Author: Edgar Allan Poe

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In Heaven a spirit doth dwell
"Whose heart-strings are a lute";
None sing so wildly well
As the angel Israfel,
And the giddy stars (so legends tell),
Ceasing their hymns, attend the spell
Of his voice, all mute.

Tottering above
In her highest noon,
The enamored moon
Blushes with love,
While, to listen, the red levin
(With the rapid Pleiads, even,
Which were seven,)
Pauses in Heaven.

And they say (the starry choir
And the other listening things)
That Israfeli's fire
Is owing to that lyre
By which he sits and sings,
The trembling living wire
Of those unusual strings.

But the skies that angel trod,
Where deep thoughts are a duty,
Where Love's a grown-up God,
Where the Houri glances are
Imbued with all the beauty
Which we worship in a star.

Therefore thou art not wrong,
Israfeli, who despisest
An unimpassioned song;
To thee the laurels belong,
Best bard, because the wisest!
Merrily live, and long!

The ecstasies above
With thy burning measures suit,
Thy grief, thy joy, thy hate, thy love,
With the fervor of thy lute,
Well may the stars be mute!

Yes, Heaven is thine; but this
Is a world of sweets and sours;
Our flowers are merely flowers,
And the shadow of thy perfect bliss
Is the sunshine of ours.

If I could dwell
Where Israfel
Hath dwelt, and he where I,
He might not sing so wildly well
A mortal melody,
While a bolder note than this might swell
From my lyre within the sky.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a striking exploration of themes such as the divine, the power of music, and human longing. It introduces the angelic figure Israfel, whose music is so passionate and captivating that even celestial bodies pause to listen. The poet juxtaposes the divine realm with the earthly one, emphasizing the vast difference between the two. However, he also acknowledges the inherent beauty and value in both, suggesting that the "sweets and sours" of our world contribute to its unique charm and appeal.

The tone of the poem is one of admiration, reverence, and a certain wistfulness. The poet's voice is filled with awe for Israfel's musical prowess and the divine milieu he inhabits. Yet, there is a sense of longing for that divine experience, which is coupled with the recognition that the human and the divine are fundamentally different, each with its own merits and demerits. The structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythmic verses, echoes the musical theme, and further enhances its sonic quality.

Literary devices such as personification and metaphor are used effectively to animate the celestial bodies, imbuing them with emotions and actions. For instance, the moon is portrayed as "enamored" and blushing "with love". The poet also uses the metaphor of the lyre and its strings to represent Israfel's heart and his passionate music. The language is richly descriptive, painting vivid images of the celestial spectacle and the angel's mesmerizing performance.

In summary, this poem is a profound contemplation on the divine and human realms, their distinct qualities, and the human yearning for the divine. It is a testament to the transformative power of music, and its ability to bridge gaps, inspire awe, and evoke deep emotions.