Nothing he cared what the throngs might say 
     
     Who passed him unheeding from day to day, 
     
     For he only longed with his melodies 
     
    

    
     The soul of the one beloved to please. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The song of war that he sang is as naught, 
     
     For the field and its heroes are long forgot, 
     
     And the song he sang of fame and power 
     
     Was never remembered beyond its hour! 
     
     Only to-day his name is known 
     
    

    
     By the song he sang apart and alone, 
     
    

    
     And the great world pauses with joy to hear 
     
     The notes that were strung for a lover’s ear. 
     
    
   
   
    
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