Virtuosa

As by the instrument she took her place, The expectant people, breathing sigh nor word, Sat hushed, while o'er the waiting ivory stirred Her supple hands with their suggestive grace. With sweet notes they began to interlace, And then with lofty strains their skill to gird, Then loftier still, till all the echoes heard Entrancing harmonies float into space. She paused, and gaily trifled with the keys Until they laughed in wild delirium, Then, with rebuking fingers, from their glees She led them one by one till all grew dumb, And music seemed to sing upon its knees, A slave her touch could quicken or benumb.