I had wanted to say that my song was far too painful to sing.

I had wanted to say that my song was far too painful to sing.

I think, whatever mortals crave,
With impotent endeavor,
A wreath--a rank--a throne--a grave--
The read more

I think, whatever mortals crave,
With impotent endeavor,
A wreath--a rank--a throne--a grave--
The world goes round forever;
I think that life is not too long,
And therefore I determine,
That many people read a song,
Who will not read a sermon.

Song forbids victorious deeds to die.

Song forbids victorious deeds to die.

Listen to that song, and learn it!
Half my kingdom would I give,
As I live,
read more

Listen to that song, and learn it!
Half my kingdom would I give,
As I live,
If by such songs you would earn it.

We are tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer.

We are tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer.

Builders, raise the ceiling high,
Raise the dome into the sky,
Hear the wedding song!
read more

Builders, raise the ceiling high,
Raise the dome into the sky,
Hear the wedding song!
For the happy groom is near,
Tall as Mars, and statelier,
Hear the wedding song!

The lively Shadow-World of Song.

The lively Shadow-World of Song.

You must pass your days in song. Let your whole life be a song.

You must pass your days in song. Let your whole life be a song.

I cannot sing the old songs
Though well I know the tune,
Familiar as a cradle-song
read more

I cannot sing the old songs
Though well I know the tune,
Familiar as a cradle-song
With sleep-compelling croon;
Yet though I'm filled with music,
As choirs of summer birds,
"I cannot sing the old songs"--
I do not know the words.