Heard, Not Seen

Sounds I have heard " by distance made more sweet,"
And whispering sounds, more sweet that they are near.
But those glad sounds so close upon mine ear,
How had they made my younger heart to beat !
The bounding strain that rules the silken feet,
Like warbling Nymph of old Winandermere,
That bubbles music through the crystal clear,
Comes soften'd to my solitary seat.
Yet though I see it not, I more than dream
Of the blithe beauty that is tripping nigh :
Mine ear usurps the function of mine eye,
As coolly shaded from the maddening beam
Of present loveliness, I love the stream
Unseen of happiness that gurgles by.