The "Unfinished" Symphony
The Unconquered Air, and Other Poems (1912)
O music of divine imagining!Does he not hear you in his dreams to-night?Can you no wonder to his spirit bring—And no delight?
His love created you; his hopes, his fears,Are poignant in these tones, surmounting death—These melodies that dim the eyes with tears,And snatch the breath! . . .
And can he longer sleep, nor note this strainWhose magic enters now, with lovelier artThat like a benediction thrills the brainAnd fills the heart?
Ah, not to one shall all earth's joys belong!So have the gods ordained, whom we obey,Lest mortal men should deem themselves as strong,As blest as they.
On Schubert, out of love, the ecstasyThat wrote this godlike music they conferred:To us they gave to hear the symphonyHe never heard!