MOZART'S REQUIEM. A short time before the death of Mozart, a stranger of remarkable appearance, and dressed in deep mourning, called at his house, and requested him to prepare a requiem, in his best style, for the funeral of a distinguished person. The sensitive imagination of the composer immediately seized upon the circumstance as an omen of his own fate; and the nervous anxiety with which he labored to fulfil the task, had the effect of realizing his impression. He died within a few days after completing this magnificent piece of music, which was performed at his inter ment. MOZART'S REQUIEM. These birds of Paradise but long to flee Back to their native mansion. Prophecy of Dante. A REQUIEM!—and for whom? For beauty in its bloom? For valor fall'n-a broken rose or sword? A dirge for king or chief, With pomp of stately grief, Banner, and torch, and waving plume, deplor'd? Not so, it is not so! The warning voice I know, From other worlds a strange, mysterious tone; A solemn funeral air It call'd me to prepare, And my heart answer'd secretly-My own! One more then, one more strain, Mighty the troubled spirit to inthral ! And let me breathe my dower Full into that deep lay-the last of all! The last!—and I must go From this bright world below, This realm of sunshine, ringing with sweet sound! Must leave its festal skies, With all their melodies, That ever in my breast glad echoes found!" Yet have I known it long : Too restless and too strong Within this clay hath been th' o'ermastering flame; Swift thoughts, that came and went, Like torrents o'er me sent, Have shaken, as a reed, my thrilling frame. |