Not Lived in Vain
Philip Bourke Marston
1850 to 1887
Have I not worshipped thee in tender lays,
And told in barren rhymes my love for thee;
And now I wish that I no more might see,
Or ne'er had seen that fair, alluring face.
Or as a tune felt that lithe body's grace
Melt through my heart, that leap'd up eagerly
With joy of hope: now hope no more may be;
For hope lies dead, amid the dear, dead days.
Still, if the bitterness of unshed tears.
And burden of a spirit sorely tried,
Did e'er with joy of maiden's victory fill
Thy woman's heart, then surely these sad years
Have been well lived, nor, sweet, would I have died
Till thy heart had of mine its perfect will.
Philip Bourke Marston's Not Lived in Vain
We are busy working to bring Philip Bourke Marston's "Not Lived in Vain" to life through our unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you soon.
At V2Melody, each arrangement is crafted with care through a thoughtful partnership of human artistry and technological innovation. This process involves:
- Deep analysis of the poem's rhythm, structure, and emotional essence
- Careful selection of musical styles that enhance the poem's unique voice
- Balancing traditional poetic expression with contemporary sound landscapes
- Multiple revisions to ensure the arrangement honors the poet's original vision
This creative journey takes time—each composition represents hours of dedicated work to create something that deepens our connection to Philip Bourke Marston's words in meaningful ways.
While you wait for our complete interpretation, we invite you to explore other musical arrangements in our gallery or learn more about Philip Bourke Marston's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Not Lived in Vain" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.