AT A SOLEMN MUSIC
(1633-34)
BLEST pair of Sirens, pledges of Heaven's joy,Sphere-born harmonious Sisters, Voice and Verse,Wed your divine sounds, and mixed power employ,Dead things with inbreathed sense able to pierce;And to our high-raised phantasy present
That undisturbèd Song of pure consent,Aye sung before the sapphire-coloured Throne
To Him that sits thereon,With saintly shout and solemn jubily;Where the bright Seraphim in burning row
Their loud uplifted angel trumpets blow,And the Cherubic host in thousand quires
Touch their immortal harps of golden wires,With those just Spirits that wear victorious palms,Hymns devout and holy psalms
Singing everlastingly:
That we on Earth, with undiscording voice,May rightly answer that melodious noise;As once we did, till disproportioned Sin
Jarred against Nature's chime, and with harsh din
Broke the fair music that all creatures made
To their great Lord, whose love their motions swayed
In perfect diapason, whilst they stood
In first obedience, and their state of good.
O, may we soon again renew that song,And keep in tune with Heaven, till God ere long
To his celestial consort us unite,To live with Him, and sing in endless morn of light!