Skip to content
1849–1903

XXIII — MUSIC

William Ernest Henley

Down the quiet eve, Thro’ my window with the sunset Pipes to me a distant organ Foolish ditties;

And, as when you change Pictures in a magic lantern, Books, beds, bottles, floor, and ceiling Fade and vanish,

And I'm well once more... August flares adust and torrid, But my heart is full of April Sap and sweetness.

In the quiet eve I am loitering, longing, dreaming... Dreaming, and a distant organ Pipes me ditties.

I can see the shop, I can smell the sprinkled pavement, Where she serves — her chestnut chignon Thrills my senses!

O, the sight and scent, Wistful eve and perfumed pavement! In the distance pipes an organ... The sensation

Comes to me anew, And my spirit for a moment Thro’ the music breathes the blessed Airs of London.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.