Thomas Edward Brown (1830-1897). Preparation. Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. 1922. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse

Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.

Preparation

By Thomas Edward Brown (1830–1897)


HAST thou a cunning instrument of play,
’Tis well; but see thou keep it bright,
And tuned to primal chords, so that it may
Be ready day and night.
For when He comes thou know’st not, who shall say:—	5
‘These virginals are apt’; and try a note,
And sit, and make sweet solace of delight,
That men shall stand to listen on the way,
And all the room with heavenly music float.