| “The Marriage of True Minds” |
(In the Bach-Gounod “Ave Maria”) |
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That seeking Prelude found its unforetold
Unguessed intention, trend;
Though needing no fulfilment, did enfold
This exquisite end.
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Bach led his notes up through their delicate slope
Aspiring, so they sound,
And so they were, in some strange ignorant hope
Thus to be crowned.
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What deep soft seas beneath this buoyant barque!
What winds to speed this bird!
What impulses to toss this heavenward lark!
Thought—then the word.
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Lovely the tune, lovely the unconsciousness
Of him who promised it.
Lovely the years that joined in blessedness
The two, the fit.
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Bach was Precursor. But no Baptist’s cry
Was his; he, who began
For one who was to end, did prophesy,
By Nature’s generous act, the lesser man.
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