Mozart and Wagner

Th' old master's music steals upon the senseWith all-pervading and persuading power:We listen ever with delight intense,And drink it in as drinks the dew the flower:The hours go by and yet we sit entranced,And rise at last unwearied and unsated,Our joy in life rekindled or enhanced,In spirit and in senses recreated.

But Wagner like a rushing whirlwind storms us,And like a despot fealty doth demand,—Perchance to faithful subjects he transforms us—Yet some so rude a summons will withstand:And though we own his genius is vast,Yet he exhausts and wearies us at last.