Hath Music Charms?

Some poet has said that music hath charms,

     But what kind of music he didn’t quite say;

There’s music that lifts us and music that harms,

     And music that breeds a moral decay.

Ask of the aged what tune you should play,

     Whose steps have grown feeble and eyesight dim;

With reverent voices they’ll gratefully say:

     “We wish you would play us some favorite hymn.”

Ask of the wanderer who roams o’er the main

     Which song he prefers when seeking sweet rest;

If truthful he’ll answer, e’en tho’ it gives pain,

“The blessed ‘Sweet Home’, is the one I love best.”

Ask of the good farmer what music he loves,

     And doubt not his answer tho’ strange it may be:

“I love the bird songs, and cooing of doves,

     And all of the harmonies nature plays me.”

O, seek then the music that Heaven inspires,

     And let its sweet influence bear from your soul

The discords of life and all selfish desires

     Which, like waves on the beach, will constantly roll.

Nov. 15, 1890