweet. But disappointment fell on court and king; The mystic charm was somehow incomplete. For ever and anon the restless eye Would fasten on that jewel fair as dawn And then, as if the blue should fail the sky, A subtle something from the song was gone Days passed away : the gifted bard became An empty dreamer o'er a priceless stone; Till scarce a spark remained of that rare flame Which lately with such wondrous light shone. "Mine, mine the fault!" exclaimed the troubled king. He turned and gave an order to his men "Take from the bard that rare and costly thing!" Then, then the singer sang with power again. __Harry Edward Mills. |
Select Sunflowers
Harry Edward Mills
(Fort Scott: Sunflower Press. 1901)
Pages 26-27
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