Waller. On My Lady Isabella Playing on the Lute.

On My Lady Isabella
Playing on the Lute
by Edmund Waller

Such moving sounds, from such a careless touch,
So unconcern'd her self, and we so much!
What Art is this, that with so little Pains
Transports us thus, and o'er our Spirits reigns!
The trembling Strings about her Fingers crowd,
And tell their Joy for ev'ry Kiss aloud :
Small Force there needs to make them tremble so ;
Touch'd by that Hand who would not tremble too?
Here Love takes stand, and while she charms the Ear,
Empties his Quiver on the list'ning Deer ;
Musick so softens and disarms the Mind,
That not an Arrow does Resistance find.
Thus the fair Tyrant Celebrates the Prize,
And acts her self the Triumph of her Eyes.
So Nero once, with Harp in hand, survey'd
His Flaming Rome, and as it Burnt he Play'd.