Premiere Performance by the Virginia Chorale

Scott Williamson, Director

A Noiseless Patient Spider 

A NOISELESS, patient spider,     

I mark'd, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated;     

Mark'd how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding,     

It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself;   

Ever unreeling them-ever tirelessly speeding them.           

   

And you, O my Soul, where you stand,     

Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,  

Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, -seeking the spheres, to connect them;  

Till the bridge you will need, be form'd -till the ductile anchor hold;  

Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.

Williamsburg, VA

March 7, 2010