Beethoven
IF God speaks anywhere, in any voice,
To us, his creatures, surely here and now
We hear Him, while the great chords seem to bow
Our heads, and all the symphony’s breathless noise
Breaks over us with challenge to our souls!
Beethoven’s music! From the mountain peaks
The strong, divine, compelling thunder rolls,
And, “Come up higher, come!” the words it speaks,
“Out of your darkened valleys of despair,
Behold, I lift you upon mighty wings
Into Hope’s living, reconciling air!
Breathe, and forget your life’s perpetual stings;
Dream, —folded on the breast of Patience sweet,
Some pulse of pitying love for you may beat!”
