The Brook

Tell me, Brook, where Melody dwells,

I've sought thro' dale, in grove and dell,

In rocky haunt and forest fell,

But ne'er could I find Melody!

The song of birds, the wind in trees,

The lowing of kine, the drone of bees,

These I hear, O magic Brook,

In all your whispered melodies!

I've seen Sun and Moon and Starlight

Gleam on your flashing breast,

Glitt'ring glist'ning, sparkling gems

On every ripple's crumbling crest!

You entrance me, babbling Brook,

When weaving wavy melodies,

Whispered songs of joy and love,

Or sad complaints and threnodies.

Ever swift with tossing and dash,

Hast'ning on with plash and splash,

Ever seeking, elfish Brook,

Leafy dell or darkest nook,

Say, O Brook, where Melody dwells,

Fairest Melody's shrine,

Melody that moves the heart,

Melody divine!