The Marriage of True Minds by Alice Meynell

That seeking Prelude found its unforetold

Unguessed intention, trend;

Though needing no fulfilment, did enfold

This exquisite end.

Bach led his notes up through their delicate slope

Aspiring, so they sound,

And so they were -- in some strange ignorant hope

Thus to be crowned.

What deep soft seas beneath this buoyant barque! / What winds to speed this bird! / What impulses to toss this heavenward lark! / Thought -- then the word.

Lovely the tune, lovely the unconsciousness / Of him who promised it.

Lovely the years that joined in blessedness / The two, the fit.

Bach was Precursor. But no Baptist's cry / Was his; he, who began / For one who was to end, did prophesy, / By Nature's generous act, the lesser man.