Sidney Lanier (1842–1881)

OFT as I hear thee, wrapt in heavenly art,

The massive message of Beethoven tell

With thy ten fingers to the people’s heart

As if ten tongues told news of heaven and hell,—

Gazing on thee, I mark that not alone,

Ah, not alone, thou sittest: there, by thee,

Beethoven’s self, dear living lord of tone,

Doth stand and smile upon thy mastery.

Full fain and fatherly his great eyes glow:

He says, “From Heaven, my child, I heard thee call

(For, where an artist plays, the sky is low):

Yea, since my lonesome life did lack love’s all,

In death, God gives me thee: thus, quit of pain,

Daughter, Nannette! in thee I live again.”