The Origin Of The Harp

'Tis believed that this Harp, which I wake now for thee

Was a Siren of old, who sung under the sea

And who often, at eve, thro' the bright waters roved

To meet, on the green shore, a youth whom she loved

But she loved him in vain, for he left her to weep

And in tears, all the night, her gold tresses to steep

Till heaven looked with pity on true-love so warm

And changed to this soft Harp the sea-maiden's form

Still her bosom rose fair--still her cheeks smiled the same--

While her sea-beauties gracefully formed the light frame

And her hair, as, let loose, o'er her white arm it fell

Was changed to bright chords uttering melody's spell

Hence it came, that this soft Harp so long hath been known

To mingle love's language with sorrow's sad tone

Till thou didst divide them, and teach the fond lay

To speak love when I'm near thee, and grief when away