Authors

Stephen Glover

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1859

Comments

What are the Wild Waves Saying?
Duet between Paul and Florence, in "Dombey and Son"
S. Glover

One of sixty-eight pieces bound in “The Shower of Pearls : A collection of the most beautiful duets, for two sopranos, soprano and alto, soprano and tenor, soprano and bass, and tenor and bass, arranged with an accompaniment for the piano-forte.”

Boston. Published by Oliver Ditson & Co. 277 Washington Street

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

Paul
What are the wild waves saying Sister, the whole day long,
That ever amid our playing, I hear but their low lone song?
Not by the seaside only, There it sounds wild and free;
But at night when 'tis dark and lonely,
In dreams it is still with me...
But at night when 'tis dark and lonely,
In dreams it is still with me!

Florence
Brother! I hear no singing! 'Tis but the rolling wave,
Ever its lone course winging, Over some ocean cave!
'Tis but the noise of water, Dashing against the shore,
And the wind from some bleaker quarter, Mingling with its roar
And the wind from some bleaker quarter, Mingling, mingling with its roar

Paul
Yes! but the waves seem ever, Singing the same sad thing,
And vain is my weak endeavor, To guess what the surges sing!
What is that voice repeating, Ever by night and day,
Is is a friendly greeting, Or a warning that calls away?
Is it a friendly greeting, Or a warning that calls away?

Florence
Brother! the inland mountain Hath it not voice and sound?
Speaks not the dripping fountain, As it bedews the ground?
E'en by the household ingle, Curtain'd and closed, and warm,
Do not our voices mingle, With those of the distant storm?
Do nor our voices mingle, With those of the distant storm?

Both
No! no, no, no! No! no, no
it is something greater that speaks to the heart alone,
The voice of the great Creator Dwells in that mighty tone!
The voice of the great Creator Dwells in that mighty tone!
Yes! yes, yes! Yes! yes,
but there's something greater that speaks to the heart alone
The voice of the great Creator Dwells in that mighty tone!
The voice of the great Creator Dwells in that mighty tone!

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