1897-8. TRANSACTIONS. 25 



With lifted brow and flashing eyes ■■.' 



He faced the noisy street and played. 



The people turned in quick surprise, 



And every foot drew near and stayed. 



First from the shouting bow he sent 



A summons, an impetuous call ; 

 Then some old store of grief long pent 



Broke from his heart and mastered all. 



The tumult sank at his command, 



The passing wheels were hushed and stilled ; 

 The burning soul, the sweeping hand 



A sacred ecstasy fulfilled. 



The darkness of the outer strife, 



The weariness and want within, 

 The giant wrongfulness of life, 



Leaped storming from the violin. 



The reins of glittering carriages 



Were checked and drawn from far and near, 

 And all with wondering countenances 



Leaned from their cushioned seats to hear. 



And then the player slacked his tone, 

 And wrought another miracle 



Of music, half a prayer, half moan, 

 A cry exceeding sorrowful. 



A strain of pity for the weak. 



The poor that fall without a cry, 



The common hearts that never speak. 



But break beneath the press and die. 



Throughout the great and silent crowd 

 The music fell on human ears. 



And many kindly heads were bowed. 



And many eyes were warm with tears. 



