Charles Mackay

A Lover's Fancies

"What sounds like pewter?" said my Rose, in play —
"The fall of earth upon a coffin lid."
"Like tin?" — "The cock-crow heralding the day,
Or infant wailing that its mother chid."
" Like steel?" — "The quick sharp twitter on the spray
Of numerous sparrows in the foliage hid."
"Like gold?" — "The strong wind over forests borne,
Or full-bass singer chanting prayer and creed."
"Like brass?" — "The neighing of a frightened steed,
Or roar of people clamoring for corn."
"Like iron?" — "Thunder-claps suddenly woken,
Startling the city in the summer night."
"Like silver?" — "Thy sweet voice that speaks delight,
And breathes Love's promise, never to be broken."