(After hearing him play at Boston Music Hall in 1888.)
O marvellous child, a temple where in ease
Expectant Genius dwells, while lingering here
On earth to fit us for the heavenly sphere,
Dost feel awe-struck to know thou hast the keys
To new and wondrous unheard harmonies?
O favored boy, marked out to be the peer
Of those who in all ages God's voice hear,
Hushed are our souls before what thy soul sees!
Guard tenderly, O earth, O sky, O fates,
This precious earthly temple of Art's shrine!
May chilling poverty, or sin that dates
Soul loss, ne'er hinder Genius' wise design
To have full sway—as she anticipates—
In working out, in time, her laws divine.