'Tis believed that this Harp, which I wake now for thee
Was a Siren of old, who sung under the sea
And who often, at eve, thro' the bright waters roved
To meet, on the green shore, a youth whom she loved

But she loved him in vain, for he left her to weep
And in tears, all the night, her gold tresses to steep
Till heaven looked with pity on true-love so warm
And changed to this soft Harp the sea-maiden's form

Still her bosom rose fair--still her cheeks smiled the same--
While her sea-beauties gracefully formed the light frame
And her hair, as, let loose, o'er her white arm it fell
Was changed to bright chords uttering melody's spell

Hence it came, that this soft Harp so long hath been known
To mingle love's language with sorrow's sad tone
Till thou didst divide them, and teach the fond lay
To speak love when I'm near thee, and grief when away