INSPIRATION. TO SHIRLEY.
Reading edition
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BY WM. P. BRANNAN.
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What shall yield me inspiration,
What sweet spell entrance my thought,
Whilst I sing the adoration
By thy matchless beauty wrought?
Overcome with exultation
Which thy charming presence brought.
Incense-bearing breezes hover
Round my flushed and throbbing brow,
Minstrels in their shady cover
Chant divinest music now;
Nature, yield to nature’s lover
Language worthy of his vow!
Where she walks a richer splendor
Hallows all the earth and sky,
Unseen angels there attend her;
Heaven and love sleep in her eye—
Graces have no grace to lend her,
Zephyr breathes an envious sigh.
Thou thyself art inspiration!
Moving, breathing, blessing, blest;
The lily and the rose-carnation
Live upon thy cheek and breast,
Daring time and desolation,
Thrilling hearts with wild unrest!