| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1345. The Violin’s Complaint |
| | | By William Roscoe Thayer (“Paul Hermes”) |
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| HONEST Stradivari made men: | |
| With the gift of love he blest me; | |
| Once, delight, a master played me, | |
| Love awoke when he caressed me! | |
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| Oh the deep, ecstatic burning! | 5 |
| Oh the secrets low and tender! | |
| Oh the passion and the yearning | |
| At our love’s complete surrender! | |
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| Heartless men, so long to hide me | |
| With the costly toys you cherish; | 10 |
| I ’m a soul—again confide me | |
| To a lover, ere I perish! | |
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