Pencillings by the Way

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

xxxvi

text excerpt

My letter is getting long, and I have no time to describe his singing. It is well known, however, that its effect is only equalled by the beauty of his own words; and, for one, I could have taken him into my heart with delight. He makes no attempt at music. It is a kind of admirable recitative, in which every shade of thought is syllabled and dwelt upon, and the sentiment of the song goes through your blood, warming you to the very eyelids, and starting your tears, if you have a soul or sense in you. I have heard of a woman’s fainting at a song of Moore’s; and if the burden of it answered by chance to a secret in the bosom of the listener, I should think from its comparative effect upon so old a stager as myself, that the heart would break with it. We all sat around the piano, and after two or three songs of Lady Blessington’s choice, he rambled over the keys awhile, and sang “When first I met thee,” with a pathos that beggars description. When the last word had faltered out, he rose and took Lady Blessington’s hand, said good night, and was gone before a word was uttered. For a full minute after he had closed the door, no one spoke. I could have wished for myself to drop silently asleep where I sat, with the tears in my eyes and the softness upon my heart —

‘ “Here's a health to thee, Tom Moore!” ’

excerpt from 'Pencillings by the Way' pp. xxxvi (258 words)

1559213663227:

1559213663227