The Roundel

Listen to:

The Roundel (:56)

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

Algernon Charles Swindburne was born this day in 1837

A roundel is wrought as a ring or a starbright sphere,

      With craft of delight and with cunning of sound unsought,

That the heart of the hearer may smile if to pleasure his ear

      A roundel is wrought.

Its jewel of music is carven of all or of aught—

      Love, laughter, or mourning—remembrance of rapture or fear—

That fancy may fashion to hang in the ear of thought.

As a bird's quick song runs round, and the hearts in us hear

      Pause answer to pause, and again the same strain caught,

So moves the device whence, round as a pearl or tear,

      A roundel is wrought.