Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BEETHOVEN (VIENNA - 1900), by RICHARD WATSON GILDER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BEETHOVEN (VIENNA - 1900), by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I came to a great city. Palaces
Last Line: And his the empire of the human soul.
Subject(s): Beethoven, Ludwig Van (1770-1827); Composers; Music & Musicians; Vienna


I CAME to a great city. Palaces
Rose glittering, mile on mile. Here dwells the King,
The Emperor and King; here lived, here ruled
How many mountainous far-looming fames!
Here is the crown of shadowy Charlemagne.
What housing of what glorious dignities!
Yet in a narrow street, unfrequented,
No palace near -- one name upon a wall,
And all these majesties seem small and shrunk;
For here unto the bitter end abode
He who from pain wrought noble joy for men,
He who from silence gave the world to song;
For in his mind an awful music rose
As when, in darkness of the under-seas,
Currents tremendous over currents pour.
He heard the soundless tone, its voice he was,
And he of vast humanity the voice,
And his the empire of the human soul.





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